Faculty of Engineering

Aeronautical engineering

Revolutionise the next generation of aircraft and become a leader in the aerospace industry

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What is aeronautical engineering?

Aeronautical engineering is the design, production, testing and maintenance of aircraft, aerospace vehicles and their systems. This includes conventional fixed-wing aircraft as well as helicopters, spacecraft and drones.

What do aeronautical engineers do?

Aeronautical engineers design, construct and operate aircraft, aerospace vehicles and propulsion systems. An aeronautical engineer needs a sound understanding of the mathematics, physics, computer science, materials science and design philosophy to apply their skills in a variety of important areas in the global aerospace industry.

They also lead the way in many other fields of science and technology, so graduates are in demand in other areas, including low-speed aerodynamics such as automobile design, navigation systems, and computer operation and software engineering.

What careers could you have?

  • Improve flight safety, fuel efficiency, operational systems, and the environmental impact of air travel.
  • As an aerodynamicist or design engineer, you can design and develop products in fields such as formula and endurance racing, or the automotive industry.
  • Take your skills into the defence industry, specialising in military aircraft, rockets, satellites, and helicopters.
  • Become an aerodynamicist, design engineer, navigation systems engineer, automotive designer or aircraft engineer, among many other career options.
  • Work for renowned companies like Boeing, Airbus and Qantas, or start your own business.
  • Design, build and test new designs for small unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).

The Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Aeronautical Engineering),Master of Professional Engineering (Aerospace Engineering) and Master of Professional Engineering (Accelerated) (Aerospace Engineering) are is accredited by Engineers Australia.

Our graduates are also recognised internationally through the Washington Accord of the International Engineering Alliance. Your degree can take you anywhere in the world.

Why study aeronautical engineering with us?

There are many reasons for choosing the University of Sydney to study aeronautical engineering:

  • Use the 360-degree rotating cockpit simulator, the only simulator of its kind at an Australian university, that allows researchers and students to replicate the experience of piloting any aircraft, from an A380 to a spaceship.
  • Take the award-winning Professional Engagement Program: change your approach to learning through self-reflection, and undertake a six-week internship to gain valuable firsthand experience.
  • Choose a stream specialisation or broaden your studies with a breadth specialisation. 
  • You may also be eligible to undertake the Space Engineering program in conjunction with this degree– the only program of its kind in Australia.