Aeronautical engineering is the branch of the engineering which deals with flight – specifically the machines which allow us to fly. A degree in the subject, therefore, is ideal for those with their head in the clouds! It is a discipline with a long history – after all, flying has always held a certain appeal. We’ve certainly come a long way from Leonardo Da Vinci’s early sketches of conceptual flying machines, through the primitive experiments that eventually led to the Wright brothers’ famous flight of 1903, to eventually reach the sophistication of modern flying machines. As with other branches of engineering, you will need to gain an initial grounding in mathematics and physics first, as well as other essentials such as mechanics and electronics which are essential when it comes to designing and building the modern day flying machine. After this, you’ll learn how aircraft work in detail, and learn how to participate in the industry. Finally, you can move on to tackling some of the problems and challenges posed by flying – no matter how far we’ve come, there’s still plenty of scope for improvement. You can look at things like materials, controls and – of increasing significance – how to make the process of flight more environmentally sound. As with all scientific disciplines, the further you get along, the more scope there is for pursuing your own personal interests.

sure you study a professionally accredited course too). For the same reason, undergraduate programs often last longer than non-engineering disciplines. Many programs will offer you the opportunity to study for a master’s degree from the beginning, without having to graduate and apply again. Aeronautical engineering is big business, so career prospects are strong and your options will be numerous. Whether you want to get your hands dirty, design or consult, there is plenty of scope in the commercial, scientific and military sectors (in the last of these, you can also deal with weaponry if you’re so inclined). Engineering management is a popular path for aeronautical engineers, and there is always the option of a research career if you want to really push the boundaries of what’s possible. And if you want to inspire the next generation of aeronautical engineering, you can teach. If you only do a bachelor’s degree, you will be afforded plenty of scope to change discipline as a result of the numerical, mechanical and scientific knowledge. Whatever you do, it will be essential for you to keep up with developments in the field throughout your career.