Mechanical/manufacturing to Aeronautical...
 

Well, here's how my studies are going at the moment.,. I need some advice as to my options, so here goes.

I haven't had a good year academically. As I type, I have over half my exams to repeat, and since I didn't get the course work done, I'm out of contention for a Merit or Destinction. Although it might look bad, I'm sure I can at least pass the exams in August, and get my National Higher Diploma in Mechanical Engineering this year.

As far as transferring to Aerospace Engineering in Limerick is concerned, I've missed the boat. I've no chance of getting the grades to transfer to the 3-more-years Aero Honours degree down there. It looks like I'll be doing an add-on year to get an Ordinary Degree in either Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering (depending on places). Trying again next year is an option, but I'd be over-qualified, and in their words, I'd be "wasting a year". The more I study Mechanical Engineering, I'm told, the more I divert from the Aerospace subjects.

So, what I'd like to know, is what are my options in Aircraft Design? Could I get a job now, with my HND? what about when I get an Ordinary Degree? Are there courses in the UK (I know there isn't here in Ireland) which give Mech Eng graduates (would I be called one?) the aerospace modules? Do I need to relearn a foreign language?

Generally the big aerospace firms are looking for their engineers to have an honours degree. However, if it's possible, get your ordinary degree under your belt and speak to some advisers at the college/university. You may be able to qualify for a MSc course with the degree, and then take it from there. If you really want to do the honours degree, then don't let the uni people put you off. A friend of mine did an HND before going on to do an honours degree.

Good luck :ok:

Mc

Have you tried contacting the Aeronautical Dept. at Queen's University Belfast yet? If you want to stay in "Ireland" they might be worth contacting if you get no joy with Limerick.

Is that not a an ordinary degree now.

Has it not changed that

Certificate = National Certificate = Level 6
Diploma = Ordinary Degree = Level 7
Degree = Honours Degree = Level 8

So are you doing an Honours or Ordinary Degree if you pass your exams?

grafity,

An HND is an HND. Not to be confused with an ordinary degree which would - for example - be a BSc.

An honours degree in engineering is B.Eng whereas an honours degree in science would be BSc (Hons), and an ordinary degree in engineering would be a BSc also. Again, not to be confused by a Higher National Diploma.

Hope that helps in clearing it up....:ugh:

grafiti has it right (ish). I'm getting a Level 6 qualification this year, and I should scratch it, if I shovel on the cramming. In a year's time (when I'll move) it will be a Level 7 qualification.

Thanks for the replies. Funny enough, I'm willing to go back a year or so if I can get a place in the UK next year. I was thinking of spending a few years in London (I was thinking of it before last week's attacks, and they haven't influenced me for or against) for pure life experience. I'm in Dublin at the moment, so I don't kow really. One side is pulling me in the "stay close to home & support" direction, the other saying "get out and find yourself". My main focus at the moment,though, must be getting the repeat exams in August. Without those, it's repeat the year and pay fees.