Advanced Engineering Studies For A New Career
A large number of disciplines come under the umbrella of Engineering. Should you fancy yourself as an aeronautical or automotive engineer, you're probably hoping to stretch yourself technically and logically. In the UK, the aerospace industry competes on the world stage, and is a front runner in scientific and technological developments. Automotive design, development and production are significant employers, and the UK motorsport industry is recognised globally.
Finding The Right Training Courses
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. (Other colleges and institutions offer training in the subjects as well).
Undergraduates can take the opportunity to put the knowledge and experience they've gained in the first two years of their degree programme into practice by taking a one year industrial placement in year three.
Those who need the facility to work alongside their study programme may find they can do a sandwich course. Engineering students can also look into sponsorship options which are provided by both private industry and the Armed Forces. As you do your research into the different training options, look for details of graduate sponsorship programmes.
Auto Engineering
Automotive engineering has come a long way in the last hundred years. The automotive engineer's skills are tested right from the initial design concepts. As standards are constantly set to improve to accommodate global issues, new technologies such as ultra low emissions are being introduced.
Let's take a look at the engineering stages we go through in the production of a vehicle. First comes design. These engineers have to design all the component parts and systems on a vehicle. The engineering attributes of an automobile are the responsibility of development engineers. They liaise with designers with regard to technical specifications and so on. Last of all come the manufacturers, who determine how to put the vehicle together.
There are a great deal of product disciplines for the auto engineering student to take on board. Subjects will include performance, ergonomics, emissions, fuel economy, aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics to name but a few.
Auto engineers must be fully conversant with safety engineering - so tests are done for example to check resistance to rollover, seat belt and air bag functionality and front and side crash impacts.
All components have to function well for the job they're designed to do, but they also have to work synergistically with the whole vehicle. For that reason, students must understand something about systems engineering. Sometimes opposing requirements have to be taken through a trade-off process, to ensure each system doesn't compromise another. Ultimately development engineering must meet the standards dictated by the manufacturer, the government and of course the buying public.
Once the designers and developers are absolutely satisfied that everything is ready, the manufacturing engineers take over. Manufacturing engineering is involved with a wide assortment of tasks related to the planning and engineering of assembly. At every assembly plant, manufacturing engineers have to plan out the body shop, the area for engine and transmission placement and the chassis and trim area.
Aeronautical Engineering
We think of aeronautical engineering as the science of aircraft, but it also embraces space technology and missiles. Those who study aeronautical engineering should be able to challenge conventional thinking. The aerospace industry needs people who are technical, analytical and lateral, who can also work well with others. (Some aerospace engineers go into Formula One design and development as well.)
Atmospheric pressure and temperature changes place huge stresses on aircraft during flights. Consequently the building of an aircraft will take many engineering disciplines and aeronautical engineers will all deal in specialist technologies. Training courses will go into depth on aircraft design and flight mechanics, and feature a strong emphasis on analysis.
Examples of analytical subjects are Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Dynamics. Much of what you will learn is based on theoretical mathematics, but empirical testing also comes into it - admittedly largely in the form of simulations. (However students will still carry out experiments using jet engines, large structural testing machines and wind tunnels).
Group ventures are important when learning engineering skills. Both BEng and MEng degree courses will incorporate practical project work to be carried out in teams. Engineering degrees will also allow students to learn various other subjects and skills. Subjects to choose from might include European languages, presentation skills and teamwork.
Highly skilled engineering professionals can pursue a variety of extremely rewarding career opportunities that involve leading-edge technology. Graduates and Post-graduates can gain professional recognition as Incorporated Engineers or Chartered Engineers.
