Aeronautical engineering

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

Aeronautical engineering

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

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.

2nd in Australia

in Australia and 52nd globally for mechanical, aeronautical & manufacturing engineering (2025 QS Subject Rankings)

Work anywhere

Work anywhere with your degree accredited internationally by Engineers Australia, and recognised by the Washington Accord.

High graduate salary

Graduate salaries start at $76K per annum (Glassdoor).

Pursue your passion

Combining your degree with a second degree in arts, commerce, science, laws or project management.

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 (Mechanical Engineering) and Master of Professional Engineering (Accelerated) (Mechanical 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.

Courses

Aeronautical engineering courses

Whether you are a seasoned professional looking to upskill or have the desire to pursue research, we have many course options available. Postgraduate mechanical engineering degrees offer pathways to aeronautical streams.

View postgraduate coursework scholarships

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.

Engineering the next generation of space travel

As Australia’s only dedicated undergraduate space engineering degree, our Bachelor of Engineering Honours with Space Engineering is the ideal program for those students wanting to succeed in the new era of deep space exploration and development.

10 reasons to study engineering at Sydney

Our Bachelor of Engineering Honours degree is the ideal degree for students wanting to gain the technical skills and professional real-world experiences to innovate sustainable solutions to the world’s biggest problems.