If you’ve been thinking about moving into the mobile tech industry, but don’t know where to start, consider taking an Engineering degree course – you’ll learn all of the basics to get you started, including a deeper understanding of both software and hardware, giving you a fantastic head start into the world of communications programming and app development. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect from such a course, to help you decide if it’s right for you.
What do you study?
A Mobile Engineering degree focuses on many different aspects of mobile technology, from building complex apps and wireless systems to constructing and programming the phone’s hardware from scratch. As an example, Middlesex University offers a number of Engineering courses, one of which is a dedicated BSc in Mobile Systems and Communication Engineering. Modules include Fundamentals of Science Technology, Engineering and Maths; Programming for Data Communications and Problem Solving; and Mobile and Wireless Networks: Planning and Optimisation. Studying mobile engineering in this much depth gives students an excellent foothold in the industry, and provides numerous contacts and experiences.
What can you do with it?
There are a number of career options within the mobile industry available to engineering graduates, thanks to the broad range of skills acquired in a computing and engineering degree course. Roles in application development, software engineering and systems development are ideal for those looking to get into the mobile development field, although there’s also the option to broaden out into the wider IT industry. The basic building blocks from an engineering course can be applied to any computing position – engineers often find roles in IT project management, network development and ICT. Whether you already have a specific career path in mind, or just want to see where it can take you, an engineering degree will provide you with plenty of choices to help you.
What do you need?
Most universities will determine your eligibility by the number of UCAS points you have, which is calculated from your existing qualifications – usually A-levels, BTEC diplomas and any other level 3 academic achievements. However, many other factors are taken into account during an admissions process, and factors such as work experience and existing knowledge will also be taken into consideration – so if you’ve been developing your own programs from home, or have worked for an IT company in the past, you may find that your application is acceptable regardless of whether or not you have the relevant grades.
