What qualifications do you need?

Universities often ask for high A Levels (or equivalent) in Maths and Physics or Chemistry. Always confirm the entry requirements for the particular university/course you're interested in, as it varies between each institution.

What degrees can you study?

Degrees in Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering include: BEng/MEng Aerospace Engineering BEng/MEng Aeronautical Engineering BEng/MEng Aeronautics and Astronautics BEng/MEng Aerospace Systems BEng/MEng Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering Several options include an integrated foundation year, industrial experience or another discipline, such as management or a modern foreign language.

Study Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering, why & how to study

Q: Why study Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering?

With engineering being a global industry, many Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering courses include the option of a study year abroad. The chance to study in India, China, Europe or the US is one few would pass up.

Q: What jobs can you get as an Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering graduate?

Graduates often work for aeronautical companies such as BAE, Rolls Royce and British Airways. There are also jobs in aerospace companies, airlines and the armed forces, and franchises such as Coca Cola.Some examples of jobs directly related to an Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering degree include aeronautical or aerospace engineer, manufacturing engineer and engineering consultant.

Q: How will you be assessed?

Assessments are usually carried out by a mixture of coursework and exams, with the latter typically carrying more weight. Other assessment methods include observed practical performance in workshops, presentations either done alone or in a group and occasional essays and reports. It will vary from module to module.

Q: What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Examples of taught MAs and research degrees at postgraduate level include: Advanced Aeronautical Engineering MSc Aerospace Engineering PhD Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering PhD There are also diplomas in areas like industrial automation, mechanical engineering technology and plant engineering.

Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering is all about how aircraft and aerospace vehicles are designed, manufactured and powered.

CHOOSING A COURSE POSTGRADUATE UNDERGRADUATE

Tamsin Mosse 24 Mar 2024

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What’s Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering?
What Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering degrees can you study?
What do you need to get onto an Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering degree?
What topics does an Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering degree cover?
How will you be assessed?
Why study Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering?
Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering?
What do Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering graduates earn?
What jobs can you get as an Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering graduate?
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
Similar subjects to Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering
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What’s Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering?

Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering is all about aircraft and aerospace vehicles – what gets them off the ground, what keeps them there, what allows them to turn and accelerate, what causes them to gain and lose altitude, and so on. This includes anything from planes to helicopters, drones and satellites.

This subject area is demanding, combining physics and mathematics, computer and materials science, all wrapped up in strong design.

Take a look at the university league tables for Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering.

What Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering degrees can you study?

There are various degree options for this subject area including focusing on Aerospace and Aeronautics separately or combining it with another area of engineering. Some examples of undergraduate courses:

Aerospace Engineering BEng/MEng

Develop the engineering skills for a career in the aerospace industry by specialising in aerospace design, performance, analysis and systems. Areas covered include aerodynamics, stability and control, propulsion, structures and performance among others.

Look for Aerospace Engineering courses.

Aeronautical Engineering BEng/MEng

Learn more about how aircraft are designed, constructed and powered, how they are used and how they are controlled for safe operation.

Discover Aeronautical Engineering courses.

Aeronautics and Astronautics BEng/MEng

Aeronautics and astronautics courses focus on fast-moving aircraft and spacecraft in the Earth’s atmosphere and outer space. It covers core engineering science and aerodynamic theory and practice for the design of vehicles, wings and propulsion systems.

See Aeronautics and Astronautics courses.

Aerospace Systems BEng/MEng

Aerospace systems focuses on the design and use of onboard systems found on most aircraft and spacecraft. Explore how these systems may be used to improve the operation and performance of aerospace vehicles.

Search for Aerospace Systems courses.

Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics BEng/MEng

A degree that bridges the divide between aeronautics and mechanical engineering giving a cross disciplinary approach to one of the most challenging engineering fields.

Find Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics courses.

Other options

Many universities offer the chance to spend a year studying abroad as part of the course. Others may include an integrated foundation year or a professional placement.

What do you need to get onto an Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering degree?

Must have

Typically, entry requirements for an Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering degree at university range from 80 to 200 UCAS points. This could include:

A Level: A*A*A*–CDD
BTEC: may be accepted in combination with A Levels
Scottish Highers: AAAAA–AABB (or Advanced Higher AAA–AB)
International Baccalaureate Diploma: 40–32
Universities will usually ask that you have studied mathematics at an advanced level (A Level or Scottish Advanced Higher)

Good to have

Studied Physics, Engineering Science or another science
Work experience or shadowing in an engineering environment
Further research on topics of interest in engineering journals, TED talks, podcasts or online courses/MOOCs
If eligible, STEM summer school like the Sutton Trust or UNIQ

What topics does an Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering degree cover?

Typical modules for courses in this subject include:

Aerodynamics and/or flight dynamics
Aircraft systems and performance
Design (engineering, aircraft, aerospace vehicles)
Mathematics and engineering mathematics
Fluid mechanics
Structures and materials
Solid mechanics

How will you be assessed?

Assessments are usually carried out by a mixture of the following, and will vary from module to module:

Coursework
Exams
Observed practical performance
Presentations (alone or group)
Essays
Reports

Why study Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering?

Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering is a highly vocational subject, giving you the skills and experience to enter employment in the sector.

Career-specific skills:

Computing
Systems engineering
Aircraft design and manufacture
Practical lab work
Flight testing

Transferable skills:

Computer literacy
Project management
Analytical skills
Teamwork
Working to client briefs

Professional accreditations:

Degrees may be accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
Graduating in this subject may include registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partial registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng)

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Reasons to study Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering

Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering?

Some universities offer students scholarships, bursaries, or grants to encourage diversity. It’s worth asking if you are eligible, how to apply and what the money covers e.g., materials, tuition fees and/or living costs.

What do Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering graduates earn?

You’re likely to get a good starting salary of £21,000–£28,000 as an Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering graduate.

Once established in your career, particularly if you’ve gained Chartered status, Aeronautical & Aerospace engineers can earn a salary of £45,000–£60,000 or more.