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To Uni or not To Uni. Eager for more insight and thoughts in the pros and cons of going to Universtiy for Electrical and Electronic Engineering Degree at 30+.

Jack Goodwin

I am an Apprentice trained Engineering Technician and have been working in manufacturing for 10 years. Starting in an Apprenticeship role building CNC machine tools and then leaving to work in commissioning role for a smaller business working in integrated bespoke machinary. After some nasty health issues I had to stop the travel that came with commissioning systems and started my path into Controls Engineering; doing my HNC and now working on designing, building and testing control panels and PLC applications/development that sort of thing. 

Now, that will keep me busy for the rest of my career should I choose too stick at it!

I have developed however, very ichy feet towards academic study and further learning. The debate I am having is whether to commit a good section of my life to going to complete an Electrical Engineering Degree or higher education in Automation and Controls. 

Aims? To both grasp and get exposure to new topics, other Engineers and best practices in design and applications, to increase my long term employment prospects and probably because I want to complete what I'd set my mind too a long while ago which was to have a degree in the tool belt. 

There are other things that the degree may assist with such as working abroad and eventually teaching, both are goals which I'd love to achieve.

My question is to those who have gone down a similar path or who have insight on the topic... is it worth the time and expenditure, (it is so expensive). Is there a widening disconnect between industry and academia when it comes to Engineering? I have to say I am not often around graduate engineers in my area.

It is such a hot topic, I know. Also, to add I am currently 29 and will be 30 at least before starting on this path. Too old? (That is not my thought, but I might be wrong). 

All thoughts welcome and have a lovely evening wherever you are!! 

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  • I would caution against going with the OU given your stated interests. The curriculum is light on electrical engineering as, probably for economic reasons, all disciplines share core modules at stage 2. 

    While the module materials are general high quality and care has been taken in drafting assessments, the selection and weighting of topics is a bit haphazard. At level 2, the math methods module can't be taken alongside a mechanical or electrical subject, while there is a compulsory full 30 credits of fluff on professional practice! As an accrediting body, the IET should really enforce a bit more discipline IMO.

    First choice would be a local university that offers a rigorous EE curriculum part time although securing time off work may be challenging. I don't think there's any courses run at evenings and weekends. 

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  • I would caution against going with the OU given your stated interests. The curriculum is light on electrical engineering as, probably for economic reasons, all disciplines share core modules at stage 2. 

    While the module materials are general high quality and care has been taken in drafting assessments, the selection and weighting of topics is a bit haphazard. At level 2, the math methods module can't be taken alongside a mechanical or electrical subject, while there is a compulsory full 30 credits of fluff on professional practice! As an accrediting body, the IET should really enforce a bit more discipline IMO.

    First choice would be a local university that offers a rigorous EE curriculum part time although securing time off work may be challenging. I don't think there's any courses run at evenings and weekends. 

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