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Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering?
Who Studies Aeronautical Engineering?
Should I Apply for an Accredited Course?
Where Next?… Postgraduate Study?
Where Can an Aeronautical Engineering Degree Take Me?
Sponsorship / Industrial Placements
There are
a wide range of qualifications and entry routes into the aerospace industry.
Studying for an Aeronautical Engineering degree is just one route to a successful
and rewarding career within the aerospace industry.
Throughout the world there are numerous universities offering aeronautical engineering
courses. However, the UK is renowned for its excellence in aeronautical engineering.
It has a very high concentration of aeronautical engineering based courses at
both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Indeed, there are over 32 UK universities
offering aeronautical engineering based courses. Many of these universities
can boast international reputations.
Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering?
Aeronautical
engineering is the "traditional" form of engineering, which is most
associated with the industry. It is mechanically-based, more specific in nature
and covers the various aspects of conventional flight in the atmosphere and
the manufacture of aircraft. These subjects are usually covered in greater depth
than aerospace engineering, and hence university entry requirements are often
higher.
Aerospace engineering encompasses aeronautical engineering together with other
aspects of the industry, such as space, automated flight control systems, avionics,
communication systems, electronics etc not usually covered by aeronautical engineering
courses. This wider range of subjects means that they are covered in less depth.
However, this does leave slightly more scope in what jobs one can later apply
for.
What Can I Expect?
Aeronautical
engineering degrees involve 3 years full-time study for BEng level and 4
years full-time study for MEng. During this period you will learn how to
turn ideas into reality and resolve real-life problems, by applying the principles
of science and technology to the research, design, manufacture and maintenance
of highly sophisticated products such as aircraft, missiles and space satellites.
All these products are the result of whole team efforts that bring together
each aeronautical engineer's skills and technical expertise.
Furthermore many degree programmes provide students with the opportunity to
undertake an industrial placement within the UK and overseas. Industrial placements
are excellent vehicles for acquiring invaluable experience in applying some
of the theoretical knowledge gained. Practical situations in a real working
environment also greatly assist in consolidating classroom learning.
Who Studies Aeronautical Engineering?
Individuals
studying aeronautical engineering are highly intelligent, excellent team players,
keen on challenges, self-motivated, innovative and lateral thinkers. They also
have the capacity for highly technical and analytical thinking.
Should I Apply for an Accredited Course?
Completion
of an accredited
aeronautical engineering degree course provides a suitable academic base
for obtaining professional recognition as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or
Chartered Engineer (CEng). This requires registering with the Engineering Council,
through a professional institution like The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS).
The Royal Aeronautical Society accredits over 20 UK universities offering aeronautical
engineering based courses. It also accredits a wide range of company training
programmes.
In the UK the national body for engineering is the Engineering Council (UK)
and the Engineering Technology Board. The Engineering Technology Board promotes
the science and practise of engineering. The Engineering Council (UK) works in
partnership with the professional engineering institutions and is responsible
for maintaining the Standards and Routes to Registration (SARTOR) and so
endeavours to provide a world-class engineering workforce capable of maximising
its technological
developments.
Complete Courses Listing
· If you
have non-UK qualifications and need to check out the UK equivalent contact NARIC
- www.naric.co.uk
· The British Council also offer information and advice on how to equate non-UK
qualifications to recognised UK qualifications - Website: www.britcoun.org
Tel: 0161 957 7000
How Do I Apply?
A few simple
steps
· Don't panic! The application process to higher education may seem a little
daunting, but there are plenty of people and resources out there to help you.
· First choose your course and where you want to study. For information on courses
at Further, Higher and Postgraduate Levels contact ECCTIS, who with Trotman
are contracted on behalf of the Department for Education & Skills (DfES)
to provide course information. www.ecctis.co.uk
· Always check out entry/course offers. A useful resource is "Degree Course
Offers 2003/2004 Entry (34th Edition)" by Brian Heap
· Once you have chosen your course and where you want to study, you are now
ready to begin completing your UCAS Application Form. Make UCAS your next stop!
· The UCAS website - www.ucas.ac.uk provides
a wealth of advice and guidance on how to complete your form, the latest course
listings, what to do if you want to take a year out and much more…
· Don't forget you can also apply electronically, via the Electronic Application
System (EAS).
· Finally remember to contact UCAS to ensure you have deadlines for university
applications (Tel No: 0870 1122 211)
The Facts
Recent UCAS Statistics Show (2001 Entry):
| Applications for Aeronautical Engineering Courses | Applications Accepted |
| TOTAL 1,870 | TOTAL 1,560 |
Source: UCAS Trotman Engineering Courses 2003
Where Next?… Postgraduate Study?
For those
who wish to continue to build upon their academic study, the UK also offers
an excellent range of postgraduate level aeronautical
engineering based degree courses. Postgraduate study provides a unique opportunity
to gain an in-depth understanding of advanced methods and techniques involved
in specific areas/fields of aeronautical engineering.
Postgraduates have the opportunity to enter the aerospace industry at a senior
level. They can enjoy accelerated career development and command high salaries.
However, a word of caution is in order. Postgraduate study is not a "soft"
option as the courses are very demanding. Moreover, some employers may prefer
industrial experience to advanced qualifications.
The Future.....
Where Can an Aeronautical Engineering Degree Take Me?
Aeronautical
engineering graduates are highly valued and are currently in great demand. An aeronautical
engineering degree not only provides the opportunity to develop technical knowledge
but also enables students to be classed as some of Britain's most talented individuals.
In addition a degree also helps develop transferable skills such as oral and written communication,
team working, analytical skills and time management, all of which provide a
sound basis for employment in aerospace industry.
In turn the aerospace industry provides an environment for innovation,
challenge, excellent
career development along both the technical and managerial routes. Few
industries can surpass the sheer variety and rewarding career opportunities
involving leading-edge technology.
A Word About Funding
Funding
for either a HND or Degree course is usually via a student loan. Limited financial
assistance may also be available from local education authorities. Additionally,
students accepted onto an engineering degree programme can consider applying
for industrial sponsorship.
Sponsorship / Industrial Placements
Types of Sponsorship
· Industrial Sponsorship - also known as student sponsorship, is usually
offered either in the third or the fourth year of a university degree course.
Under this type of sponsorship, students may complete either a summer vacation
placement or a full year out industrial placement, as part of their degree programme.
· Full Course Sponsorship - fewer opportunities are available for full course
sponsorship. In recent years there has been a decline in the number of companies
offering full sponsorship. Through this type of sponsorship scheme, an employer
sponsors a student for the full duration of their degree or diploma course.
· However, most companies prefer to offer industrial sponsorship, which is seen
to be more beneficial to both the individual and employer. For the individual
it means that they are not tied to one employer for the duration of their course.
From the employer perspective, they have a record of an individual's performance
on the course, and benefit from having students who have already gained a wide
range of skills from their degree course.
· A Guaranteed Job? - One of the prime reasons for companies offering sponsorship
schemes is to try and attract the very best graduates early on in their career
cycle. However, sponsorship does not guarantee you a job offer, although it
may well lead to an offer. It is also worth remembering that you are under no
legal obligation to accept a job offer from your sponsor.
· FACT - Companies can recruit up to 50% of their graduate intake through industrial
placements (Source: Target Engineering, GTi)
HELP!
For further information on funding and sponsorship, check out the following resources:
· Funderfinder
- is a CD-ROM designed to help you find funds for further study. It is available
in most universities and some career centres.
· Advice - The Department for Education & Skills (DfES) website offers
financial advice for higher education students living in England and Wales. www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport
· Postgraduate Funding - is more difficult to secure, but your main options
are:
A Career Development Loan - usually administered by selected banks on behalf
of the Department for Education and Skills (DfES). Loans cover up to 80% of
course fees. Repayments commence one month after you complete your course if
you gain employment or upto 6 months after, if you are unemployed.
- The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) - allocates
government funds to universities offering approved MSc courses. It is worth
contacting the Admissions Tutor to find out if your course is supported by an
EPSRC fund. Make enquiries early, as places are limited and in high demand.
- Some universities offer bursaries and sponsorship for selected courses. So
check availability.
- You may be fortunate to attract funding for an industrial sponsored place,
if what you are studying/researching relates to the industrial sponsors product
profile. But be warned, places are very limited and are usually given to company
employees.
- The new Learning and Skills Council (superseded Training and Enterprise Councils
(TECs) in April 2001) offer limited funding, particularly for individuals working
in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) or those self-employed - www.lsc.gov.uk
· "Engineering Opportunities 2005 for Students and Graduates" published
by Professional Engineering Publishing Ltd, is an authoritative guide to help
plan your career and provides information on Sponsorship and Graduate Training
Schemes. Further details are available from the IMechE, Email: education@imeche.org.uk
· Industrial Placements - If you are at university, speak to your university academic faculty/department and the careers advisory service. Many institutions have links to companies.
· You Can Do It!
Don't forget you can also approach companies yourself. Useful sources to obtain aerospace / related company contact details include:
These directories come in print and CD-ROM versions and are available from the
Royal Aeronautical Society's Technical Library and all good reference libraries.