University degree courses: producing the kind of engineer that industry needs

University education in the UK is to undergo considerable changes, due mainly to the present Government´s desire to expand the proportion of young people in higher education from its present value of one in five to one in three by the year 2000. The effect of these changes on education must be considered if the standard of engineering graduates is to be maintained. This paper identifies approaches to engineering education which will achieve this aim and help to produce graduates who are better equipped for a career in industry. It is proposed that, whilst restructuring courses to fit a modular scheme, universities should examine what is taught to engineering students and the methods which are used. The significance of improving student commitment and performance as well as increasing their professional profile is discussed and the importance of ensuring that the teaching philosophy complements this is highlighted