Rewarding & Technically Challenging Graduate Careers...

When we talk about Engineers, we can mean many things. If either automotive or aeronautical engineering appeal to you, you're probably the sort of person who enjoys a technical challenge.

The aerospace industry in the UK is world-class, and is one of the most diverse and technically advanced industries to be employed in today. Automotive design, development and production are significant employers, and the UK motorsport industry is recognised globally.

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Many UK universities offering aero and auto engineering degrees are globally distinguished - you will find more than 30 with BEng and MEng syllabuses listed. Also more advanced PhD courses are offered on some campuses. Diplomas and other vocational certifications are also available from some colleges. Most degree courses last from between three and five years, depending on whether the student is working towards BEng or MEng, and whether a year in industry is opted for.

Part-time sandwich training is also an option for those who prefer to split their time between studying and working. Engineering students can also look into sponsorship options which are provided by both private industry and the Armed Forces. With so many variables open to you, it's a good idea to really research everything that's on offer.

Auto Engineering

Automotive engineering covers everything to do with designing and building cars, motorbikes, trucks and buses. Today, it incorporates elements not only of mechanical and electrical engineering, but also electronic, safety and software engineering. With new technologies such as ultra low emissions, active suspensions, composite material structures and electric vehicles, there is much to challenge the thought processes of the student.

From initial concepts to manufacture, automotive engineering can be divided into three main streams. Product or design engineers will first design all the parts and test them to make sure they perform properly. Development engineers are concerned with the attributes or qualities of the complete vehicle. These engineers often have to liaise with designers on certain specs. Their work is then given to the manufacturing engineers, who establish how the vehicle will be built.

There's a terrific amount of knowledge for an automotive engineering student to learn. In addition to gaining comprehensive knowledge of automotive engineering and design, students should also learn transferable skills on a graduate programme. As safety is vital, designs have to go through various crash scenarios to test their impact on the vehicle occupants.

All the components of a vehicle have to do the job they're individually designed for, but also be brought together and function harmoniously. For that reason, students must understand something about systems engineering. Development engineers have to look at tradeoffs to gain an acceptable level of performance in all areas. Ultimately development engineering must meet the standards dictated by the manufacturer, the government and of course the buying public.

The process is ready for the manufacturing engineers once all the product design and development work has been done. Automotive manufacturing engineers plan both the building of the component parts and the entire vehicle. This complex discipline is sometimes regarded as the most esteemed area of automotive engineering.

Aeronautical Engineers

Our obsession with flight over the years has created this very diverse and exciting branch of engineering. Studying for an aeronautical engineering degree will prepare you for a successful and highly respected career within the aerospace industry. You might also be interested to know that the development and design of a Formula One racing car uses aerospace technology!

Flight vehicles are faced with huge stresses on take-off, flight and landing. As such, aircraft vehicles are usually the product of many aerospace engineering technologies, for example avionics, propulsion and aerodynamics. The aeronautical engineer will choose his or her speciality. Training courses will go into depth on aircraft design and flight mechanics, and feature a strong emphasis on analysis.

Analytics is essentially problem-solving, and deals with things like dynamics and fluid mechanics. In recent years advances in computing mean that simulations can be used to test the behaviour of fluid, which lessens the need for expensive wind tunnel research. (Students though will still carry out wind tunnel tests, and engage in experiments using jet engines).

Both Auto and Aero engineering students will benefit from a good deal of practical application. All engineering students will get the chance to contribute to a practical group assignment to create an automobile or flight vehicle. Automotive and Aeronautical Engineering training courses may also cover more broad-based subjects and transferable skills. They could include things like communication skills and time management.

Highly skilled engineering professionals can pursue a variety of extremely rewarding career opportunities that involve leading-edge technology. For information about joining a professional body upon completion of your training, refer to the Engineering Council, or SARTOR (the Standards and Routes to Registration).