A young university student in a lab coat, examining an aircraft model in a wind tunnel test chamber, with monitors displaying aerodynamic thermal analysis in a realistic aerospace engineering laboratory

DEGREE GUIDE

Aeronautical Engineering

What do Aeronautical Engineering degrees involve?

Aeronautical Engineering degrees teach you how to design, build, and maintain aircraft and aerospace systems, combining science, mathematics, and technology. You will explore key areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, materials science, and flight mechanics. These courses help you develop strong problem-solving and analytical skills while learning how to optimise aircraft performance, safety, and efficiency. You will also gain hands-on experience with simulation software, wind tunnels, and aerospace materials testing. Through lab work, design projects, and industry collaborations, you’ll build the expertise needed for careers in aviation, aerospace engineering, and defence technology.

Example
Modules

Aerodynamics: Study the behaviour of air and its interaction with objects like aircraft wings, focusing on fluid dynamics principles to understand lift and drag forces.

Flight Dynamics and Control: Analyse stability and control mechanisms, learning how to predict and influence the behaviour of aircraft in flight.

Aircraft Structures: Examine the design and analysis of airframe components, understanding material selection, stress analysis, and structural integrity under various conditions.

Common Degree Names

💼 Placement years in industry are widely available and encouraged.
🌍 Study abroad is offered at some universities.

BEng (Hons) Aeronautical Engineering
BSc (Hons) Aeronautical Engineering
MEng Aeronautical Engineering
BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering
BEng (Hons) Aeronautical Engineering with Pilot Studies

BSc and BEng cover similar material; BEng is the standard professional route. MEng is a four-year integrated Master’s degree often required for Chartered Engineer status.

An aircraft wing cross-section model on a workbench surrounded by engineering blueprints, precision components and a tablet showing technical drawings, illustrating the hands-on design work in aeronautical engineering

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL)/ Scottish Highers)

Aeronautical Engineering is about designing and developing aircraft and the systems that keep them flying. The technical nature of the subject means most courses require strong maths and science skills.

You'll need:

Maths – essential for calculations, design work, and problem-solving
Physics – vital for understanding aerodynamics, materials, and flight mechanics

Subjects that could strengthen your application:

Further Maths – valuable for competitive courses
Chemistry, Computer Science, or Design & Technology – useful supporting subjects

✨ Maths and Physics together is essential to keep the widest range of courses open. If you're missing one, foundation years can help bridge the gap.

Vocational qualifications are also accepted by many universities:

BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering – usually alongside A-level Maths.
T-levels in Engineering and Manufacturing.
IBCP or Cambridge Pre-U with relevant technical or science-based units.

✨Always check the exact entry requirements for the institutions you are considering on their own websites.

Level 2 (GCSE / MYP / National 5)

To prepare for an Aeronautical Engineering degree, you'll typically need:

GCSE Maths and English at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
Physics or Combined Science – helpful for building a strong foundation before A-level or equivalent study.

✈️ Practical interests—like building model planes, joining STEM clubs, or entering design competitions—can also boost your application and give you hands-on experience.

💬 Interviews
Most universities don’t require interviews. However, some top engineering programmes—like those at Cambridge or Imperial—may invite you to talk through your interests and problem-solving skills.

📝 Admissions Tests
Most courses don’t require a test, but if you're applying to Cambridge or Imperial, you’ll need to take the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT). It covers Maths and Physics to assess your readiness for the course.

If your qualifications don’t quite meet the standard requirements, there are still good options available:

🌱 Engineering Foundation Year
A Year 0 programme that helps you build the required skills and knowledge to progress to the full degree.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma in Engineering or Science
Ideal for mature learners or students from non-traditional backgrounds.

💼 Level 3 Engineering Apprenticeships
These can provide valuable experience and sometimes lead to higher education opportunities later.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in an Aeronatuical Engineering degree

Analytical & Critical Thinking: Understand and solve complex engineering problems by analysing aircraft designs and performance.
Numeracy & Financial Literacy: Confidently use mathematics and physics to design and evaluate aircraft systems.
Technical & Practical Skills: Gain hands-on experience with engineering tools, technologies, and manufacturing processes used in aircraft design.
Problem-Solving: Learn to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve real-world engineering issues in aviation projects.
Digital Literacy & IT Skills: Use advanced software and simulation tools to model and test aeronautical systems and components.
Attention to Detail: Develop precision and accuracy when designing, testing, and evaluating aircraft parts and systems.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Work effectively as part of multidisciplinary teams on projects involving engineers, technicians, and specialists.
Adaptability & Resilience: Successfully handle changing project requirements, unexpected challenges, and evolving aerospace technologies.
Sustainability & Ethical Awareness: Understand environmental considerations and the ethical responsibilities involved in aerospace engineering.

Is this a good fit for you?

Use the tabs to explore the kind of person that this would be a good fit for. Do you share the Interests, Motivations and Values that people who thrive in this course tend to have? How does it compare to your Holland code?

Not sure what your Holland Code is? Want to get a better understanding of yourself to help you understand if this would fit you? Explore our pages on Self-Knowledge here.

Interests that would make an Aeronautical Engineering degree a good match for you

Careers an Aeronautical Engineering degree could lead you to