Thinking about a career in engineering? That’s awesome! It’s a path that can be both incredibly rewarding and full of exciting challenges. Engineers are the masterminds behind designing, creating and enhancing the infrastructure and technology that make our world tick. Whether you’re into civil engineering, mechanical engineering or any other specialised field, getting the right degree is key to kick-starting your engineering journey.
In this article, we’ll delve into different engineering careers and the degrees you’ll need to pursue them. Ready? Let’s explore the possibilities together!
Table of Contents
Bachelor of Engineering Degree Overview
Engineering is generally split into certain sub-sections of specialisations. Gone are the days of a broadened engineer, as the topics and knowledge required from each type of engineer are too great to fit into one degree. The different degrees consist of electrical, mechanical, civil, chemical and computing engineering. There are also other engineering degrees that are a combination of parts of the above, all of which lead to prosperous engineering careers.
Engineering courses are generally quite demanding degrees, where the average day starts at 08:00 and ends at 16:30, not including possible homework or studies. The engineering courses one does are chosen by the university to suit the discipline one is in. Although electives in other departments are encouraged, and even required for at least one year of your degree, it can become difficult to find unallotted time for, which one can partake in an extra choice subject. In this way, a certain dedication is demanded and this degree is certainly designed for hard workers.
Read through the table below to discover the stream which best suits your engineering career aspirations.
Note:
- Subject requirements may differ slightly at each university.
- Associated salary depends on which route you choose to take with your degree, the given associated salary is not completely accurate and is just to give you an idea of what to expect.
Degree
Salary Expectation
Common Career Roles
Average salary: R31,357 a month.
Civil engineers work in:
- design,
- construction and maintenance of economic, residential and social infrastructure.
Average starting salary:
R10,621 a month.
Chemical and mineral processing engineers work in:
- the production of chemicals and other consumable goods
- the extraction of minerals on and industrial scale
- chemicals
- mines
- metallurgical plants
- manufacturing plants
- the food industry
- pharmaceutical
- biotechnological
- research institutions
Average starting salary:
R27,339 a month.
Electrical and Electronic Engineers are concerned with electrical energy applications in operations such as:
- electricity supply
- factories
- chemical plants
- mine
- municipalities
- railways
- harbour
Average starting salary:
R18,626 a month.
- Design
- Implement
- Operate
- Improve and manage technological systems to make enterprises more competitive
Average starting salary: R24,090 a month.
- Design
- Develop and manufacture machines, structures
- Plants and products for large enterprises such as smaller consultancy partnerships
- Play key roles in the development, management and maintenance of systems such as power stations, aircraft, vehicles, process plants and manufacturing plants
Average starting salary:
R34,538 a month.
- Design machines by integrating computer, electronic and mechanical components.
- Examples are medical devices, artificial hearts, automated assembly lines and engine controllers
Average starting salary:
R43,459 a month.
- Project Management
- Construction Management
- Commercial trading
- Training
Average starting salary:
R34,938 a month.
Besides architecture:
- Design strategy
- Project management
- Software application development
- Software design
Civil Engineering Career
The civil engineering career is a broad field that involves designing and constructing infrastructure projects, such as buildings, bridges, and roads. A civil engineer’s primary goal is to ensure the safety and functionality of these structures. To embark on a career in civil engineering, you’ll need the following degree:
Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering
A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering is the minimum requirement to enter the field. This four-year program equips students with the fundamental knowledge of mathematics, physics, and structural analysis. Additionally, courses in geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, and environmental engineering provide a well-rounded education.
Average salary: +-R31,357 a month.
Possible careers:
- design,
- construction and maintenance of economic, residential and social infrastructure.
What you need to do to study this:
- Write AQL and MAT NBT’s
- NSC aggregate of 70% minimum
- Mathematics 70%
- Physical Sciences 60%
- English Home Language 40%
- English First Additional Language 60%
- English First Additional Language 50% together with either Afrikaans Home Language 40%, or
- Afrikaans First Additional Language 60%
Chemical Engineering Career
A chemical engineering career combines principles of chemistry, physics, and biology to develop and optimize chemical processes. Chemical engineers work in diverse industries, including pharmaceuticals, food production, and energy. To pursue a career in chemical engineering, these degrees are required:
Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering
A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering covers a wide range of subjects, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, mass transfer, and chemical reaction engineering. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work and design projects.
Average starting salary of R10,621 a month.
Possible Careers:
Chemical and mineral processing engineers are:
- in the production of chemicals and other consumable goods
- the extraction of minerals on an industrial scale
- Work in chemical, mines
- metallurgical plants
- manufacturing plants
- the food industry
- pharmaceutical
- biotechnological
- research institutions
What you need to do to study this:
- Write AQL and MAT NBT’s
- NSC aggregate of 70% minimum
- Mathematics 70%
- Physical Sciences 60%
- English Home Language 40% OR
- English First Additional Language 60% OR
- English First Additional Language 50% TOGETHER WITH either Afrikaans Home Language 40% or Afrikaans First Additional Language 60%
Electrical Engineering Career
An electrical engineering career deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. Electrical engineers are involved in designing electrical systems, developing electronic devices, and working on power generation and transmission. Here are the degrees required for a career in electrical engineering:
Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering
A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering provides a comprehensive understanding of electrical circuits, electronics, and electromagnetism. The program includes courses in digital systems, control systems, power systems, and signal processing.
Average starting salary of R27,339 a month.
Possible Careers:
These engineers are concerned with electrical energy applications in operations such as:
- electricity supply
- factories
- chemical plants
- mine
- municipalities
- railways
- harbour
What you need to do to study this:
- Write AQL and MAT NBT’s
- NSC aggregate of 70% minimum
- Mathematics 70%
- Physical Sciences 60%
- English Home Language 40% OR
- English First Additional Language 60% OR
- English First Additional Language 50% TOGETHER WITH either Afrikaans Home Language 40% or Afrikaans First Additional Language 60%
Industrial Engineering Career
An industrial engineering career focuses on optimising processes and systems to improve efficiency and productivity in various industries. Industrial engineers analyse operations, identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance overall performance. To pursue a career in industrial engineering, you’ll need the following degree:
Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering
A bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering provides a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics and engineering principles. The programme includes courses in operations research, supply chain management, quality control and production planning.
Average starting salary of R18,626 a month.
Possible Careers:
- Design
- implement
- operate
- Improve and manage technological systems to make enterprises more competitive.
What you need to do to study this:
- Write AQL and MAT NBT’s
- NSC aggregate of 70% minimum
- Mathematics 70%
- Physical Sciences 60%
- English Home Language 40% OR
- English First Additional Language 60% OR
- English First Additional Language 50% TOGETHER WITH either Afrikaans Home Language 40% or Afrikaans First Additional Language 60%
Mechanical Engineering Career
A mechanical engineering career focuses on designing and developing mechanical systems, from engines and machinery to thermal devices and robotics. To pursue a career in mechanical engineering, you’ll need the following degree:
Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering
A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering provides a solid foundation in mathematics, physics and engineering principles. The programne typically includes courses in thermodynamics, mechanics, materials science and computer-aided design (CAD).
Average starting salary of R24,090 a month.
Possible Careers:
- Design
- develop and manufacture machines, structures
- Plants and products for large enterprises such as smaller consultancy partnerships.
- Play key roles in the development, management and maintenance of systems such as power stations, aircraft, vehicles, process plants and manufacturing plants.
What you need to do to study this:
- Write AQL and MAT NBT’s
- NSC aggregate of 70% minimum
- Mathematics 70%
- Physical Sciences 60%
- English Home Language 40% OR
- English First Additional Language 60% OR
- English First Additional Language 50% TOGETHER WITH either Afrikaans Home Language 40% or Afrikaans First Additional Language 60%
Mechatronics Engineering Career
Mechatronics engineering is an interdisciplinary field that combines elements of mechanical engineering, electronics, computer science, and control systems. If you pursue this career, you’ll be in charge of design and innovative systems that integrate mechanical components with electronic control and automation. To pursue a career in mechatronics engineering, you’ll need the following degrees:
Bachelor's Degree in Mechatronics Engineering
A bachelor’s degree in mechatronics engineering provides a comprehensive foundation in mechanical engineering principles, electronics, and computer science. The program typically includes courses in robotics, control systems, sensor technology, and programming.
Average starting salary of R34,538 a month.
Possible Careers:
- Design machines by integrating computer, electronic and mechanical components.
- Examples are medical devices, artificial hearts, automated assembly lines and engine controllers
What you need to do to study this:
- Write AQL and MAT NBT’s
- NSC aggregate of 70% minimum
- Mathematics 70%
- Physical Sciences 60%
- English Home Language 40% OR
- English First Additional Language 60% OR
- English First Additional Language 50% TOGETHER WITH either Afrikaans Home Language 40% or Afrikaans First Additional Language 60%
Engineering: Construction Management Career
The construction management career is focused on overseeing and coordinating construction projects. Construction managers play a crucial role in planning, budgeting and ensuring the successful completion of projects while adhering to safety and quality standards. To pursue a career in construction management within the engineering field, you’ll need the following degrees:
Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management Engineering
A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or construction management provides a strong foundation in the principles of construction, project management and engineering. The programme typically includes courses in structural analysis, construction materials, project planning and contract management.
An average salary of R43,459 a month.
Possible Careers:
- Postgraduate studies in Quantity Surveying or Construction Management.
- Project Management
- Construction Management
- Commercial trading
- Training
What you need to do to study this:
- Write AQL and MAT NBT’s
- Pass NSC with bachelors exemption
- English Home Language 40%
- First Additional Language 50%
- Mathematics 50%
Engineering: Architecture Career
Architecture is a unique field within engineering that combines artistic design with technical knowledge to create functional and aesthetically pleasing structures. Architects are responsible for designing buildings and spaces that meet the needs of their clients while considering factors such as safety, sustainability and cultural significance. To pursue a career in architecture within the engineering field, you’ll need the following degree:
Bachelor's Degree in Architecture Engineering
A Bachelor’s degree in Architecture Engineering is an undergraduate programme that prepares students for a career in the field of architecture and engineering. It’s a comprehensive course that combines principles of architecture and engineering to enable students to design, plan and construct buildings and other structures that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally efficient.
During the programme, students learn a wide range of subjects, including architectural design, structural engineering, construction materials and methods, building systems, environmental sustainability and project management. The curriculum typically includes theoretical knowledge as well as practical hands-on experience through studio projects and internships.
Average starting salary of R34,938 a month.
Possible Careers:
Besides architecture:
- design strategy
- project management
- software application
- development
- software design
What you need to do to study this:
- Write AQL and MAT NBT’s
- Mathematics 80%
- Physical Sciences 70%
Fund Your Engineering Studies with Fundi
Did you know? If you’re a municipal engineer, you can get your studies funded by Fundi! This means that if you’re looking to study toward an engineering degree, Fundi’s study loan will have you covered.
Fundi study loans cover a range of educational costs—including tuition fees, textbooks, study devices and more!
Eager to find out if you qualify for a Fundi loan? Be sure to try out the Fundi Loan Calculator and embark on your academic journey today.
