Avionics - University of Glasgow.

[revit]

Hi,

I recently got an unconditional offer to study either Avionics or Aeronautical Engineering at Glasgow. Just got to make my final decision! Im quite set on avionics but don't want to write of Aeronautical just yet.

Has anyone else done either of the courses? Did you enjoy it? Would having a PPL be of much help?

What are the job prospects? Is the work interesting? Is there much/any further training required post graduation?

Sorry for all the questions!

Any replies much appreciated.

Thanks,

Gordy

[lovezzin]

I Just Graduated last summer from Univeristy in Aeronautical Engineering. I know work for a major aero company. I would recomend you do Avionics. There is a big shortage of people across the industry, so it increases your employability after graduation.

Aero Eng is a very broad degree, it touches upon all aspecs of engineering, from structures, aerodynamics, materials through to some ( i only did 3 modules out of 36) avionics. I believe i was only just made it into the avionics job im in now from my disertation.

However, avionics is only focusing on one aspect of aviation and could get tiresome after a while? but personally in reto-spect, i woulda gone for avionics!!

Congrats on the unconditional place, Glasgow was my 2nd choice for uni, its a good place!! but you will BLATENTLY end up work for BAE Systems!

[revit]

Lovezzin,

Thanks for taking the time to reply - much appreciated! :)
Avionics is the course for me. I will do more research before making my final decision!

Thanks again,
Gordy

['India-Mike]

If you chose to do Avionics at Glasgow, you'll be one of the last. The degree is soon to be replaced by an Aerospace Systems programme that better reflects the needs of industry.

Avionics in British Universities was the bastard child of aero and electrical degree programmes in the 1980's, just when fly-by-wire, glass cockpits and GPS for navigation looked as though they heralded a bright new and completely different aeronautical dawn. Didn't happen quite that way.

Avionics at Glasgow has suffered from a high drop-out rate over the years. Suggest you speak with the admissions officer to refine your choice and ask about the new systems programme.

Would a PPL help? Not at all. But there's nothing to beat an an engineer who can fly as well:ok:

[McAero]

I graduated in 2005 from the Avionics course and have been working in the south-east of England since. I was recently involved with the department providing feedback on the new proposed degree course. To be honest, there's not much Avionics actually involved (albeit a 4th year course entitled Avionics). You get the best of the Aero courses, and there's a hefty bit of work from Electronics and Electrical Engineering involved, so you have to be very adaptable! Flight mechanics one hour, and then switching to electronic circuit design the next!
Unlike the Aero course which includes some non-engineering modules, due to the collaboration between Aero and EEE for Avionics, it's completely engineering based. The result is 4 years of solid engineering. It's not easy and you'll find a lot of your peers will drop out after the first few months to a year so be prepared to knuckle down and get stuck in early.

Best of luck with the choice.

If you've got any more questions, I'd be more than happy to help :ok:

Mc