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Engineering remains a popular degree choice the world over. Not only is there a steady demand for graduates of the more traditional branches like Civil and Mechanical but also an increasing demand for those with a degree in information technology and automation.

So, if you are considering engineering but want to explore the ever-expanding array of choices for further studies, we pick streams that are on the cutting edge.

1. Genetic Engineering
   
   Genetic engineering is the process of modifying genes. It uses techniques to manipulate genes through heredity and reproduction. Genetic engineering has led to famous biomedical innovations such as artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization (e.g., “test-tube” babies), cloning, and gene manipulation.
   
   You can check out the universities in Munich, Heidelberg, Pennsylvania and Glasgow as well as Imperial College London for bachelor’s and master’s.
   
    
2. Alternative Energy Engineer
   
   Also, renewable energy engineering. With the growing international emphasis on averting the looming climate crisis, there is a push towards clean and renewable energy.
   
   In spite of the predominant use of non-renewable energy sources globally, growth in the field is stagnant. Most renewable energy engineers have undergraduate degrees in disciplines such as energy, mechanical, or electrical engineering.
   
   Graduate degrees in renewable energy engineering are offered by the Universities of Aberdeen, Lund, Offenburg and British Columbia among others.
   
    
3. Nanoengineering
   
   The prefix nano indicates one-billionth of a unit of measurement. Nanoengineering, focused on studying, developing and refining materials on the nano scale, is revolutionising industries such as information technology, medicine, energy and environmental science.
   
   To explore degree options in nanoengineering, check out courses at the UC Berkeley, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, National University of Singapore, University of Cambridge.
   
    
4. Control engineering (AR and VR engineering)
   
   AR stands for Augmented Reality, while VR stands for Virtual Reality. Both AR and VR are up and coming disciplines of Control Engineering that apply control theory principles to design systems. AR overlays digital content onto the real world while VR creates a simulated environment. Control engineering has applications across all sectors including defence, aerospace, IT, medicine, and transportation among others.
   
   Courses in AR & VR are offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, UC Berkeley, ETH Zurich and others.
   
    
5. Mechatronics Engineering
   
   Mechatronics combines the studies of electronics with mechanical engineering. It involves designing smart machines that analyse the environment and make informed decisions. Interestingly, mechatronics engineers study many different aspects of engineering like computer engineering, telecommunications, system engineering and control engineering, enabling them to show expertise in different specialisations.

To explore degree options in mechatronics engineering, check out courses at the Auckland University of Technology, TU Chemnitz, TU Hamburg and more.

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