Originally Posted by
MarkR1981
Genghis. Do you know if there any reputable distance learning degree programs available in the UK for aeronautical engineering. If not I will probably look to sign up with Embry Riddle Worldwide. So if anyone has had any experience doing distance learning with Embry I would be interested to know. Also how well regarded are Embry Degrees in the UK and/or USA?
Sorry for the very slow reply, I'd just not checked this thread for a week or so.
No, there are no distance learning degree courses for aeronautical engineering in the UK. There should be, it is a major omission - there are many able people working at different levels in the aerospace engineering industry, for whom a BEng would be a huge career boost - but because they have families, mortgages and the like, doing a degree full time is just not an option.
The obvious provider, would be a collaboration of the OU and Cranfield - they're in the same town, and between them they have the skillset, but I'm not aware that they've ever shown any interest.
I've been on a hobby horse about this for years, but so far it's done me no good. I won't stop trying, but I'm in a weak position to do anything right now.
Regarding Embry-Riddle, they're second rate in engineering university terms, but they are a very good provider of distance learning packages, which most first rate universities are not. At-least, not at undergraduate level - there are plenty of MSc opportunities. I'd look at them favourably for somebody who can't study full time, and wants an aerospace professional degree.
That said, I also agree with K_9 - if you can do it full time, that will always (educationally) be the better option. The amount of material, the access to labs, the collaboration with other students, all work better in a full time environment. If you've not actually worked in the industry, it's the only route: I'd only consider a part time degree if you already have industry knowledge but need the academics.
G