"The Goal is to Replace the Department"

A conversation with EngSoc, St Andrews' Engineering Society

The University of St Andrews offers a wide range of courses, from International Relations to Theology and Physics, but nowhere in its subject catalogue will you find engineering. So, despite lacking a formal engineering program, why has an engineering society emerged at St Andrews?

What is currently known as the St Andrews Engineering & Technology Society, or EngTech, originally consisted of three separate clubs: SPAD/Automotive, Aerospace, and Robotics.

Nico Christou, President of EngTech, noted that "we had these three teams that had a lot of synergies just in terms of people within them. People who can code and work across teams are interested in various topics and fields of engineering — still, they were confined to their clubs [...] There is a lot to be gained from having them all under one umbrella and also having this be the engineering hub of St Andrews." 

These original clubs were founded after observing that many St Andrews students were missing an outlet for creating innovative projects and that the University still attracts engineering students despite its lack of a formal degree.  

"You have a group of highly talented people who aren't given the resources to innovate and do projects,” said Christou. “Returning to what we do here, it all starts at the university level and [with] college students because we are the ones who will enter the workforce and be innovative. If we can provide an incubator or launch-pad for that, then we have done our job."

Trajan Nader, Head of SPAD/automotive, said, "I was supposed to do an engineering degree, but I chose St Andrews because of the social aspect and other factors, so I chose it over some depressing school in London. I applied to Maths and Physics, which is the closest thing to engineering here, but it is very theoretical, so many people here are still interested in engineering but have lost touch with it because it was so separated here at St Andrews. We wanted to give people the chance to apply their interests and replace an [official] engineering department." 

EngTech being student-driven and not governed by a University department allows for freedom and flexibility in projects. Independent ideas are always welcome, but the primary purpose of EngTech, as was also for the original clubs, is to compete. Currently, EngTech pursues three competitions: Project Odyssey, Formula Student, and Formula Student AI — the first falling under aerospace to build and launch a rocket. The Formula student competitions fall under SPAD/Automotive and consist of constructing a car or designing an AI programme to use in a self-driving car. These competitions provide hands-on practical experience, a passage into companies, as well as an attractive addition to one’s CV. Moreover, Formula Student is held at the same location as the Formula 1 races.

Co-Founder and VP of Formula Student Araan Suares, said, "If you have watched Formula 1, the engineers are a vital part of the team and a lot of UK and European-based Formula 1 teams hire directly from Formula [Student]. A lot of companies that sponsor Formula 1 stay after to hire students who have designed an effective car because you'll be an excellent engineer." 

The EngTech society is not only for people in STEM subjects but for anyone who has an interest in engineering. Each team requires people of different expertise. The lack of an engineering department blurs the lines of who is ‘allowed’, and the criteria are instead dependent on genuine interest.  

The St Andrews Engineering & Technology Society has become a dynamic hub for students interested in engineering despite the absence of a formal programme. EngTech encourages collaboration and innovation through competition by uniting individuals from various academic backgrounds. It provides hands-on experience and career opportunities, fostering connections within the university community and making it an invaluable resource for those looking to explore and apply their engineering interests.

Photo provided by EngSoc