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 Engineering) and MEng (Masters in 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 our guide to 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 studied during an aeronautical engineering programme could include: 

• Aerodynamics 

• Space systems 

• Mechanics of flight 

• Space mission analysis and design 

• Aircraft design 

• Thermodynamics 

• Computing

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for an aeronautical engineering programme will vary depending on the university you are applying to. However, maths and English qualifications, or the national equivalent, are generally requested. 

Alongside maths, which is a highly valued qualification, admissions departments will be looking for high grades in subjects such as physics, computer science and design technology. This is most valuable if the design technology includes any kind of electronics or metalwork. 

Course structure and assessment methods

An aeronautical engineering programme will have both compulsory and elective modules which will be offered to their students. Compulsory modules may cover topics such as aerodynamics, computing, specialised mathematics, computer aided design, flight mechanics and propulsion. 

In terms of assessment methods, an aeronautical engineering programme will often use a combination of traditional written exams, coursework including a dissertation research project, and practical work where the student will have to use problem-solving skills and put their theoretical knowledge into action. Many programmes will also require students to have some work experience before graduation, generally up to a year, so that they can be well-informed in the world of work. 

Specialisations

During their studies, students will have the option to choose elective modules to specialise in. 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 –mainly analysing how an aircraft is able to move through the air and if there’s any way to optimise the design of an aircraft so that it can move faster with less resistance.  

• Structural design – places a focus on the design element of engineering and the creation of new, more efficient aircraft. 

• 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 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. 

• 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 – this specialisation will involve considering the materials used in construction and analysing whether they are the best option. Aircraft materials are always being optimised so that they are sturdy enough to maintain structure but lightweight enough to improve aerodynamics. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

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

• Aeroacoustics – the study of noise generation during flight. 

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

Career Options

There are plenty of career options available to graduates of aeronautical engineering programmes. 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.