Our rankings
Ranked 65th globally for engineering and technology by the 2021 QS University Rankings by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th globally for employability by the 2022 QS Graduate Employability Rankings.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely whilst the Australian border remains closed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely.
About this course
The Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Aeronautical) develops a comprehensive understanding of the design process and operation of aircraft within the Earth's atmosphere and in space. By combining practical learning and industry experience, this program will equip you for the aerospace industry's next evolution.
As an aeronautical engineering student, you will be taught by leading professionals within the aerospace industry through hands-on learning throughout your degree. You will develop a complex understanding of flight vehicle design, including knowledge of aerodynamics, propulsion systems, structural design, materials, avionics, and stability and control systems.
All students in the Bachelor of Engineering Honours undertake enhanced foundation studies in data and computation, and a sequence of real-world project units throughout their degree, enabling you to apply technical knowledge in practice.
During your degree you will participate in construction of a light aircraft, developing a multifaceted knowledge of design, operations and aeronautical regulations. Through this process you will also learn that maintaining and operating a flight vehicle requires a deep understanding of materials, reliability and maintenance. This knowledge will equip you to structurally analyse and assess aircraft for repairs.
In your third year you will conduct hands-on experiments with wind-tunnel tests, gain elementary flying experience and design your own industry-style test projects. You will complete a final-year honours thesis that enables you to specialise in a particular aerospace field, such as helicopter design, structural optimisation or experimental aerodynamics.
As part of your degree you will undertake the award-winning Professional Engagement Program, enabling you to change your approach to learning through self-reflection and extra-curricular activities throughout your degree.
The specialisations availble in Aeronautical Engineering are:
You may also broaden your studies by choosing a specialisation in:
Prospective students who meet requirements may be eligible to undertake the Space Engineering program in conjunction with this stream.
Depends on your qualification, citizenship status
Prospective domestic students apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) for a Commonwealth supported place . Refer to the UAC website for key dates. Separate scholarship deadlines apply, visit the scholarships website for details.
For other useful information, visit our How to apply page.
Current University of Sydney students applying to transfer from one bachelor's degree to another apply directly to the University. The exact process will depend on the course you are currently in and the course to which you wish to transfer. For more information visit the Change your course page.
Current students applying to transfer from a diploma to a bachelor's degree must apply through UAC.
Refer to the UAC website . Separate Scholarship deadlines apply - visit the scholarships webpage for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
Visit the How to apply page for detailed information on if you need to apply directly to the University or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). If you are a direct applicant, when you are ready to apply select the `Apply’ button on this course page.
Current University of Sydney students applying to transfer from one bachelor's degree to another apply directly to the University. The exact process will depend on the course you are currently in and the course to which you wish to transfer. For more information visit the Change your course page.
Closing dates
Direct applicants:
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year.
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year.
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - visit the scholarships webpage for details.
UAC Applicants: Refer to the UAC website
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
To complete the Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Aeronautical Engineering) you must undertake 192 credit points (cp) worth of units (ie, subjects), which will take 4 years of full-time study.
A typical unit of study has a value of 6cp. Full-time students normally enrol in 48 cp worth of units each year.
During the degree you will study:
This course includes mandatory completion of the Professional Engagement Program (PEP) - see Work Component section.
Mandatory work component = 200 hours.
The work component must be completed as part of the award requirements and is undertaken as part of the Professional Engagement Program (PEP).
Professional Engagement Program (PEP)
The program requires completion of 600 hours of professional engagement experiences integrated continuously throughout the degree.
It is designed to allow students to contextualise their learning, enhance their own professional development, and build the foundations of a strong professional engineering career.
The professional engagement activities are spread over 3 flexible stages and involves:
| Year | Sem | Unit of study | |||
| The Professional Engagement Program (PEP) is embedded throughout each semester of the degree. | |||||
| 1 | 1 | Mathematics | Introduction to Engineering Computing | Introduction to Aerospace Engineering | Introduction to Electromechanical Systems |
| 2 | Mathematics | Intro to Aircraft Construction and Design | Materials 1 | Engineering Mechanics | |
| 2 | 1 | Multidisciplinary Engineering | Engineering Analysis | Engineering Dynamics | Aerospace Design 1 |
| 2 | Introductory Thermofluids | Mechanics of Solids | Aircraft Performance and Operations | Analysis of Aerospace Engineering Data | |
| 3 | 1 | Interdisciplinary Engineering | System Dynamics and Control | Propulsion | Aerospace Structures 1 |
| 2 | Aerospace Design 2 | Aerodynamics 1 | Flight Mechanics 1 | Open elective | |
| 4 | 1 | Thesis A | Aerospace Design 3 | Aeronautical core extension unit | Open elective |
| 2 | Thesis B | Aeronautical core extension unit | Open elective | Open elective | |
HSC Mathematics Extension 1 and Physics. If you attempt engineering without this prior level of knowledge of Mathematics you may experience difficulty, so you are strongly advised to undertake an appropriate bridging course.
This course has an integrated Honours program, with all students undertaking a research thesis in the final year.
Admission this course is on the basis of the following criteria:
Admission pathways are open to domestic applicants on the basis of equity or other adjustment factors, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. For details, visit admission pathways.
This course has a mathematics course prerequisite. For details on the prerequisite, and how it applies to you, visit: Mathematics course prerequisites.
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
The Faculty of Engineering offers one-year exchange programs with partner universities in Europe, Asia and North America.
The Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Aeronautical Engineering) includes the opportunity to undertake practical flying training.
You will complete work placements and practical simulation using wind tunnel technology and flight simulators, and work on actual aircraft and aircraft components to measure structural and aerodynamic characteristics.
In addition to your Professional Engagement Program (PEP) commitments, there are opportunities to join a diverse range of engineering student societies and engage in outreach activities, industry placements and competitions throughout your degree.
This course is accredited by Engineers Australia and by other major professional engineering institutions. Our graduates are also recognised internationally through the Washington Accord of the International Engineering Alliance.
"The best part about studying and learning online has been the wonderful support network I’ve experienced. Staff and my fellow students have been eager to support one another, and I feel that both lecturers and students have gone above and beyond. During this online learning period, it has been immensely valuable to me."
Irina Tyan
Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Aeronautical) and Bachelor of Commerce
