Ayrshire College homepage
Back to all courses

NC Aeronautical Engineering

This course isn’t currently open for applications, but you can still register your interest.

  • Qualifications National Qualifications
  • SCQF Level SCQF Level 6
  • Study mode Full-time
  • Campus Ayr
  • Start date August 2026
  • Duration 36 weeks
More information

Attendance/Duration

Full-time, one year

Overview

Aerospace is a high profile industry which focuses on the design and manufacture of a wide range of aircraft, systems and equipment. It also involves the maintenance and repair of aircraft products. Aerospace offers superb career opportunities for those who are technical, practical and genuinely fascinated by flight. It is a key sector within the Ayrshire economy and we work very closely with local employers, ensuring our courses offer the skills and training they look for in employees. So if you love to fix things and are passionate about aircraft and aviation, this could be just the course for you. We're the only college in Scotland to offer it, plus you'll have the added benefits of learning in our purpose-built, state of the art Aeronautical Engineering Training Centre, and being taught by aviation industry experts.

Entry Requirements

To join this exciting course, ideally you would have four relevant National 5s or equivalent, including Maths and Physics, or have successfully completed a relevant course at SCQF Level 5 and achieved Maths at SCQF Level 5 or above.

Please note that a pass in National 5 Applications of Maths does not meet the entry requirements for this course.

If you don't have all of these qualifications but have a real passion for aircraft and aviation, we may still consider your application.

Course Content

Delve into the fascinating aspects of aeronautical engineering:

  • Explore fundamental theories of flight, including aerofoil sections, lift generation, and drag forces.
  • Examine aircraft systems, covering mechanical, fluid, electrical, and avionic components.
  • Learn about electrical technology and how it is applied within the aerospace industry.
  • Study engineering materials, understanding their properties and structural changes.
  • Develop your maths and IT skills within an aeronautical engineering contex.

In our workshop, gain hands-on experience in sheet metalwork, using aircraft grade materials, documentation, tools, and equipment correctly. Learn essential aviation workshop practices, including Health and Safety, interpreting engineering drawings, and manufacturing or repairing a simple aircraft artifact. Throughout the course, you'll build transferable essential skills such as communication, numeracy, ICT, teamwork, and problem-solving using industry-standard equipment and software.

Next Steps and Career Opportunities

After this course, you may have the opportunity to:

  • Progress to HNC Aircraft Engineering (SCQF Level 7)
  • Start your career in aeronautical engineering, exploring roles like aircraft mechanic and sheet metal worker secure apprenticeships or employment with renowned employers like Collins Aerospace, Spirit AeroSystems and Ryanair

Take the first step toward an exciting future. Contact us for more information or to start your application.