masters in aerospace engineering
28th Nov 2022
Madhuparna

Best Countries to Study Masters in Aerospace Engineering

Dream of working at NASA or ISRO? Discover the best MS programs in aerospace or aeronautical engineering. Chat with us for admission help.

What is the difference between Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering?

Aeronautics is the science of building or flying aircraft while aerospace is regarded as the branch of technology and industry that comprises both aviation and space flight.

Aeronautical engineers work with aircraft that stay within the earth’s atmosphere (airplanes and helicopters). On the other hand, aerospace engineers can be both aeronautical and astronautical engineers.

Astronautical engineers work with aircraft that function outside the earth’s atmosphere. This includes rockets, satellites, and other and spacecraft. A degree in aerospace engineering will cover them both of these domains.

Aerospace engineering involves the designing and building of both aircraft and spacecraft. A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering would include both the specializations. A bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering will focus on those vehicles that fly within the Earth’s atmosphere.

Qualifications

Eligibility Criteria

Aerospace engineering

Aerospace Engineers require a Bachelor’s degree to enter this field. Some university programs offer 5-year programs which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and also a master’s degree at the same time. The ABET usually accredits all Aerospace Engineering programs.

High school students who are interested in studying aerospace engineering should take courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. You will usually need three A levels, which includes maths and or physics. You will also require five GCSEs A-C, including maths, English, and science. You need to check with universities for exact entry details, as level 3 vocational qualifications in engineering may also be accepted.

Aeronautical engineering

To become an aeronautical engineer, a candidate must complete a bachelor’s degree program, in aerospace or aeronautical engineering. The program has to be approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Programs can take 4-5 years to complete.

Students wishing to pursue this program needs to begin their education by enrolling in core courses in mathematics, chemistry, and physics. Additionally, these programs require students to complete introductory labs in which they test the engineering principles that are applied to flight and propulsion.

Once you are done with the core requirements, it is essential to take up challenging classes which cover topics that include aerodynamics of airplane bodies to electrical systems in cockpits. After you are done with the fundamentals of flight and stability control, you need to focus on aircraft sensors and electrical components, along with wing structure and flaps. Programs also provide training in power generation for aircraft, which includes combustion engine design.

When you are in the senior years of a bachelor’s in aerospace/aeronautical engineering, you need to take part in lab and design courses. These courses often require in-depth research into several issues that range from construction materials to wing design.

While completing their assignments, students may also be responsible for simulating flight and modifying certain areas. Applying the knowledge, you can make changes in the models, test designs, and prepare class presentations.

Graduates must take two examinations and accrue four years of work experience to become licensed professional engineers (PEs) in their state. They can use the title of EIT, or engineer in training, after passing the first Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which can be taken any time after graduation. EITs must also complete a minimum of four years’ on-the-job training, after which they take the PE exam to become professional aeronautical engineers.

A mechanical Engineer can go for further studies in aerospace or related fields. You can pursue your career as an Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineer even with a mechanical engineering degree. In most of the colleges, aerospace engineering is usually a specialization of mechanical engineering. The reverse can also be true. Studying aerospace engineering doesn’t lock you into only aerospace jobs. You can still get mechanical engineering jobs and even other field jobs.

Skills Required

Aerospace engineering

To be a good aerospace engineer, you’ll need -

  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Good communication skills
  • Proficient in mathematics and IT
  • Knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM) software
  • Excellent technical knowledge
  • The ability to plan meticulously, prioritize and manage projects effectively

Aeronautical engineering

  • Strong mathematical, analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Technical expertise
  • Project and time management skills
  • Communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Creativity and innovative thinking
  • Attention to every specific detail
  • A keen awareness of safety issues
  • The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
  • A commitment to keeping up to date with technical developments
MS Degrees in Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering

Aerospace engineering:

Aerospace engineering majors learn how to use math and science to design and develop aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. They also study such topics as aerodynamics, orbits, launch, flight controls, and engines.

Aeronautical Engineering

The core subjects of Aeronautical Engineering are as follows:

  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Materials sciences
  • Structural Analysis
  • Propulsion
  • Automatic Control and Guidance
  • Aircraft Performance and Aircraft Structures
Requirements to Study

MS in Aeronautical Engineering

A bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in aerospace engineering or a related discipline (such as aircraft or mechanical engineering).

MS in Aerospace Engineering

A bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in aerospace engineering or a related discipline (such as aircraft or mechanical engineering).

What is the Duration of an Aerospace/Aeronautics MS Program?

Aerospace Engineering

A bachelor’s degree requiring four years of study is the minimum necessary to enter this field. Colleges and universities also offer graduate programs where students can obtain masters and doctoral degrees. The master’s program usually takes two years. An additional two to four years is needed to earn a doctorate.

Aeronautical Engineering

To become an aeronautical engineer, one needs to go for a four year Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering from a university program that is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). You need to take courses in mathematics, computer design, and physics.

The duration of your Masters in Aeronautical Engineering degree will usually vary depending on which university you study, but often, they are one or two years long. Many schools provide the opportunity to progress straight to a Ph.D., that extends the years of study by at least a few years.

Cost

Master’s program in Aerospace/ Aeronautical engineering

The average annual out-of-state cost for a bachelor program in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering is $45,496 with an estimated average four-year degree total cost of $181,984.

The approximate tuition fees for each of the countries are as follows:

  • USA - 54,722 USD/year
  • UK - 22.130 EUR/year
  • Canada - 22.700 CAD/year
  • Australia - 47,713 AUD/year
  • Sweden - 1,54,318.06 KR/year
  • Italy - 3,900 EUR/year
  • Germany - 140 EUR/year
  • Ireland - 14,000 EUR/year
Which is the best country for masters in Aerospace / Aeronautical engineering?

Russia is considered to be the best country for masters in Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering. As a developed country in every aspect, Russia offers many benefits to students. It is renowned for the best quality international education for decades.

Apart from Russia, other countries like USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Germany are some of the preferred countries for aerospace engineering. Below gievn are the some of the best universities which provide MS in aerospace engineering.

USA

Canada

UK

Australia

Germany

Sweden

Ireland

Italy

New Zealand

  • Air New Zealand Aviation Institute
  • Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology
What is the Scope and Career Prospects of an Aerospace/Aeronautics MS Program?

Aerospace engineering

Employment of aerospace engineers is usually projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Aircraft are being redesigned to cause less noise pollution and have better fuel efficiency, which will help sustain demand for research and development.

With a masters in aerospace engineering, one can get one of the job roles -

  • Aerospace engineer
  • CAD technician
  • Design engineer
  • Maintenance engineer
  • Manufacturing systems engineer
  • Materials engineer
  • Mechanical engineer
  • Aeronautical engineering

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is always a demand for both aeronautical engineers and aerospace engineers, which is growing at an average rate. It estimates that the job outlook for the aircraft industry will continue growing over the next decade.

Aeronautical engineers are needed to develop new products and redevelop current products as new rules and regulations call for quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft. Ongoing space exploration efforts, both by governments and private organizations, have created an increased need for experienced engineers.

Considered as one of the most technologically advanced branches of engineering, Aeronautical Engineers are always in demand. Aeronautical engineers are required in public and private Airline Services and also in aircraft-manufacturing units. Usually, in the beginning, the engineers are hired as Junior Engineers or graduate engineer trainees. After assessing their performance, they are promoted to a suitable designation in an organization.

Countries like the United States of America, France, UK, and Germany hire many Aeronautical Engineers. The salary of these engineers is offered based on their experience, skills, city of employment, and type of employer.

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Top Recruiters

Aeronautical Engineering

  • Boeing
  • NASA
  • ISRO
  • Air India
  • Airbus
  • DRDO
  • National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL)
  • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
  • Jet Airways
  • Spicejet

Aerospace engineering

  • Boeing
  • Honeywell Aerospace
  • Airbus
  • CAE Inc
  • Lockheed Martin Corp
  • Raytheon
  • Leonardo
  • Northrop Grumman
  • United Technologies (UTC)
  • GE
  • Safran
  • Rolls Royce
  • Meggitt PLC
Types of Jobs

Aeronautical engineering

Aeronautical Engineers not only work for the aviation industry, but they also work in Defense sector like Air Force. They implement scientific and technological principles to research, design, construct, and then test the performance of the civil, military weapons, along with testing aircraft and missiles. Maintenance of the same also falls under their job responsibility. These engineers make use of software like Computer-Aided Design (CAD) to develop the aircraft or related avionics. This branch also requires specialization in Mechanical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, and other similar fields.

Aerospace engineering

Aerospace engineers can specialize in designing different types of aerospace products, such as commercial and military airplanes and helicopters; remotely piloted aircraft and rotorcraft; spacecraft, including launch vehicles and satellites; and military missiles and rockets.

The commonly offered job profiles offered to Aeronautical and Aerospace engineers are:

  • Aircraft Engineers
  • Thermal Design Engineer
  • Aircraft Production Manager
  • Aerospace Design Checker
  • Aerospace engineer
  • CAD technician
  • Design engineer
  • Maintenance engineer
  • Manufacturing systems engineer
  • Materials engineer.
  • Mechanical engineer
What do aerospace engineers do daily?

The preliminary responsibilities as an aerospace engineer are to diagnose performance problems by reviewing performance reports or documentation from customers or field engineers or inspecting malfunctioning or damaged products.

A typical day for an aerospace engineer looks like this -

  • Direct design or development activities
  • Create models of engineering designs or methods
  • Investigate system, equipment, or product failures
  • Inspect equipment or systems
Can aerospace engineers become pilots?

To become a pilot, you need a bachelor’s degree in aircraft operations, aviation, aeronautical engineering, or a related field. Also, you will complete up to two months of ground training and need more than 1,500 hours of flight experience.

Working Hours

Aerospace engineering

Usually, they work 37 to 40 hours a week in an office or factory. You may travel to inspect or test aircraft at different sites.

Aeronautical engineering

The primary working week is 37 to 40 hours. However, engineers often work longer hours as work must be finished on time. Most engineers work shifts that include weekends to cover all flying hours. Some pre-flight checks take place outdoors in all weather conditions.

Salary

Aerospace and Aeronautical engineering

Aerospace Engineers earn an average yearly salary of 105,773 USD. Salaries typically start at 62,785 USD and go up to 152,816 USD.

On the other hand, the average salary for an aeronautical engineer is approximately 80,704 USD per year.

The median wage for an Aerospace Engineer with a Master’s Degree or an MBA is 128,483 USD – 136,601 USD.

The UK

Starting salaries range from £22,000 to £28,000. With experience, this can rise to between £28,000 and £40,000, depending on the level of your expertise. At senior levels, particularly if you gain chartered status, you can expect a salary of£45,000 to £60,000+.

Australia

The average pay is AU$37.21 per hour. The average salary for an Aerospace Engineer is AU$78,192 per year.

Canada

The average salary is C$76,276 per year. People in this job generally don’t have more than 20 years’ experience. For the first five to ten years in this position, pay increases steeply, but any new experience does not have a significant effect on pay.

Germany

The average pay is €56,715 per year.

Sweden

The national average salary for this job title is $70,062

France

The average pay is €41,985 per year.

Italy

The average salary in Italy is 64.475 € or an equivalent hourly rate of 31 €.

Singapore

The average pay is S$258 per hour. Per year, the average salary is S$49,332.

What is the salary of an aeronautical engineer in NASA?

$88,925 per year

How much does an aerospace engineer make at NASA?

The typical NASA Aerospace Engineer salary is $93,000. The wages at NASA can range from $55,000 – $143,809.

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