This site provides information about a pathway to professional qualification for working engineers without the full exemplifying academic qualifications, who are interested in becoming professionally qualified and are unable to commit to full-time study. Employees are able to demonstrate the required competences for professional registration (UK-SPEC) at the same time as meeting the learning objectives for an academic qualification.

The framework for this route was developed as part of a government-funded initiative 'Gateways to the Professions'. The Engineering Council led the work which also involved  universities, PEIs and employer representatives.

A Learning Contract approach is used and successful completion leads to the award of an appropriate academic qualification and eligibility to apply for a Professional Review Interview with a participating Professional Engineering Institution. A summary of the pathway and benefits is here.

The first participants are enrolled on the MSc Professional Engineering that opens a route to Chartered Engineer. A similar model is available for those seeking to become Incorporated Engineers Guide to the Bachelors degree in Professional Engineering.

An interim Registration Protocol between the Engineering Council and the Professional Engineering Institutions describes the process for the registration of candidates enrolled on the programmes. Interested PEIs are invited to contact the Engineering Council.

Enrolment is via one of the participating universities.  Programmes at other universities and colleges are expected to be available shortly. Academic institutions interested in participating should contact the Engineering Council.

The overall aim is to create an affordable and flexible life-long work-based learning escalator that allows progression to professional registration whilst minimising the level of debt incurred and at the same time maximising employment and earnings prospects. An interim evaluation of the engineering gateways initiative has been carried out and is available here.