Everything you need to know about a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) course in South Africa

Studying Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)

The Master of Engineering (M.Eng. or ME) is a highly specialised postgraduate degree earned for studies in one of the Engineering Sciences. The study duration of an M.Eng. degree offered by an engineering school is usually between 1-2 years.

The Master of Engineering is academically equal to the Master of Science and Master of Arts. However, it is common practice to award the Master of Engineering for technical programmes at universities of applied sciences or universities of technology. Regular Engineering programmes at other universities award Master of Science (M.Sc.) degrees.

M.Eng. degrees include theoretical courses and assignments, but they mainly focus on developing the highly specialised skills and knowledge required for students to become professional engineers in their chosen field.

Many M.Eng. programmes also require that students go through industrial placements, where they get hands-on experience and learn what it’s like to work in the Engineering industry. To graduate, students have to complete a final project, which involves solving a complex Engineering problem using all the experience and knowledge gathered during studies.