Aerospace
Most people will have studied engineering or aerospace engineering while at university which will give them a head start on industry specific knowledge. If a student has studied maths or physics, further study (an MSc) will help to build on that knowledge although graduate schemes will develop your skills beyond degree level too. However, an MSc is required to become a chartered engineer and this will really enhance your career prospects. Many universities offer their engineering courses on a four year basis so that the masters is incorporated into your degree. Alternatively this can be arranged separately giving you more options into which area you would like to specify.

Once graduated from an MSc, you will be required to fulfil two years of work experience before you can gain accreditation. After your two years experience you will have to go through a professional review where you submit your application with a portfolio and go through an interview. This gives candidates more professional recognition and greater career prospects within the aerospace industry.

Defence
To join as an officer from university, defence departments are looking for students that have gained GCSE English and Maths and 180 UCAS points. From here on in things are very open due to the wide nature of roles available covering many different sectors and industries. To be an operational officer the course that you have studied is of less importance, as they are more interested in personal qualities. As your position becomes more specialist, further training and education may be required and development is always encouraged.