Indian Students’ Guide to Studying Aeronautical Engineering in the UK: 2025

Earning your Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering in the UK can help broaden your career prospects in aeronautics, enhancing your knowledge and skills with modular courses, practical projects, internships, and research, paving the way for exciting career opportunities in the aircraft industry.

In this article, we’ll learn about aeronautics and related fields, what a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering entails, and the benefits of following your master’s in aeronautical engineering in the UK. We’ll go over all the academic qualifications offered in the UK relevant to the aeronautical engineering field, followed by course content, programme duration, and specialisations you can follow as a master’s student in the UK.

We’ll also cover your career prospects with a master’s in aeronautical engineering in the UK, top universities you can consider, entry requirements, the application process, the cost of pursuing a master’s in aeronautical engineering in the UK, and scholarships you can apply for to support your education. Let’s get started.

What is Aeronautical Engineering?

Aeronautical engineering is the design, manufacture, testing, and maintenance of manned and unmanned aircraft, including aeroplanes, helicopters, drones, and missiles. In an aeronautical engineering course, you will study the principles of flight mechanics, computational fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, combustion and propulsion, aircraft design, and material science—the essential knowledge needed to work in aeronautics.

If you are interested in pursuing aeronautical engineering and developing the skills needed for careers in this field, you would need a strong background in physics, mathematics, chemistry, and computer science—and a passion for aircraft. Following advanced studies as well as intensive training, well-qualified and skilled aeronautical engineers may find career opportunities at NASA, major aircraft manufacturers like Boeing, and government defence agencies like the military.

Aeronautical engineering can sometimes be used interchangeably with aerospace engineering in the industry, but there are some key differences between these disciplines. So, we’ll have a look at the difference between aerospace engineering and aeronautical engineering next. 

Difference between Aerospace Engineering and Aeronautical Engineering

Aerospace engineering is a broad field of work and study that branches out into two specialties: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering. 

While aeronautical engineering focuses on designing and building aircrafts that fly within the earth’s atmosphere—like passenger planes, drones, and hovercrafts—aerospace engineering extends beyond the earth’s atmosphere. In addition to building aircrafts that fly within our atmosphere, aerospace engineering also includes spacecraft and space exploration.

What is astronautical engineering?

Astronautical engineering is the second branch of aerospace engineering, with a specific focus on designing, developing, and manufacturing spacecraft. 

In their line of work, astronautical engineers develop intelligent navigation systems and remote sensing for unmanned machinery sent out into space beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. Astronautical engineers are also involved in the manufacture or design of rockets, missiles, satellites, space capsules, and planetary probes—these are highly technical pieces of machinery and require a thorough understanding of control systems and core principles of physics, flight, and mathematics. 

In an astronautical engineering programme, students may study orbital mechanics, space systems engineering, satellite design, and space mission planning that prepare them for a career in spacecraft design and development. 

Although the specialisations of study are different in aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering, the two specialities have some overlap since the soft skills and some of the technical skills required in the two disciplines are similar. In this blog, we will be focusing on studying aeronautical engineering—if you want to explore courses in aerospace engineering, you can check our guide on studying aerospace engineering in the UK.

Why Study Aeronautical Engineering in the UK as an Indian Student 

Studying aeronautical engineering in the UK helps you improve your knowledge and skills that help build and advance your career in aeronautical engineering, through coursework, projects, and internship placements. Here’s how studying aeronautical engineering in the UK can benefit you:  

• Renowned universities: The universities in the UK offering aeronautical engineering programmes are sought-after for their subject expertise, most of them securing top positions in global subject rankings for universities.    

• Globally recognised qualifications: The master’s qualification for aeronautical engineering offered at UK universities is recognised worldwide. Upon completion of the programme, you are well-qualified to build your career at top employers like NASA, Boeing, Airbus, and the defence industry, especially with most career opportunities in the field requiring a master’s to be eligible for the roles. 

• Professional accreditation: Most of the UK's aeronautical engineering programmes are assessed and accredited by professional bodies like the Institution of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE), the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), and The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). This allows you to easily apply for membership in these societies, build your network in the industry, and advance your career with the leverage you gain from the accredited qualification.

• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and tech: As a specialised field of study, aeronautical engineering needs specifically designed facilities and tech to allow for optimal learning. The campus premises for aeronautical engineering studies at most UK universities are fitted with virtual learning environments, workshops, labs, aircraft hangars, and flight simulators needed to provide you a comprehensive learning experience, delivering field work and career training.

• Hands-on learning: Aeronautical engineering courses in the UK are designed to enhance your technical skills as well as soft skills essential for a career in the field. You will be participating in lab work, field work, practical projects, and internships that help develop your aptitude for an intensive career in aeronautics.

• Industry partnerships: The aeronautical engineering programmes in UK universities have strong ties to industry partners, giving you the opportunity to learn from working professionals in the industry and build connections in the industry and professional societies. 

• Professional training: Along with the field work included in your course schedules, you will also have the opportunity to complete a year-long internship in the UK or abroad at a reputed company.

• In-demand career possibilities: As an industry that requires niche talent, the knowledge, training, and professional accreditation you gain from your master’s in aeronautical engineering in the UK can give you a headstart in your career track, with many employers opening up opportunities for exceptional UK university alumni.  

• Earning potential: As a highly specialised industry, aeronautical engineering has a high earning potential—you can capitalise on this potential as a skilled professional with a recognised qualification from a UK university and field training facilitated by your programme. 

Studying aeronautical engineering in the UK can set you up for success in your line of work with the up-to-date knowledge you can gain, technical and soft skills you can develop through fieldwork, and industry connections you can leverage for your career. In the next section, we’ll explore how you can access this education to benefit from what aeronautical programmes in the UK offer at different levels of study.  

Aeronautical Engineering in the UK: Degree types

UK universities offer aeronautical engineering courses at all levels of study including undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies. Whether you are a school leaver or are completing your first degree, you can be eligible to apply for an aeronautical engineering course, provided you meet the academic requirements set by the programme. The following are the aeronautical engineering programmes offered in the UK at different study levels and the academic qualifications you can from each: 

Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering 

UK universities generally offer a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) qualification for undergraduate students in aeronautics. 

In an aeronautical engineering bachelor’s programme, you will cover the science, engineering, and manufacture of aircraft and racecars, and advanced flight systems. You will also study the principles of aeronautics including aerodynamics, avionics, and propulsion, gaining hands-on experience at student design studios, workshops, and professional manufacturing centres. 

In addition to the technical and soft skills you can develop throughout the programme, you can also gain a comprehensive understanding of the economic, legal, and environmental concerns around aircraft. You also have the opportunity to top-up your bachelor’s degree with a placement year in the industry, strengthening your professional skills and helping you stand out to employers.  

Master of Aeronautical Engineering 

Master’s courses in the UK for aeronautical engineering are commonly combined with a related discipline, like mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering, but the aeronautical component is designed to cover advanced subject areas in aeronautics. Starting from the principles of advanced aeronautical engineering, like the design and manufacture of fast-moving aircraft, you can study aircraft performance design, risk analysis, aircraft structural loading and stress analysis, flight control systems, experimental fluid mechanics, and more.

You will have the opportunity to work on an individual practical project, a group design project, and then a final dissertation based on an area of your interest that you want to specialise in. Similar to bachelor’s programmes, your master’s course can often be topped up with a year of study abroad and also a paid industry placement—these two years of hands-on learning and real-life application of your education can help you prepare for your career ahead, strengthening your technical and soft skills your employers would look for.  

Doctor of Aeronautical Engineering 

Doctoral programmes in aeronautical engineering may award the Doctor of Philosophy or the Doctor of Science qualification after an in-depth study and research in a topic related to advanced aeronautical engineering. You can apply for a doctoral programme in aeronautical engineering if you are aiming for leadership roles in the aeronautics industry or if you want to pursue a research career in academia. 

Some universities offer PhD programmes in highly specialised research areas in aeronautical engineering and if you are interested in conducting individual research on a preferred topic, you are encouraged to apply. You also have the opportunity to submit your own research proposal to be eligible for a doctoral programme, and once selected, you can continue your research supported by a supervising professor.  

According to your study level, you have the opportunity to apply for these programmes and strengthen your subject-specific knowledge and technical skills needed in the field. An overview of the subject areas you would cover in each of these programmes can help you understand if the course content aligns with your academic interests and career goals—let’s have a look at the subjects covered at each study level.

Aeronautical Engineering in the UK: Course Content and Duration

Starting from introduction to engineering design, aeronautical engineering education in the UK extends to advanced, highly specific research like aviation sustainability, ultra-efficient aircraft rotors, and computational fluid dynamics. The course content and schedule differ based on the offering university, but here’s a quick overview of the common subject areas you may cover in each programme and their duration. 

The course content in these programmes helps you learn and expand your knowledge about aeronautics, with a specific focus on developing technical skills required in the field. Most career opportunities in the industry require master’s level proficiency to be eligible to apply, so going over the master’s qualification awarded to aeronautical engineering students can help.

What is a Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering

A Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering is an advanced qualification designed to prepare students for advanced professional roles in the field of aeronautics. In a master’s course for aeronautical engineering, you would further your knowledge on the design, development, and testing of aircraft and spacecraft, learning aerodynamics, materials science, propulsion systems, flight mechanics, control engineering, and more.

In addition to theoretical and practical study, most universities offer you the opportunity to extend your aeronautical engineering degree with a year of study abroad or a year in the industry—or both. This opportunity helps you develop and master transferable technical and soft skills, increasing your chances of securing employment post-graduation. 

There are a few types of master’s courses that can get you ready for a career in aeronautical engineering: 

• Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering for postgraduate students

• • This course requires you to have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering or a related discipline and depending on the offering university, you may need to show work experience as well. There are master’s in science programmes that may be one or two years long, but most programmes are engineering programmes (MEng) spanning four to five years.

• Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering for undergraduate students

• This Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering programme is designed for school leavers—you can be eligible to apply for a master’s with your 12th Standard results without having to complete a bachelor’s degree. These programmes often start with a foundational year that covers principles of mathematics, physics, and engineering design to prepare you for advanced study from the second year. 

• Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering paired with a related discipline  

• Some master’s programmes in the UK deliver an aeronautical engineering degree complemented with a related discipline like astronautical engineering, spacecraft engineering, or machine engineering. These courses go into the specifics of both disciplines and if you are interested in advancing your knowledge and skills in two subjects, these programmes would be a fit. 

You have the chance to select the type of master’s course you want to pursue, depending on your preferences, academic background, and career goals. Let’s have a look at the common specialisations in aeronautical engineering and related disciplines you can follow, so you are better informed when considering your programme choices based on course content.  

Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering in the UK: Specialisations and related disciplines

Master’s courses in Aeronautical Engineering in the UK often include the option to specialise in a subject area of your choice and develop subject expertise, allowing you to enhance your employability in specialised roles. Here are a few specialisations you can follow as a part of your master’s programme in aeronautical engineering.  

Specialisations in Aeronautical Engineering 

• Aerodynamics: Explore the general and fundamental theory of 3-D viscous compressible flow and analyse practical issues related to experimental and applied aerodynamics.

• Autonomous vehicles: Introduce fundamental technologies in autonomous vehicles and share common vehicle control methods, sensor fusion techniques, and path planning/following algorithms.

• Avionics: Explore the electronic systems used on modern aircraft including the auto-pilot, navigation, communication, and flight instruments.

• Battery technology: Gain experience in the operation and performance analysis of batteries and explore the operation of electrified vehicle and aircraft powertrains.

• Material science: Discuss scientific fundamentals of materials through their structure and properties and design processes to manipulate materials for real-world applications.

• Propulsion: Learn the design, development, and optimisation of propulsion systems that harness the forces of thrust to enable flight in manned and unmanned aircraft.

In addition to the specialisations you can opt for, you also have the opportunity to learn aeronautical engineering alongside a related discipline if you choose a master’s course that combines two related subjects. Here are a few disciplines you may have the chance to pursue along with your aeronautical engineering studies. 

Disciplines related to Aeronautical Engineering 

• Astronautical engineering: Design and manufacture spacecraft, including rockets, missiles, satellites, space capsules, and planetary probes, applying the core principles of physics, flight, and mathematics.

• Mechanical engineering: Design, analyse, and manufacture technical systems and machinery using the principles of motion, energy, and force, ensuring that the designs function safely, efficiently, and reliably.

• Spacecraft engineering: Design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, rockets, and missiles, creating and testing prototypes to make sure they function effectively. 

Now that we have looked at a few specialisations in aeronautical engineering and related disciplines you can pursue to gain specialised knowledge and boost your employability, let’s go over a few professional roles you can aim for with your master’s in aeronautical engineering from the UK.  

Career Prospects with a Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering in the UK 

Aeronautical engineering is a highly specialised field with many career options available in the UK. Graduates in this field can expect to find employment opportunities with aerospace manufacturers, research institutions, and government agencies. Here are a few professional roles you can apply for with a master’s in aeronautical engineering in the UK and their salary potential you can reach with a few years’ of work experience.

Professions and salary potential with master’s in aeronautical engineering in the UK

Your subject expertise and field experience can qualify you for these professional roles in the industry, allowing you to gain work experience at world-renowned companies and government defence agencies. As you successfully complete your master’s in aeronautical engineering, you have the opportunity to prepare for these professional roles:  

• Aerodynamics engineer 

  • Plan and conduct aircraft tests, analyse aero physics, and evaluate materials for aircraft use.

  • Average annual salary: £94,256

• Aeronautical engineer

  • Handle the design and testing of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles, creating prototypes and coordinating testing phases with simulation software.

  • Average annual salary: £37,429

• Aeronautical engineering lecturer

  • Teach aeronautical engineering and conduct research on the subject.

  • Average annual salary: £33,901

• CAD technician

  • Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed technical plans for aircraft engineering projects.

  • Average annual salary: £25,142

• Design engineer

  • Utilise creativity and technical expertise to develop, research, and refine new aircraft designs.

  • Average annual salary: £79,569

• Engineering consultant

  • Offer expert advice on a range of aircraft engineering projects, liaise with clients, coordinate project teams, and develop project strategies.

  • Average annual salary: £54,054

• Helicopter engineer

  • Service and repair helicopters.

  • Average annual salary: £60,000

• Propulsion engineer

  • Design and produce propulsion parts for aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace structures and equipment.

  • Average annual salary: £49,500 

Salary data accessed from Salary Expert and PayScale in November 2024.

Now that we’ve looked at a few professional roles you can work towards with a Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering, let’s explore the top universities and programmes in the UK that can help you obtain this qualification.

Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering in the UK: Top Universities

These universities offer the most recognised master’s courses in aeronautical engineering in the UK. The programmes listed here award you the Master of Engineering (MEng) or the Master of Science (MSc) qualification, but the course content, programme duration, and eligibility criteria may differ for each university.

Since there are master’s courses in aeronautical engineering designed for both postgraduate and undergraduate students, the entry requirements for these courses can vary. Let’s have a closer look at the entry requirements of a few master’s courses including academic results and language proficiency scores. 

Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering in the UK: Entry Requirements

As a specialised subject, aeronautical engineering requires a strong STEM background in academics, with some universities requiring work experience to be eligible for a master’s. If you are applying for a master’s course designed for undergraduates, the eligibility criteria may be less strict. Here are the academic qualifications you need to apply for a master’s in aeronautical engineering in the UK.  

Academic qualifications needed for a Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering in the UK

The academic requirements for master’s in aeronautical engineering can be strict owing to the intensive nature of the course. At a minimum, you need to show good performance in related subjects like mathematics, physics, and chemistry, and in some universities, the minimum qualification can often be a second class upper division honours in a related bachelor’s degree. Listed below are the academic requirements of a few universities so you can understand what’s expected of you as an applicant and how the requirements can vary by university.

Required academic qualifications by universities for Aeronautical Engineering in the UK

Language proficiency tests needed for a Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering in the UK

UK universities require proof of your English language proficiency and will indicate which tests and test scores they accept. Generally, most universities accept IELTS or TOEFL. Most engineering programmes accept the test results within two years of taking the test, but it’s best to check the validity period of your English proficiency test scores while you check on the test score requirement for your preferred programme.

Required language proficiency tests by universities for a Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering in the UK

As the entry requirements vary depending on the university you’re applying to, you should be able to shortlist a few master’s programmes in aeronautical engineering that best fit your academic background. If you need support with researching universities in the UK that align with your qualifications and goals, counsellors at SI-UK can help—you can reach out to us for free support and guidance when you need it.  

Cost of Pursuing a Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering in the UK an Indian Student

You may have to make a significant financial investment when pursuing a Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering in the UK, with the annual tuition and living expenses taking up a large part of your funds. It’s best to factor in your expenses when you are researching universities to apply for so you can prepare your funding in advance. These are the costs you can expect to incur while studying for a master’s in the UK:

Tuition fees for a Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering

As an international student, a master’s in aeronautical engineering can cost you around £11,750 to £45,000 per year, depending on the offering university and the duration of your course. 

If you choose to top-up your degree with a study-abroad year or an industry placement year, you may incur additional costs that you pay out to the university. Usually, this payment is a fraction of the cost of annual tuition, but it’s best to check the payment terms listed on your preferred university’s website.  

Pre-arrival fees for a Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering

These are the costs involved in the application and admission process. The expenses can vary for each student, but a general breakdown may look like this:

• Student visa fee: £490 

• UCAS application fee: £28.50 for 2025 entry (If applicable) 

• Language proficiency tests: Approx. £115 

• The initial deposit paid out to the university to confirm your place in the programme: Depends on the programme (Some universities do not charge this fee)

Cost of living in the UK

The cost of living in the UK can vary depending on the region, so once you shortlist the universities and the programmes you would like to apply to, you can look into the cost of living in the area and plan your finances accordingly. 

Until then, here are some expenses that you can expect in your monthly cost of living:

These estimates can give you a general understanding of the costs you should consider, but the actual costs can be different as your living cost depends on the university you are applying for, any extra modules you add to your degree, the city you will be living in, and your lifestyle. Now that we’ve looked at the expenses you may expect, let’s find out how you can get support for your education in the UK with funding from a scholarship. 

Scholarships for Indian Students Applying for a Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering in the UK

Scholarships offered by universities and third-party organisations can support your education in the UK. Here are a few scholarships you may be eligible for as an Indian student.

Most universities offer funding support for international students with merit-based and need-based scholarships. When you go through the course details of your preferred programme, make sure to check on its scholarship listing—you might be eligible to apply for one or more scholarships offered by the university and external organisations in partnership with the university. If you need to find out more about postgraduate scholarships you may be eligible for, our scholarship search might help you. 

Applying for a Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering in the UK as an Indian Student

Some universities may require you to apply for their programmes through UCAS, and you can use the UCAS reference number of the course, usually listed in the university website with the respective course details. If you are instructed to apply through UCAS, you can find out how the application process works in our guide on applying through UCAS. 

In the case of most master’s in aeronautical engineering courses though, most universities in the UK require you to apply for a master’s in aeronautical engineering through their online platform, commonly called the Online Student Information System (OSIS). 

OSIS platform

Unique to each university, OSIS is an online platform where you can create a personal student account. You can add in your personal information as requested and once your application is complete, you can submit your application directly to the university. Once submitted, you also have the chance to track the status of your application. As universities maintain their own online systems for the OSIS, further details on creating an account and submitting your application is available on the ‘How to Apply’ section of each programme listing.    

Documents needed to apply

Whether you are applying through OSIS or UCAS, the documentation you have to submit alongside your application is similar—let’s have a look at the documents you need to prepare to make sure your application process goes smoothly.

• Statement of purpose: A personal essay that highlights your academic background, experience in social work, and your motivations for choosing the field of social work and the particular programme

• Letter of recommendation: A letter of endorsement from a professional/ mentor/ supervisor, recommending you for the programme 

• Academic transcripts: Your bachelor’s degree transcripts and records of other academic achievements  

• Resume: Your updated CV or resume

• Proof of language proficiency: Records of your English proficiency test scores

• ATAS certificate: The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate that allows you to study or research subjects related to military, weapons, or technology that support both. 

• Proof of funds: Financial records to show your capacity to fund your education in the UK

Putting these documents together is the first step in your application process—if you need further support with documentation and the steps that follow when applying to your master’s in aeronautical engineering in the UK, you can always reach out to our counsellors for support and guidance.  

Student Visa for Your Master’s in the UK as an Indian Student

Indian students entering the UK for studies need to apply for a student visa and, once your course is complete, you have the opportunity to apply for a graduate visa that allows you to extend your stay in the UK for two more years. Let’s find out how to apply for a student visa that lets you—and dependants—enter the UK once you are enrolled in your master’s programme. 

Visa application process to follow as an Indian postgraduate student

• Step 1: Fill in your student visa application form via the GOV.uk site
• Step 2: Submit your documents, either:
• Online when filling out your application 
• At a visa application centre 
• Step 3: Book a biometrics appointment with your closest visa application centre 
• Step 4: Attend your biometrics appointment and if you’ve chosen to do so, submit your documents on the same day
• Step 5: Attend a visa interview if you’re asked to do so

While this process can seem complicated and lengthy at first, preparing your documents early can give you a headstart with your visa application. If you need support with your visa application, our visa experts can help you through our visa assistance service. 

Documents needed for visa as an Indian postgraduate student

• A current passport 
• Your CAS from your university 
• Documents to show financial evidence, which can include:
1. A letter confirming an educational loan
2. Bank documents of current accounts, deposits, savings accounts, pensions, and/or investment accounts
3. A letter from your parents or guardian if they’re funding your studies, along with a legal document showing your relationship to them and their financial documents
4. A letter from your financial sponsor if you have one which includes their contact details and the amount of money they’ll provide for you
• Your ATAS certificate
• Your TB test results 
• Written consent from your financial sponsor (if applicable)

You can learn more about the visa application process and the documentation you need in our guide on UK Student Visa: Checklist of Documents You’ll Need To Apply. If you need further assistance with applying for your visa, you can access expert support with our Visa Service. 

A postgraduate qualification in aeronautical engineering from the UK helps you advance in your career, setting you up for success in highly specialised job roles in the field. If you are thinking of pursuing a master’s in aeronautical engineering in the UK, counsellors at SI-UK can help you explore your options and apply to the university of your choice.   

FAQs

How much does it cost to do a master’s in aeronautical engineering in the UK?

The tuition fee for a master's in aeronautical engineering in the UK can range from around £11,500 to £45,000. You may want to consider pre-arrival fees such as the visa application and university application fees and additional expenses such as rent, groceries, and travel to understand your overall study costs.

Is aeronautical engineering in demand in the UK?

Yes, employment in the aerospace sector in the UK has grown by almost 30% in the last 10 years. With experience, aeronautical engineering professionals in the UK can specialise in fields like:

• Aerodynamics
• Air accident investigation
• Fuel efficiency
• Space technology

Aeronautical engineers in the UK can also become project managers, consultant aerospace engineers, or move into technical sales roles.

How much do aeronautical engineers make in the UK?

The average annual salary of an aeronautical design engineer in the UK is £47,969 or an equivalent hourly rate of £23. More advanced roles like design engineering manager can earn upwards of £77,000 annually. 

What are the entry requirements for a master’s in aeronautical engineering in the UK?

If you are an international student looking to study a master’s in aeronautical engineering in the UK, here are the general entry requirements you need to meet:

• Academic degree: Undergraduate degree in any related subject stream with minimum second-class honours, upper division or an equivalent recognised qualification
• English proficiency: IELTS 6.0–7.0 (with no individual component less than 6.0) or equivalent

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