Student Placements: A Mutually Beneficial Opportunity 

The Department actively encourages all students to pursue opportunities that broaden their engineering experience and enhance their skillset. In turn, companies benefit from engaging with a highly motivated and intellectually capable cohort of young engineers, eager to contribute to practical projects that deliver genuine value. Student placements represent a mutually advantageous arrangement for both students and employers. 

The Cambridge Engineering Course 

The Masters in Engineering (MEng) programme at the University of Cambridge spans a comprehensive range of disciplines over four years. From the outset, undergraduate students are introduced to the core principles of mechanical, civil, structural, electronic, electrical, and software engineering. As the course progresses, there is increasing emphasis on Life Sciences, Sustainability, and Manufacturing. The curriculum is designed to reflect the integrated nature of contemporary engineering practice. 

Skills Developed in Years One and Two 

Students acquire a broad array of practical and technical skills during the initial stages of the course, including: 

• Operating electronic measurement instruments and programming microprocessors 

• Applying foundational C++ and MATLAB techniques 

• Delivering structured presentations 

• Producing technical drawings by hand and using CAD software 

• Designing, constructing, and testing load-bearing structures 

• Collaborating in teams to build and evaluate an autonomously guided vehicle from a kit of components 

Optional Modules 

Students may also choose to undertake optional studies such as: 

• Disassembling and reassembling a motor vehicle engine 

• Surveying techniques 

• Foreign language instruction in Chinese, French, German, Spanish, and Japanese 

Availability 

Students are available for summer placements lasting between 6 and 12 weeks, typically running from mid-June to late September.  

In addition to summer placements, some students may be interested in undertaking a year in industry. These longer-term placements allow students to gain deeper insight into engineering practice, develop advanced skills, and build lasting professional relationships. For exact dates, please refer to the University’s Term Dates and Calendars. 

Get Involved 

Whether you represent a large corporation or a small enterprise, if you have a suitable project or role for one of our students, we invite you to explore further details on the Industrial Placements page.