Masters courses

[BigToe1]

Hi everyone,

I have an honours degree in physics and am currently considering a career change in the future. In order to get into the area I would like, qualifications in aerospace engineering are ideal. Since I already have a degree in physics I was wondering if anyone is aware of suitable masters courses (or even if it would be possible?) since I would rather not commit to another degree. Also I work full time and am having difficulty finding distance learning courses. Do they exist?

Many thanks for any help

[a1rm4n]

Indeed they exist - see the post by Genghis the Engineer:

http://www.pprune.org/engineers-technicians/535420-anybody-want-msc.html

There are a few options listed within the link posted in that thread and it also gives you the details of how you can apply for a bursary.

I'm currently doing a part-time MSc in Aircraft Maintenance Management and I can tell you it's hard work with a full-time job - but of course worth it in the end.

I agree that an aeronautical engineering qualification would be ideal but it doesn't hurt trying or asking the question (if you haven't already). Times have certainly changed though since where I'm working some people, now at senior levels, had joined with a degree in physics - go further back and some had no degrees at all but that's a different story. This was quite some time ago though so today things are as you say.

[BigToe1]

Thanks very much for your reply a1rm4n. I'll have a look through the link you provided. Since no one has laughed at me trying to do an engineering MSc with a physics degree I'm assuming that it would be a suitable background for the MSc?

[a1rm4n]

Why wouldn't it be? Of course it depends on your specialism, some are more relevant than others but what is engineering if not the understanding of physics and forging of that understanding into a solution?

From there on, your only areas of potential concern are the MSc entry requirements but these tend to be much broader than the equivalent undergraduate degree requirements against A-Levels.

Finally, getting chartered down the line by a professional membership body would also involve making sure that the MSc you will apply for is accredited. The Engineering Council is your friend in that case: http://www.engc.org.uk/faq/academic-qualifications/is-my-course-accredited. (http://www.engc.org.uk/faq/academic-qualifications/is-my-course-accredited)

What's your specialism or line of work involving your current degree if you don't mind sharing?

[Genghis the Engineer]

Thanks very much for your reply a1rm4n. I'll have a look through the link you provided. Since no one has laughed at me trying to do an engineering MSc with a physics degree I'm assuming that it would be a suitable background for the MSc?

Quite a few people with Physics BScs then do engineering MScs of one sort or another. The only thing you will struggle with if pursuing an aerospace MSc is the basic background of aeronautical knowledge that would be pre-assumed in anybody with an Aero BEng. There are ways to plug that gap however - for example just go and do the technical subjects for PPL groundschool at your local flying club (and ideally then read up on same for ATPL).

G