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MSc in Aeronautical Engineering

University of the Witwatersrand and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Dual Masters of Science in Aeronautical Engineering

At last, postgraduate study in Aeronautical Engineering is available in South Africa.

The School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering at Wits has partnered with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to provide a dual Master's of Science (MSc) degree in Aeronautical Engineering ?– a first in Africa.

Through this exciting collaboration, candidates have the opportunity to enrol for an MSc by coursework and research report offered by Wits (attending in person) and Embry-Riddle (online).

Pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, this soon to be internationally recognised degree will allow students to graduate from both institutions, with a Master's in Aeronautical Engineering from the largest Aeronautical Engineering University on the African continent and from the best Aeronautical University in the World.

A tailor made partnership

Founded in 1896, the School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering has a proud history of generating some of South Africa’s leading engineers, providing graduates with strong design and research skills.

All undergraduate engineering degree programmes in the School are internationally accredited and recognised.

Wits is the only institution on the African continent to offer a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Aeronautical Engineering.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is currently ranked the best Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering University in the world. Embry-Riddle Worldwide provides online degrees and programmes to more than 22 000 students worldwide and holds the title of the #1 Best Online Bachelor’s Programme in 2016. The University offers a number of world leading graduate level programmes in fields relating to Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering. 

Through this partnership, postgraduate students will have access to the best courses and research opportunities that both institutions have to offer.  

Wits is the only University to date to partner with Embry-Riddle to provide a dual Master’s degree.

How the Programme Works

By completing the requirements of this degree programme, successful candidates will be awarded a Master of Science in Engineering in the field of Aeronautical Engineering qualification from Wits University and a Master of Science in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – one degree from two world-class institutions.

The cost of the programme is a benefit to local students. The dual degree partnership means that Wits students have the opportunity to undertake a Master’s degree from an international university while being able to pay in South African currency and at a reduced rate.

What will I be Studying?

The programme is run over three semesters, essentially a year and half, with students completing a number of prescribed and elective courses and a research project provided by the School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University and Embry-Riddle Worldwide.

The courses on offer range from lean manufacturing, systems engineering, and finite element analysis to aircraft and spacecraft development and aviation certification to mention but a few.

Click here for the full list of courses and descriptions.

In the first semester students are required to complete three prescribed courses taught by Wits and Embry-Riddle.

In the second semester students complete two elective courses, at least one of the 12 Embry-Riddle courses and either one of the 13 Wits courses or a second Embry-Riddle course.

Upon completion of the courses, a student will have to complete a research project in semester 3. The project is required to be written according to the standards and requirements of each institution and be submitted individually for assessment at the two universities.

Once both institutions have found the project to be at the required standard, the student will be award a dual Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from each institution.

Eligibility

A minimum of a Bachelors degree in Engineering and a graduating academic average of at least 65% is required to be admitted to the programme.

While completing the Embry-Riddle courses students are required to maintain a minimum of 80% grade average and cannot go below this average for more than one semester. Students whose cumulative grade average falls below this limit will be placed on academic warning. If their grade average is not at least above 80% within the next term of assessment, they run the possibility of being excluded from the programme.  

Information and Applications

A minimum of a Bachelors degree in Engineering and a graduating academic average of at least 65% is required to be admitted to the programme.

While completing the Embry-Riddle courses students are required to maintain a minimum of 80% grade average and cannot go below this average for more than one semester. Students whose cumulative grade average falls below this limit will be placed on academic warning. If their grade average is not at least above 80% within the next term of assessment, they run the possibility of being excluded from the programme.  

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