The Engineering Council believes that all aspiring engineers and technicians should have access to world-class education and training programmes to help them develop industry-relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours.

The engineering profession supports the development of such high quality programmes, including apprenticeships, training, qualifications, degrees and other educational programmes. 

A​ key element of our regulatory role is to establish the criteria that education programmes must meet to become recognised, through approval or accreditation, as meeting the learning outcomes required for the different levels of professional registration.

These Standards give prospective students, employers and society the assurance that registered engineering professionals have the knowledge required to practise responsibly in the public interest.

We also work with partners to engage with Government on education and skills policy affecting the formation of engineering professionals.

Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP)

AHEP

The Engineering Council sets the overall requirements for the Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP) in engineering, in line with the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence and Commitment (UK-SPEC).

AHEP sets out the standard for degree accreditation. It also outlines the purpose and application process for universities that wish to secure or maintain accreditation of their programmes. The standard for engineering degrees has been developed through consultation with the engineering profession and includes input from employers and academics.

Who is AHEP for?

  • Licensed PEIs undertaking accreditation reviews
  • Higher Education Institutions that may wish to seek accreditation for one of more of their programmes
View AHEP Standard

The role of professional engineering institutions (PEIs)

Degree accreditation is undertaken by sector-specific Licensed Professional Engineering Institutions (PEIs) on behalf of the Engineering Council. These institutions interpret the standards as appropriate for their own sector of the profession and use them when deciding whether degree programmes meet the requirements to be awarded ‘Engineering Council accredited degree' status.

Accreditation of different types of degree

Programmes may be accredited as fully or partially meeting the education requirements for registration as either an Chartered Engineer (CEng) or a Incorporated Engineer (IEng).

AHEP sets out the output standards expected from each of the following:

  • Bachelors and bachelors (Hons) degrees (accredited as fully meeting the education requirements for IEng registration)
  • Bachelors (Hons) degrees (accredited as partially meeting the education requirements for CEng registration - further learning to Masters level is required to fully meet the education requirements)
  • Integrated Masters (MEng) degrees (accredited as fully meeting the education requirements for CEng registration)
  • Other master’s degrees (accredited as partially meeting the education requirements for CEng registration)

AHEP sets out the standards for degree accreditation, including the key areas of learning required for all degree types.

AHEP information, resources and guidance

Approval and Accreditation of Qualifications and Apprenticeships (AAQA)

AAQA

The Standard for the Approval and Accreditation of Qualifications and Apprenticeships (AAQA) sets out how licensed PEIs recognise education and training programmes. 

The Standard sets out:

  • The process to be followed
  • Learning outcomes and/or competence that must be 
    demonstrated
  • Requirements for approval and accreditation
  • Evidence that Licensees should seek in order to confer approval or accreditation of a programme. 

This Standard covers the approval and accreditation of 
programmes of learning in relation to our Standards for professional registration as an engineer or technician.

Who is AAQA for?

  • Licensed PEIs undertaking approval and accreditation of qualifications, training programmes and apprenticeships 
  • Awarding organisations and other organisations that are 
    responsible for the development and delivery of qualifications, 
    training programmes and apprenticeships, including 
    educational institutions and employers
  • Individuals and employers who want to know whether or not 
    they or their staff have the knowledge, understanding and 
    competence required for registration, and what they need to do 
    to meet the relevant standard.
View the AAQA Standard

The role of professional engineering institutions (PEIs)

Approval and accreditation are carried out by Licensed PEIs on behalf of the Engineering Council, in line with the Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP) and the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).

When reviewing a training or education programme against this 
document, Licensed PEIs assess whether that programme provides 
some, or all, of the knowledge, understanding and competence 
that underpins eventual registration at the defined level.

AAQA information, guidance and resources