Study Aerospace engineering in the UK

In the UK, there are various types of aerospace engineering courses offered at different academic institutions. These courses range from undergraduate degrees to postgraduate programs and cover various areas of aerospace engineering. Here are some common types of aerospace engineering courses you can find in the UK:

1. Bachelor’s in Aerospace engineering: A Bachelor’s in aerospace engineering provides a student with the necessary knowledge and skills to build, design and test various aircraft and spacecraft. The topics that are covered in the syllabus generally are material science, propou advanced knowledge in the Aerospace engineering field and the one-year diploma course is designed for students who have completed their undergraduate course in Aerospace engineering. In this post-graduate course, you will study the fulsion systems, aircraft design and control systems. Many universities offer specialisations which will help in-depth knowledge in areas like avionics and aerospace materials.

2. Master’s in Aerospace engineering: This degree is meant to give fundamental concepts and principles of Aerospace engineering and the latest developments in the Aerospace field. The syllabus typically covers advanced propulsion systems, aircraft maintenance, aircraft structure, control systems and space systems.

3. PhD in Aerospace engineering: A PhD program is a research-based program that enables students to pursue in-depth studies in a specific area of the aerospace field and typically takes between 3-4 years to complete and involves conducting research under the supervision of a faculty member.

This coursework combination includes advanced topics in aerospace engineering, and research methodology based on scientific communication.

The course duration depends on two factors, either you do just the course or opt for a one-year optional placement with the course, which will increase the course duration by an extra year. The general Aerospace Engineer duration is as below:

• Aerospace Engineer (Bachelors):

  3-4 years

• Aerospace Engineer (Masters):

  1-2 years

• Aerospace Engineer (PhD):

  3-4 years

The cost of studying aerospace engineering in the UK can vary depending on several factors, including the university, the level of study, etc. Here are some general cost considerations:

Employment rates can vary based on several factors, including the field of study, individual student abilities, economic conditions, and industry demand. Here are five top colleges in the UK known for their strong academic programs:

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/education/ng-interactive/2023/sep/24/best-uk-universities-for-aerospace-engineering-league-table

A strong Mathematical and Physics background is required to pursue Aerospace engineering with related subjects like Chemistry, Computing and Design. Below are the broad academic qualification and average entry requirements, however, also note that some universities also may ask for prior work experience.

• International Baccalaureate Requirement: Minimum 34 Points

• A-Level requirements: AAB including Physics and Mathematics

• English language proficiency test scores: An overall score of 7 band in all modules is preferred but not less than 6.5 band (IELTS )

The field of aerospace engineering is highly competitive in the UK, and several universities have established themselves as leading institutions in this field. Here is a list of the top universities for aerospace engineering in the UK :

• University of Bristol

• University of Bath

• University of Leeds

• University of Southampton

• University of Sheffield

• University of Nottingham

• Swansea University

• University of Loughborough

• Coventry University

• University of Glasgow

Studying aerospace engineering in the UK can be financially challenging, but there are several scholarships available to support students pursuing their education in this field. Here are some scholarships specifically targeted towards aerospace engineering students in the UK:

• Metallurgy and materials international achievement scholarships

• The Cranfield Scholarship

• Felix Scholarship

• Durham Scholarship

After studying aerospace engineering in the UK , graduates can pursue various career paths within the aerospace industry. Here are some common job roles and salaries that you can earn from each role. It's important to note that salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, location, company size, and job responsibilities:

To complete the application form for a university you may require the below common documents that most universities ask for. But do check for all requirements on the university website.

• High School Bachelor’s degree certificate based on BEng or MEng

• Official academic transcripts

• English language proficiency test scores

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

• 2 Letters of Recommendation

• Updates résumé or CV

• Proof of financial resources

• Work experience certificate (if any)

Ques 1: Are aeronautical engineers the same as aerospace engineers?
Ans: Both aeronautical and aerospace engineering are related fields, but they are not the same. Aerospace engineering covers a wide range of topics of not only aircraft but also spacecraft, satellites, missiles, and other vehicles that operate outside the earth’s atmosphere meanwhile on the other hand aeronautical engineering focuses on the design, maintenance and development of aircraft that operate within the earth’s atmosphere. But both fields require a strong background in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles as well as advanced knowledge in material science, aerodynamics, and propulsion systems.

Ques 2: Is Aeronautical engineering a favourable field to work?
Ans : Aeronautical or Aerospace engineering is a highly specialised field that deals in the development, design, testing and maintenance of aircraft. This field also offers a wide range of exciting careers including working with organisations like NASA, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Airbus etc. Additionally, this career can be financially rewarding as even starting jobs pay a high salary and as you move forward in your career you can touch greater heights.

Ques 3: What Opportunities do I have after graduation?
Ans: Depending on your skills and specialisation you may choose to go for the following areas:

• Maintenance and Repair

• Consulting Entrepreneurship

• Research and Development

• Aerospace Manufacturing

Ques 4: What skills do I require for an aerospace degree?
Ans: This degree provides the students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of engineering and to apply them to the design, development and maintenance of aircraft, the skills that are expected are:

• Material Science

• Aerodynamics Knowledge

• Propulsion system

• Problem-solving skills

• Communication skills

• Professional Ethics

If you want to know more about studying Aerospace or Aeronautical engineering in the UK , get in touch with our international education experts at IDP. They will help you choose the right institution for pursuing the course and also guide you through the end-to-end admission process.