Engineering Careers
Bachelor of Engineering
Engineering is generally split into certain sub-sections of specialization. Gone are the days of a broadened engineer, as the topics and knowledge required from each type of engineer is 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, e.g.: electro-mechanical engineering. All of which lead to prosperous engineering careers.
Engineering courses are generally quite demanding degrees, where the average day starts at 8 and ends at 4:30 not including possible homework or studies. The 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 un-allotted time for which one can partake in a 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 careers aspirations.
FYI:
- 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: BEng | Possible Careers | What you need to do to study this: |
| Civil Engineering An average salary of R40,390 a month. | Civil engineers work in
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| Chemical Engineering Average starting salary of R22,794.42 a month. An average salary of R40,000 a month. | Chemical and mineral processing engineers are:
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| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Average starting salary of R14799.83 a month. An average salary of R40,000 a month. | These engineers are concerned with electrical energy applications in operations such as
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| Industrial Engineering Average starting salary of R17,639.67 a month. An average salary of R43,000 a month. |
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| Mechanical Engineering Average starting salary of R15625.33 a month. An average salary of R45,000 a month. |
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| Mechatronics Average starting salary of R15,469.50 a month. An average salary of R40,000 a month. |
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| Construction Management An average salary of R29,741 a month. |
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| Architecture Average starting salary of R20,059.83 a month. | Besides architecture:
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Degree: BEng (Civil)
An average salary of R35,390 a month.
Possible Careers:
Civil engineers work in:
- 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% 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%
Degree: BEng (Chemical)
Average starting salary of R22,794.42 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%
Degree: BEng (Electrical and Electronic)
Average starting salary of R14799.83 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%
Degree: BEng (Industrial)
Average starting salary of R17,639.67 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%
Degree: BEng (Mechanical)
Average starting salary of R15625.33 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%
Degree: BEng (Mechatronics)
Average starting salary of R15,469.50 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%
Degree: BEng (Construction Management)
An average salary of R29,741 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%
Degree: BEng (Architecture)
Average starting salary of R20,059.83 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%
