Postgraduate Courses in Aeronautical Engineering

The UK aerospace industry is world-class and is at the forefront of scientific and technological developments. This makes it one of the most diverse, technically advanced, challenging and exciting industries to work in today. A postgraduate course in aeronautical engineering provides a unique opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of advanced methods and techniques involved in specific areas/fields of the industry. Studying a postgraduate course in aeronautical engineering can be your passport to a successful and rewarding career. The UK is renowned for its excellence in aeronautical engineering. It has a very high concentration of aeronautical engineering based courses at postgraduate level. Indeed, there are over 32 UK universities offering aeronautical engineering based courses. Many of these universities can boast international reputations.

What is the study of aeronautical engineering?
Studying a postgraduate course will involve turning ideas into reality 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.

Who studies aeronautical engineering?
Individuals who study postgraduate courses 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.

What academic qualifications do I need?
A good honours degree in a mechanical engineering- related subject is usually the requirement for entry into postgraduate courses in aeronautical engineering. However, if you have an HNC/HND and around five years of professional experience, you may be considered for some postgraduate courses.

Professional Bodies
On completion of an accredited postgraduate course in aeronautical engineering you will have a suitable academic base for obtaining professional recognition as an Incorporated Engineer or Chartered Engineer. 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. In addition the RAeS accredits a wide range of company training programmes.

In the UK the national body for engineering is the Engineering Council. It promotes and advances the science and practice of engineering to ensure that the UK is well served by its engineering resources. The Engineering Council works in partnership with the professional institutions. As part of this endeavour, the Standards and Routes to Registration (SARTOR) sets out the standards and formation routes to provide a world-class engineering workforce capable of maximising its technological developments.

The benefits

The benefits of doing a postgraduate course in aeronautical engineering cannot be overemphasized. As a postgraduate you will not only have the opportunity to develop technical knowledge but you will also be classed as some of Britain's most talented individuals. The postgraduate course also helps develops transferable skills such as oral and written communication, teamworking, analytical skills and time management, all of which provide a sound basis for employment in the aerospace industry.



Furthermore the aerospace industry provides an environment for innovation, excellent career development along both the technical and managerial routes. Indeed very few industries offer such varied and rewarding career opportunities involving leading-edge technology.

The Future
Aeronautical engineers are at the forefront of technology. The UK aerospace industry attracts the very best people, and there are opportunities to enter the aerospace industry at many levels. Indeed aeronautical engineering postgraduates are highly valued and are currently in great demand. With the boom in air travel, the demand for highly skilled engineering professionals far outstrips supply. It is envisaged that this will continue far into the new millennium, ensuring that employment prospects remain buoyant.

Career opportunities can be found with:

• Many leading aerospace employers
• The Armed Forces
• Government departments such as the Department for Trade and Industry (DTI), Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Department for Environment, Transport and Regions (DETR)
• Agencies like the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) and Defence Procurement Agency (DPA)
• Regulatory authorities like the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
• Airline operators

Small and medium employers (SMEs) who provide technical services or manufacture specialist products to supply to the aerospace industry

Studying a postgraduate course in aeronautical engineering gives you the opportunity to enter the aerospace industry at a senior level. As a postgraduate you can enjoy accelerated career development and command high salaries. Why not reach for the sky and be a part of the World-Class UK Aerospace industry. Let it capture your imagination and apply for a postgraduate course in aeronautical engineering now!

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