You might have heard of the cool word “rocket scientists” when you were a kid. With an aerospace engineering degree you will actually be considered a rocket scientist, making you the person with the coolest job in the room.
Aerospace Engineering degrees pave the way for people interested in building and maintenance of aircrafts and spacecrafts. So if you are someone who is fascinated by the built of the once ground-breaking invention, aircrafts, this would be the perfect course for you.
The Australian aerospace industry generated a revenue of around AU$4 billion as of 2019. To service the growing air traffic NSW’s aerospace industry needs approximately 253,000 pilots and 256,000 aircraft technicians over the next 20 years. Hence, you do not have to worry about the demand for aerospace engineers because it has been skyrocketing.
Down below, we have the essential guide to kick-starting your career as an aerospace engineer or as your 9-year-old self might call it a “rocket scientist”.
What is Aerospace Engineering?
Aerospace engineering is one of the most challenging branches of engineering which mainly involves the designing, building, and maintenance of aircrafts, spacecrafts and even missiles and weapon systems. Flight safety, fuel efficiency, operational costs, and environmental impact are some of the main focuses of this degree.
In aerospace engineering you may get to choose between the research, development and testing side of the profession or the maintenance side of the profession. Typically aerospace engineering encompasses the task of calculating the project costs, writing manuals, upgrading and developing new technologies.
In this digital day and age, aerospace engineers are also now getting into computer-aided design software for plans. With experience, you might also get to investigate malfunctioning parts of aircrafts and air crashes too.
Aerospace Engineering students typically need to apply concepts involving mathematics, science and technology to the development of aircrafts. Specialisms in this degree include, aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics and system integration.
What Will You Study in Aerospace Engineering?
Aerospace engineering may take upto 4-5 years depending on the type of qualification that you choose. Modules in aerospace engineering may include:
- Fluid mathematics and thermodynamics
- Numerical and experimental methods
- Solid mechanics
- Structural mechanics
- Airframe design
- Flight dynamics and control
- Flight testing and analysis
- Computer aided engineering
- Gas dynamics
- Research thesis (for honours)
You will also get to complete work placements where you will get to work on actual aircrafts.
What Are The Skills You Need to be an Aerospace Engineer?
Since the work environment is interdisciplinary, having a clear understanding of how aerospace engineering relates to other engineering disciplines is crucial. Moreover, considering the fact that aerospace engineers work with international partners, language skills and the ability to work with a team is essential. Here are some of the skills you might need to work on if you want to be an aerospace engineer:
- Strong mathematical, analytical and problem solving skills
- Technical expertise
- Creativity and innovative thinking
- Strong awareness of safety issues
- Attention to detail
- Project and time management
- Keeping up to date with technical developments
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
What Are The Career Opportunities for Aerospace Engineering Graduates?
Even though the task of an aerospace engineer involves designing and operating aircrafts, their careers are far more diverse than it might sound.
Aerospace engineers can pursue rewarding careers across a range of sectors such as:
- Space
- Aeronautical
- Defence
- National Security
- Airline
- Transportation
- Maritime Construction
- Consulting
General Entry Requirements for Aerospace Engineering in Australia
AUS Year 12 ATAR | 86.85 |
STPM | 9.4 , with a local of 3 subjects excluding General Studies |
A-level | Minimum of 2 A levels with A grades, including Mathematics, Physics/Chemistry |
UEC | Average score of 3 where, A1=1; A2=2; B3=3; B4=4; B5=5; B6=6 |
International Baccalaureate Diploma | 31 |
*The requirements may vary among universities, for inquiries on other entry requirements, contact Excel Education.
General English Language Requirements for International Students
IELTS | 6.5 |
TOEFL IBT | 85 |
University Cambridge – CAE | 162 |
Pearson (PTE): | 61 |
*The requirements may vary among universities, for inquiries on other entry requirements, contact Excel Education.
Top 5 Universities to Study Aerospace Engineering in Australia
1. University of New South Wales (UNSW)
UNSW is ranked the top university in Australia for engineering and technology. It is also ranked 38th in the world based on the 2019 QS World University Rankings. UNSW also has a 5 star rating for employability, helping you move forward with your career after graduation.
Course Details
Program | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Aerospace Engineering) |
Intake | February | May | September |
Duration | 4 years (full time) |
Indicative Fees | Contact Excel Education |
2. University of Sydney
University of Sydney is ranked 65th in the world for engineering and technology according QS World University Rankings 2021. It is also ranked 1st for employability in Australia and 4th globally by the 2020 QS Graduate Employability Rankings.
Course Details
Program | Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Aeronautical Engineering) |
Intake | February | July |
Duration | 4 years (full time) |
Indicative Fees | Contact Excel Education |
3. University of Queensland
University of Queensland is no.1 for engineering and technology in Queensland and 85th in the world according to QS World University Rankings 2021.
Course Details
Program | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Aerospace Engineering |
Intake | February | July |
Duration | 4 years (full time) |
Indicative Fees | Contact Excel Education |
4. RMIT University
If you want to go for a course with slightly lower entry requirements compared to the other universities, you should check out this course at RMIT University.
Course Details
Program | Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace Engineering) (Honours) |
Intake | February | July |
Duration | 4 years (full time) |
Indicative Fees | Contact Excel Education |
5. Queens University of Technology (QUT)
QUT is ranked 217th in the world in the 2021 QS World University Rankings.
Course Details
Program | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Aerospace) |
Intake | February | May | September |
Duration | 4 years (full time) |
Indicative Fees | Contact Excel Education |
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