Which engineering branch is best for your future?

Q: Which engineering branch has the best career prospects?

While all the engineering branches discussed in this article offer great career prospects, computer science engineering, AI and machine learning engineering, civil engineering, and biomedical engineering have even better career prospects.

Q: What are the best engineering courses?

Some of the best engineering courses are Mechanical Engineering Computer Science and Engineering Aerospace Engineering Civil Engineering Petroleum Engineering

What is engineering, and why is it popular?
Best engineering branches for the future
Top universities to study engineering
Salaries for different engineering branches
Eligibility criteria for engineering courses
What skills do you need to study engineering?
Frequently asked questions
Are you ready to start your engineering journey?

Engineering is a popular field, with plenty of opportunities and career paths for professionals.

While there are several in-demand engineering roles and branches, choosing one can feel a bit daunting.

In this article, we answer which engineering branch is best for your future to simplify your decision-making process. The best engineering branches for the future are:

Artificial intelligence and machine learning engineering
Petroleum engineering
Biomedical engineering
Civil engineering
Chemical engineering
Mechanical engineering
Aerospace engineering
Computer science engineering
Agricultural engineering
Alternative energy engineering
Telecommunications engineering

We’ll also discuss eligibility criteria, top institutions to study engineering, required skills, and some frequently asked questions.

Your chance to pursue engineering abroad is here! Learn more about your desired destination and apply today!

What is engineering, and why is it popular?

Engineering is a diverse field comprising various branches, each specialising in different aspects of technology and innovation.
The work of engineering professionals shapes our modern world, impacting nearly every aspect of everyday life. This includes communication, transportation, career and health. As a result, engineering tends to provide significantly more career options than many other related fields.

A significant proportion of those working in engineering occupations do so outside of engineering industries, which suggests that engineering skills are widely required and used beyond the sector itself. - Engineering UK’s 2018 report

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Best engineering branches for the future

If you are wondering which engineering branch is best for your future, the following are the options to consider:

Artificial intelligence and machine learning engineering

This is an emerging branch of engineering that has gained popularity over the past few years. Professionals in this branch work with algorithms and data to build machines that can reason like humans. They equip these machines with capabilities like understanding different languages and recognising human voices.

Their job typically involves extensively researching and designing AI systems that can run without human input. AI and machine learning offer some of the highest-paid roles, with an attractive pay, according to Indeed.

→ Explore Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning Courses

Petroleum engineering

You probably think of petrol fuel when you hear petroleum engineering. And you’re not wrong, except that these professionals deal with the raw material rather than the finished product.

They work on designing and implementing strategies that make the process of extracting oil and gas from underground more efficient, cost-effective, and profitable.

Their work involves working on alternative drilling methods, building and recommending innovative designs for drilling equipment and implementing approved drilling plans.

→ Explore Petroleum Engineering Courses

Biomedical engineering

This branch of engineering is as complex as it sounds. It’s using technology to create innovative solutions, machines or processes used in the health sector.

Professionals in biomedical engineering typically have a background in biological sciences and medicine. They also help manage medical equipment in hospitals to ensure that they adhere to the relevant standards.

A biomedical engineer’s everyday duties can include inspection of equipment, routine testing and preventive maintenance.

→ Explore Biomedical Engineering Courses

Civil engineering

If you like designing and building things, then civil engineering might be the right fit for you.

The job of civil engineers is to design, build and maintain different infrastructures. These include buildings, water systems, roads, bridges and power plants. You need a strong background in subjects like material science, mathematics, physics and geotechnics to work in this field.

As a civil engineer, you can choose from various sub-specialisations, including environmental engineering, hydraulics engineering, and many more.

→ Explore Civil Engineering Courses

Chemical engineering

Chemical engineers deal with the chemical and biological processes behind the production of everyday items that we see and use. These include food, medicine and fuel.

They help to develop the process that converts the raw materials into those valuable products.

Their everyday duties can involve conducting research on these raw materials, developing and recommending efficient processes for manufacturing and testing the processes.

Chemical engineering is a wide branch with several courses you can choose from, and you can focus on areas like plant design, process engineering or chemical reaction engineering.

→ Explore Chemical Engineering Courses

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Mechanical engineering

Mechanical engineering deals with machines and mechanical systems. This is a fairly traditional and well-known branch of engineering, but it’s still required in new and emerging fields, including artificial intelligence and sustainable energy.

Mechanical engineers help to design, build and maintain machines and mechanical devices.

They can help build new and innovative mechanical systems in numerous fields, from transportation and manufacturing to robotics and nanotechnology.

→ Explore Mechanical Engineering Courses

Aerospace engineering

Aerospace engineering is just what it seems: the development of aircraft - and spacecraft. The role of aerospace engineers is a little more complex; they research, design, develop, test, repair and maintain commercial and non-commercial aircraft.

Astronautical engineers specialise in studying the conditions of space and developing spacecraft. If you’re interested in the mechanics of aircraft and the history and inner workings of flight travel, you can consider a career in aerospace engineering.

As an aerospace engineer, you can also choose to specialise in areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics or composites analysis.

→ Explore Aerospace Engineering Courses

We’ve developed all manner of engineering wonders, including steam power, aeronautics, and iconic designs, like the world’s fastest car: the supersonic Thrust. - British Council.

Computer science engineering

Computer science engineers design, develop, maintain, test and repair computer hardware and software.

This branch is a hybrid between electrical engineering and computer science. This means they can work on designing or upgrading computer parts like circuit boards, processors and memory devices.

They typically have a background in software development and programming, so they may perform tasks like installing or updating an operating system or preventing a cybersecurity attack. Computer science engineers need a strong background in science, mathematics, and, of course, computers.

→ Explore Computer Sciences Engineering Courses

Agricultural engineering

Just like the job title implies, agricultural engineers work with machinery, systems and processes related to farming and agriculture.

They design machinery and equipment used for different agricultural processes, such as planting and harvesting. They also test these equipment to ensure they can perform their functions.

Agricultural engineers may work with other engineers and professionals to design food processing plants, streamline manufacturing processes and construct electrical power distribution systems for buildings used for agricultural purposes. For example, storage facilities for crops or housing for animals.

→ Explore Agricultural Engineering Courses

Alternative energy engineering

There has been a higher demand for alternative energy sources in recent years because of climate change and the pressure that the major energy sources put on the environment.

Alternative energy engineers are the professionals concerned with energy generation from more sustainable sources. These include solar energy, biofuel and wind power.

Working as an alternative energy engineer involves helping to find cleaner and more innovative ways to generate energy without harming the environment.

These professionals are often involved in the development of new processes to improve current methods. They also handle the conversion and supply of the sustainable power generated from these alternative sources.

Telecommunications engineering

Telecommunications engineers handle several technical aspects of exchanging information through different channels as we know it. They design, build and maintain voice communication systems.

This involves working with components like satellites, fibre optics and data. They work across sectors like mobile communication, TV and radio broadcasting and optical networking.

→ Explore Telecommunications Engineering Courses

Top universities to study engineering

Here, we give you the top engineering institutions in the most preferred study destinations for international students.