Engineering
Space & Defence
Degree
Aerospace Engineer
Design, test and improve aircraft, spacecraft and their systems, from wings to propulsion.
A day in the life
Run computer simulations of airflow, review wind-tunnel data, work with materials specialists, and help assemble prototype parts.
Entry routes
- A-level Physics + Maths (Further Maths useful)
- Accredited Aerospace / Mechanical Engineering degree
- Graduate scheme or engineering apprenticeship
Typical salary
£26,000-£32,000 to £70,000+
Mid-career: £40,000-£60,000
Chartership and project-lead roles increase senior pay.
UK employers
- Rolls-Royce
- BAE Systems
- Airbus UK
- Reaction Engines
Worldwide employers
- Boeing
- Lockheed Martin
- SpaceX
- Airbus
Useful route links
These links are good starting points for courses, apprenticeships, graduate routes and professional training. They open the official or specialist sites rather than another summary page.
UCAS course search: aerospace engineering
Compare degree prospectuses, entry requirements, open days and course structures.
ucas.com
Engineering apprenticeships
Search current engineering apprenticeship and degree apprenticeship vacancies.
findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk
UK Space Agency recruitment
Official recruitment information for the UK Space Agency.
gov.uk
UCAS Physics and astronomy courses
Search UK undergraduate physics, astrophysics and related degree options.
ucas.com
Prospects: what can I do with a physics degree?
Independent overview of careers that physics graduates enter.
prospects.ac.uk
Find an apprenticeship on GOV.UK
Search current apprenticeship and degree apprenticeship vacancies in England.
gov.uk
Key skills
Explore related careers
Sources and further reading
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