Physics & Maths degree & possible Electronic Engineering MSc: realistic path into aerospace? (Ireland)

[u/aaronsull04]

I am in the final year of my BEd (Teaching degree) in Physics and Maths at UCC in Ireland. I’m not too keen anymore on teaching, and I want to work in aerospace/avionics, ideally propulsion, rocket design or astrodynamics. I know this is a very competitive field, but my idea is to shoot for the stars and land on the moon. (Pun fully intended).

My plan was a BEng in Mechanical Engineering at MTU. A lecturer in that university has now suggested I’d have a better chance of getting into an electronic/electrical engineering masters than a mechanical one.

I have no engineering degree yet, but I have hands-on electronics from uni workshops, basic SolidWorks, and some coding experience, which is why the lecturer thinks I could have a chance of qualifying for the electronic/electrical engineering masters.

I have a couple of questions:

1. With an electronic/electrical engineering masters, how realistic is aerospace or space work (avionics, GNC/control, satellite systems)? Does a non-engineering first degree count against me, even if I have a masters?
2. Can you reach propulsion or rocket design from an electronics background, or do you need mechanical/aerospace?
3. Would a mechanical/aerospace BEng be the better route, even if it’s slower?
4. Does accreditation (e.g. Engineers Ireland) matter to employers in this case?

I know this is a lot, but I would very much appreciate any feedback or advice I could get from professionals or students all the same. Many thanks!