Briefing: The value of professional accreditation for degree programmes

Most engineers start their career by completing an accredited degree. The accreditation process is an internationally recognised fully audited process that ensures that the learning outcomes of an accredited engineering degree meet the needs of industry. The process is managed by the professional institutions under licence from the Engineering Council. Employers are engaged in setting the learning outcomes and in the auditing process; academics are involved in designing the programmes and in the auditing process; and students are provided with a clear route to achieve the educational base necessary to become a professional engineer. There are a number of accredited routes to complete the educational base including higher education, workplace education or a combination of both.