How to become an aerospace engineer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
University
You could do a degree in aerospace engineering, avionics, or a subject like:
- electrical or electronic engineering
- mechanical engineering
- manufacturing or product engineering
- physics or applied physics
- software engineering or mathematics
Postgraduate study
If your degree is not in aerospace engineering or aeronautics, you might find it helpful to do a master's degree in aeronautical or aerospace engineering.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths
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College
You could do a higher national certificate (HNC) or diploma (HND) in engineering before applying for a technician level job with an aerospace company.
Subjects include:
- Level 4 HNC Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
- Level 5 HND Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering
- Level 5 HND Diploma in Electrical Engineering
To become a fully qualified engineer, you would then need to do more training.
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course
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Apprenticeship
You could do an apprenticeship that is relevant to the aerospace industry like:
- Aerospace Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
- Electro-mechanical Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
- Materials Science Technologist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
- Materials Process Engineer Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship
- Power and Propulsion Gas Turbine Engineer Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship
Some employers might accept other types of engineering apprenticeships that are higher or degree level.
You'll combine learning in the workplace with studying for a degree at an approved university.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You might be able to join a company as an aerospace engineering technician and do training on the job to qualify as an engineer.
Direct Application
You can apply for aerospace engineering jobs directly if you've got qualifications and experience. For example, you might have worked in mechanical, electrical or electronics engineering.
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Further information
You can find out more about careers in aerospace engineering from Careers in Aerospace.