At an open event later this month, the University of Gloucestershire will provide an insight into the courses and experts that can provide skills fit for engineers of the future.

A great deal will change in the environment in which engineers operate, and the university would like to make you an engineering talent ready to thrive in this unpredictable, yet exciting future.

As the fourth industrial revolution approaches - and with it a fundamental change in the way we live, work and interact with one another - the profession is brimming with opportunities that new technologies will bring.

At the same time, global challenges such as the climate crisis, population growth and the search for renewable energy are already shaking things up everywhere engineers are working.

"Engineering in the future will be very different than today." Those are the words of Dr Salah Al-Majeed, head of engineering technologies at the university.

With engineering expertise gained from across the world, Dr Salah Al-Majeed and his team have developed a suite of Master's engineering courses in close collaboration with industry and partners. This includes support from Gloucestershire Engineering Training who have been providing work-based learning in engineering for 40 years.

Dr Al-Majeed said: "Engineering isn't just about practical skills. It's about creative thinking and flexibility alongside developing the fundamental engineering knowledge and skills.

"Engineering these days isn't just mechanical or electrical. Other skills are needed, such as coding and design. Our courses are preparing engineers for a digital world."

Studying a Postgraduate engineering degree is the ideal option for mid-career professionals or fresh graduates to progress their career, develop specialist skills and achieve chartered engineer status. There are a range of dedicated MSc courses offered including Electrical & Electrical Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, Industrial Control Engineering, Industrial Internet of Things and Industrial Sustainable Energy.

University of Gloucestershire MSc courses ensure students are armed with the knowledge and skills to advance their careers. You'll learn from, and work with, active researchers and industry professionals. You will have a chance to practice your knowledge in local companies such as ABB, MOOG, SC Group, Spirax Sarco, Dowty Propeller, Kohler Mira and Total Metal Products Ltd.

Investment in specialist engineering facilities at the university's Park Campus in Cheltenham with dedicated labs, complete with the very latest industry standard equipment, will give you the opportunity to carry out hands-on experiments in electrical/electronic, mechanical, control (PLC) and systems engineering.

As Dr Al-Majeed explains, engineering graduates must think about tomorrow's problems rather than just present issues. "We have to look years ahead. Think about electric cars, about how they are being designed and built compared to those using the internal combustion engine, electric cars have sensors which must talk to each other to control the car. Engineering in the future will be very different than today."

To help address the current skills shortage in the engineering sector, the University of Gloucestershire, in close collaboration with local companies, have introduced two new apprenticeship courses.

The Control Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering Degree Apprenticeships will allow students to build a foundation and work their way towards chartered engineer status.

The courses comprise of modules covering theory, practical and lab-based activity. With support by tutors and staff, students will be able to gain the full benefits of being integrated within the wider engineering community as well as collaborating with other disciplines and specialisms.

Find out about the University of Gloucestershire's range of Master's engineering courses at its next Postgraduate open event on Wednesday 29 January, 4.30-6.30pm (Park Campus). Click here to book your place today.