What is the Dyson Institute?
Founded in 2017, The Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology is James Dyson’s answer to the UK’s engineering skills shortage. It represents a new education model, offering undergraduates the opportunity to study for a Masters of Engineering degree without tuition fees, while also being employed within Dyson’s global team of engineers. To date, 182 students have graduated from the programme, with a further 180 enrolled. Each year, 30-40 undergraduates join to study for a degree.
Its History
The Institute was born out of a challenge. In 2016, James Dyson asked Jo Johnson – then Minister for Universities – how the UK government planned to tackle the shortage of engineers. Jo’s answer: start your own higher education institution.
Inspired by this, the Dyson Institute opened in 2017, offering approximately 30-40 undergraduates per year the opportunity to study for a degree, while gaining professional workplace experience and leadership development within Dyson.
This was the natural next step in James’s commitment to re-engineering education, following the creation of the James Dyson Foundation in 2002 to support STEM and STEAM (with Art included) education.
In 2020, the Dyson Institute became the first education provider in the UK to be granted New Degree Awarding Powers following a rigorous Quality Assurance Agency review. The first independent cohort joined in September 2021 to study for a degree delivered and awarded by the Dyson Institute itself.
Today, it is the most oversubscribed engineering degree course in Britain.
How does it work?
The programme is a four-year integrated MEng International Engineering degree, combining the academic rigour of a traditional university with the hands on, real-world experience and pace of working in a global technology company. All students are employed by Dyson and earn a starting salary of £23,500 which is subject to tax, with no tuition fees.
Dyson Undergraduate Engineers work alongside world-class practising engineers, scientists and researchers, applying academic knowledge to solve real-world problems. A professional development programme builds students’ leadership, resilience, self-awareness and professional competence.
First-year students live in the Dyson Village, which, designed by James Dyson and Chris Wilkinson, is comprised of award-winning, five-star accommodation and recreation spaces. Many of the cross-laminated timber pod have expansive views across the Wiltshire landscape and all are equipped with a shower room, study space and Dyson technology products. The Village also includes a café, bar, gym, kitchens, communal spaces, laundry rooms and plenty of outside space.
In their third year, students work abroad in Dyson’s Asia offices, including our Global Headquarters in Singapore. After graduating, they will transition into individual accelerated progression pathways, preparing them for future roles as leaders in the business.
