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EduSCOT
Engineering & Technology

How to Become an Aerospace Engineer in Scotland

Design aircraft, satellites and the systems that fly them — Scotland builds more small satellites than anywhere in Europe.

Maths and Physics both at A

AAAB typical; Glasgow wants AABB by the end of S5

Two Scottish degrees, both RAeS-accredited

Glasgow is the UK's largest small-satellite builder

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Highers You Need

Typical entry: AAAB at Higher. You also need English (C) at National 5.

Required Highers

  • Maths— Grade A at both Glasgow and Strathclyde
  • Physics or Engineering Science— Grade A at both; Glasgow accepts Engineering Science in place of Physics

Route to Qualification

Degree: BEng / MEng Aerospace Engineering (Glasgow) or Aero-Mechanical Engineering (Strathclyde) (4 years at university).

1

BEng (4 years) or MEng (5 years), accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society and IMechE

4–5 years

2

Chartered Engineer (CEng) through the RAeS or IMechE after graduate experience

4+ years after graduating

Scottish Universities Offering This Course

Scottish-domiciled students can apply through UCAS and have tuition fees funded by SAAS.

  • University of Glasgow
  • University of Strathclyde

Professional Registration

To practise as a Aerospace Engineer in Scotland, you must register with the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS). Registration is required by law and must be maintained through continuing professional development.

Salary in Scotland

Starting salary

~£30,000

Newly qualified

Mid-career salary

up to £70,000

5–10 years experience

National Careers Service aerospace engineer profile (read 14 September 2026): £30,000 starter to £70,000 experienced, UK-wide.

EduSCOT note

The two Scottish aerospace degrees ask for the highest Higher grades of any engineering course here — Maths and Physics both at A — because the course is applied mathematics from the first week. Glasgow's space cluster and Prestwick's maintenance and manufacturing base mean the graduate jobs are in Scotland, which is not true of every engineering discipline.

Subject choice guide

Planning your S3 or S5 Highers with Aerospace Engineer in mind? Read the detailed guide.

Subject choices for Aerospace Engineer

Frequently Asked Questions

What Highers do you need to become a Aerospace Engineer in Scotland?▾
To become a Aerospace Engineer in Scotland, you typically need Higher Maths, Physics or Engineering Science. The typical grade offer is AAAB. You also need English (C) at National 5 level.
Which Scottish universities offer BEng / MEng Aerospace Engineering?▾
The following Scottish universities offer routes into Aerospace Engineer careers: University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde. Scottish-domiciled students are eligible for tuition fee funding through SAAS.
How long does it take to become a Aerospace Engineer in Scotland?▾
The main degree route takes 4 years. Alternative routes include: Chartered Engineer (CEng) through the RAeS or IMechE after graduate experience (4+ years after graduating). After completing the degree, registration with Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) is required before you can practise.
What is the salary for a Aerospace Engineer in Scotland?▾
Starting salary for a Aerospace Engineer in Scotland is typically ~£30,000. Mid-career salary is typically up to £70,000. National Careers Service aerospace engineer profile (read 14 September 2026): £30,000 starter to £70,000 experienced, UK-wide.
Is there an apprenticeship route to becoming a Aerospace Engineer in Scotland?▾
There is currently no Graduate Apprenticeship route for Aerospace Engineer in Scotland. The standard route is the BEng (4 years) or MEng (5 years), accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society and IMechE.
Does SAAS cover tuition fees for Aerospace Engineer degrees in Scotland?▾
Scottish-domiciled students studying BEng / MEng Aerospace Engineering at a Scottish university are eligible for SAAS (Student Awards Agency Scotland) tuition fee funding. For 4-year undergraduate degrees, SAAS covers tuition in full. Professional or postgraduate stages (such as a Diploma in Legal Practice or pre-registration year) may not be covered — check the SAAS website for your specific course.