Aeronautical Engineering Degrees

Fascinated by the mechanics and technology behind aircraft? Aeronautical engineering could be the degree for you. You’ll usually find aeronautical engineering degrees referred to as a BEng (Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering) and MEng (Masters in Aeronautical Engineering). Aeronautical engineering degrees at the undergraduate level usually last three or four years, but many institutions allow students to progress directly into a Masters in Aeronautical Engineering, extending the course length by an additional year or two. Read on to learn about studying aeronautical engineering at university, including an overview of common course topics, specialisations and career options.

Course content

Studying aeronautical engineering allows students to learn about a specific area of engineering: the design and construction of aerodynamic machinery and aircraft. Topics typically studied during an aeronautical engineering programme could include: 

• Aerodynamics 

• Space systems 

• Mechanics of flight 

• Space mission analysis and design 

• Aircraft design 

• Thermodynamics 

• Computing

For those pursuing postgraduate degrees like master’s in aeronautical engineering or a master’s in aerospace engineering, course content would include specialised areas of study, such as, advanced propulsion systems, avionics, aerospace materials, structural analysis, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and satellite technology. Gaining expertise in these advanced topics will provide students with in-depth knowledge and research opportunities, preparing them for careers in aerospace engineering, aviation technology, and related fields.

Entry requirements

Undergraduate degrees

Entry requirements for undergraduate aeronautical engineering programmes typically include strong academic performance in mathematics and physics, as these subjects form the foundation of the course. Some universities may also prefer applicants with qualifications in computer science, design technology (especially with electronics or metalwork), or engineering science. English language proficiency may be required for international students who are non-native speakers, with standardised tests such as IELTS or TOEFL commonly accepted.

Postgraduate degrees

For programmes like masters in aeronautical engineering and masters in aerospace engineering, applicants generally need a relevant undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Most institutions require a strong academic record, typically equivalent to an upper second-class honours degree or higher. Some programmes may also expect prior knowledge of subjects like fluid dynamics, structural analysis, or propulsion systems. English language proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL may be required for international students.

Course structure and assessment methods

Both bachelors and masters in aeronautical engineering degrees include a mix of compulsory and elective modules. Core subjects typically cover aerodynamics, computing, specialised mathematics, computer-aided design, flight mechanics, and propulsion. A masters in aeronautical engineering degree may also include advanced topics such as aerospace materials, structural analysis, and propulsion systems.

Assessment methods usually combine written exams, coursework, and practical projects, including a dissertation or research project at the postgraduate level. Hands-on experience is a key component, with many programmes incorporating lab work, simulations, and problem-solving exercises. Some courses may also require students to complete an industry placement or internship to gain real-world experience before graduation.

Specialisations

During their studies, students enrolled in either a bachelor's or masters in aeronautical engineering degree will have the option to choose elective modules to specialise in certain areas. These choices may inform the direction of their future career as it will give them the chance to gain knowledge in specific areas of aeronautical engineering. These specialisations may include: 

• Aerodynamics –a core subject in both bachelor’s and master’s aeronautical engineering programmes. It focuses on analysing how aircraft move through the air and explores ways to optimise designs for faster, more efficient flight. At the master’s level, students may have the opportunity to specialise further in aerodynamics.

• Structural design – concentrates on the design element of engineering and the creation of new, more efficient aircraft. Students at the master's degree level may specialise in areas like advanced materials and optimisation techniques, depending on their programme's focus.

• Robotics – this is an area of aeronautical engineering which focuses on innovation in terms of construction and management. Robotics allows for innovative new technologies to make the production of aircraft easier. 

• Navigation - this specialisation will include operational systems and allow the student to learn to plan a journey and manage an aircraft while in flight. It will generally focus on inertial navigation systems and the global positioning system as these are the most commonly used worldwide. Students at the master's degree level will dive deeper into autopilot systems, GPS integration, and advanced navigation technologies.

• Aeroelasticity – studies the elastic forces on an aircraft in flight and uses this data to continue the evolution of structural design. 

• Avionics – looks at the electronic systems used on aircraft including flight instrumentation, cockpit displays, navigation equipment, autopilot systems, radar equipment and data acquisition. 

• Material analysis –in this specialisation, both bachelor’s and master’s in aeronautical engineering students will study the materials used in aircraft construction. At the bachelor’s level, students will learn the basics of material properties and selection. At the master’s degree level, students will specialise in advanced materials, including composites and lightweight metals, to improve aircraft performance, aerodynamics, and fuel efficiency.

• Operations management – here students will learn how to operate an aircraft and how to work within an operations team to ensure a safe take off, flight, and landing. At the master's degree level, students will also specialise in managing air traffic, operational efficiency, and crisis scenarios.

• Maintenance engineering – teaches the maintenance of an aircraft considering factors such as the structure, electronic components, aerodynamics, operating systems and more. 

• Software – the development of computerised software, operational equipment and software applications and updates. Undergraduates will learn programming basics for aircraft systems, while master’s in aeronautical engineering students focus on complex software for flight control, data analysis, and operational systems.

• Solid mechanics – looks at the strain on mechanical components of aircraft and their maintenance. 

• Aeroacoustics – Both bachelor’s and master’s degree students will study aircraft noise, with master’s students delving deeper into noise reduction techniques to design quieter, more environmentally friendly aircrafts.

• Aerosystems and power systems – the study of hydraulics and electrical systems for the stability and control of aircraft. 

Career options

Graduates of aeronautical engineering degrees have plenty of career options available to them upon graduation. These include: 

• Aeronautical engineer – designs, builds and does maintenance for all kinds of aircraft which are designed to fly within the earth’s atmosphere. 

• Aeronautical researcher – explores new materials and technologies which can contribute to the evolution of aeronautical vehicles and machinery. 

• Aeronautical designer – uses new and emerging research to design new aeronautical vehicles and machinery. 

• Maintenance technician – focuses more on the maintenance of technologies used by an aircraft. They test the machinery, diagnose any problems, and repair or replace different parts, as necessary.  

• Aviation consultant – advises business which own and produce aeronautical vehicles and machinery. They work with corporate clients to assess business practices, construction procedures and safety audits and make recommendations to ensure the safety of staff and improve the profitability of the company. 

• Aircraft mechanic – focuses on the mechanical elements of aircraft and their construction and repair.  

• Quality inspector – inspects and writes reports on individual components of an aircraft to ensure product quality and safety.