Aeronautical Engineering



Aeronautical Engineering

The Aeronautical Engineer develops, designs and tests aircraft, missiles, satellites and other aeronautical systems. Although UCT does not offer a degree with the words ‘aeronautical’ or ‘aeronautics’ in its title, the EBE Faculty through its degree programmes in the major engineering disciplines, provides a broad foundation for any person who wishes to pursue a career in any of the more specialized fields of engineering. Prospective students are advised not to specialize at too earlier a stage but to follow one of the broad based degree programmes.

Aeronautical engineering itself, has a large number of fields of specialization. For example, if a student is interested in propulsion systems, it would be advisable for them to study Mechanical Engineering. If they were interested in the airframe and its structure, then either Civil or Mechanical engineering would provide a good grounding. If a student were more interested in flight control and automated flight, then Electrical and Electronic Engineering would be the route to follow. Those interested in the aerodynamic shape of the aircraft we would advise that they follow Mechanical Engineering.

The First Year programmes of study in the various disciplines are fairly similar. It is therefore possible for a student, who has successfully passed the year, to move easily from one discipline to another, without having to take too many extra subjects. In some cases there is absolutely no difference between the core subjects taken during first year.

Practical training during the vacation time is an important component of the undergraduate degree programmes in engineering. This requirement provides students with an ideal opportunity to arrange their training to be served with an organization in their particular field of interest. During the final year of undergraduate study, all engineering students are required to undertake a thesis project. Here again, it is possible for a student to work in their particular area of interest. For example, a student may undertake a project in a subject field associated with aeronautics or aeronautical engineering.

Students wishing to pursue aeronautical or aeronautics engineering further could continue studying for a Masters degree in areas such as; Aerodynamics, Guidance and control, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Structural analysis, Propulsion or some other area of specialization. They could also enter the work environment, working in their field of interest. Within the work place, their employer would continue their training either by on the job training or by sponsorship to enable them to study overseas. Studying at UCT opens doors of opportunities as UCT degrees are internationally recognized and therefore accepted for study or work overseas.

Roger Wood

Schools Liaison Officer

EBE Faculty

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