Aerospace Engineering in UK

This professionally accredited course aims to provide you with a broad base of engineering, computational and analytical skills, as well as the specific knowledge and experience required for careers in the aeronautical industry.

You also have the chance to complete an integrated year abroad at one of our partner universities where you can challenge yourself in a different academic and cultural environment. You will then return to Imperial to complete your studies during your fifth and final year.

Mechanical engineers are recognised for their knowledge and skills in conceiving, designing, implementing and operating devices, machines, engines and energy systems.

You'll learn how to design aircraft engines, control systems, landing gear and about the many complex parts which sustain flight.

Many of the aero-related topics, such as aerodynamics and lightweight structures, are of special interest and value to a wide variety of engineering activities outside the field of aeronautics.

Graduates from the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering - which is consistently rated in the top 10 such departments in the UK -  are part of a new breed of engineer who can take on challenges ranging from traditional industries to areas such as new materials, sustainable development and aerospace.

Study abroad is an option for all Mechanical Engineering courses. 

Aerospace engineering is a rapidly changing and challenging discipline in which areas such as aerodynamics, flight mechanics and performance, wind energy, propulsion, aerospace structure and materials and space engineering and robotics are being studied and researched. Addressing the future sustainability of air transport, earth bounded transport systems and indeed performance of sport vehicles such as Formula 1 cars depends on the innovations in which aerodynamics, flight performance, propulsion, and materials play an essential role.

In Year 1 you’ll build a strong foundation in fundamental engineering concepts such as fluid mechanics, design, materials and mathematical modelling, whilst being introduced to Aerospace engineering through our ‘Explore Aerospace Engineering’ module. Modules in design and experimental practice, will help you to develop the practical workshop and laboratory-based skills necessary for all engineers, and put core programme material into perspective and to practical use.

During Years 2 and 3, you’ll develop your understanding of this rapidly changing and challenging discipline studying areas including flight mechanics and performance, and aircraft and spacecraft design. We’ll also explore innovation in aerodynamics, flight performance, propulsion and materials and how these fields can be used to address the future sustainability of both air and space transport, as well as earth-bounded vehicles and energy technologies such as cars and wind turbines.

Students who choose to take the MEng degree will learn advanced modules and carry out an industry or research-linked project that focuses on solving real engineering research and design problems. Recent projects have included designing and constructing a rocket capable of breaking the UK altitude record and designing a solar-powered racing car.

We place strong emphasis not only on the technical content of our modules, such as mechanics, thermodynamics and design, but also on the cross discipline skills vital for an engineer to function in the work place. We have mapped the modules in our programmes to a range of attributes that we would like our students to attain, within the areas of creativity, resilience, communication and professional practice in order to produce well-rounded, interested and highly employable graduates. This mapping ensures these skills are embedded in the technical modules on the programmes. This not only ensures that the students develop technical knowledge and understanding as they progress through their degree, but it also gives us the confidence that students will graduate with skills they can apply to a range of future careers or higher-level study.

We've recently undertaken a review of our programmes to ensure that they will prepare you for life beyond 2030 and ensure they reflect the global challenges facing both our society and your future as engineers. We have developed the modules we offer in consultation with our students, staff and industry to enhance your student experience and graduate employability.

If you don’t have the right grades to enrol directly on to our BEng (Hons) Aeronautical Engineering degree, you could opt to start your studies with a foundation year. The extra year is intended to give you the best possible preparation for success on the degree pathway. You’ll study introductory modules relevant to the degree course whilst developing key skills for academic study.

The BEng (Hons) Aeronautical Engineering programme was developed in close consultation with industry professional bodies, including and the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) to boost your employability.

You’ll study the engineering principles needed for a career in the aerospace industry, and you’ll gain practical experience on campus in our state-of-the-art Aerospace Centre. Weather permitting, you’ll also take to the skies with flight test lessons in your final year. 

Benefit from the practical application of what you learn in the classroom in our full motion simulator.

You’ll undertake Private Pilot License (PPL) theoretical studies in Year 2. Successful completion of this is determined by passing the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Private Pilot’s Licence Examinations.

CAA examinations are an essential component of a PPL. This degree doesn’t include the practical flying components of the PPL (typically 45 hours) but we partner with a flight training school who will offer those for an additional fee.

You will undertake ‘Private Pilot Licence (PPL)’ theoretical studies in your 2nd year.

There’s an optional 48-week sandwich placement in industry for full-time students between Year 2 and Year 3.

During your studies you'll benefit from significant investment in the latest high quality facilities available, including state-of-the-art software tools, flight simulators, subsonic and supersonic wind tunnels and a UAV Lab.

Coventry University’s aerospace degree courses offer innovative curriculum and learning opportunities, current strong industry links and excellent technical facilities.

Aeronautical and Aerospace engineering is one of the fastest-growing industries in the UK, with extensive career opportunities in research and development, testing, and maintenance.

This course covers the basic principles of aeronautical engineering, including experimental and theoretical aerodynamics, aircraft design, flight dynamics and control, aircraft propulsion, flight simulation technologies, aircraft structures and computational aerodynamics.

Employment opportunities include careers in aeronautics and aerospace, namely aircraft aerodynamics, wind turbine design and maintenance, aviation management, defense sector, aircraft maintenance, repair and operation services (MRO).

This course provides a strategic and practical overview of aerospace engineering and management. You will apply techniques such as advanced computer-based design, computational fluid dynamics and finite elements analysis. Complementary subjects include computer-integrated product development, green engineering and energy efficiency.

This course will also broaden your understanding of the challenges facing the aerospace engineering industry. To prepare you for your future career, the course covers entrepreneurship, business, finance, research techniques and environmental issues.

An aerospace professional needs to be able to communicate effectively with experts in different fields. By the time you graduate, you'll have plenty of experience with this.

All first year students also take the Global Engineering Challenge, where teams of students work to solve engineering problems in developing countries.

This is designed to develop you as a professional engineer and enhance your career prospects. Second years get to work on a project to solve a problem set by one of our industrial partners.

Your year in industry will put your studies into context and enhance your career prospects. You will pay a reduced fee to the University for that year and you'll be paid a salary.

After a year of core study, you'll choose either the avionic systems or aeromechanics stream. In your final year, you'll work on a research project led by one of our world leading academics.

Our aerospace engineering courses encompass advanced materials, design, aerodynamics, space systems, propulsion, and the latest in computational and simulation tools.

By using our extensive facilities for aerodynamics and materials testing, including our demonstrator jet engine and flight simulator, you’ll put the theory you learn into practice.

With our research-led teaching, specialists will guide you in areas such as aircraft and environmental aerodynamics, propulsion, computational fluid dynamics and modelling of flows in gas-turbine engines (with links to our Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre).

You can apply to study for either a BEng or MEng. The latter builds on the BEng with a masters year and is a direct route to a masters qualification. Find out more about the benefits of an integrated masters degree.

The MSc in Aerospace Engineering provides a rigorous and systematic understanding of the field, equipping you with the critical awareness and insight required to become a credible aerospace engineer.

You will be prepared in the theory and operation of aeronautical vehicles, from propeller-driven and jet-powered planes, to helicopters and gliders. This covers design, analysis, testing and flight.

Practical experience will be partly gained through your access to one of the world’s most advanced engineering flight simulators housed within Engineering.

This is for you if you are interested in studying Aerospace Engineering at an advanced level.

The course builds upon the General Engineering structure of the Department of Engineering. Hence, you will be exposed to a wide range of subjects across the Aerodynamics and Fluids, Materials and Control themes. There are few General Engineering departments in the UK which can offer such a broad perspective.

The modules of the course are organised in four themes. Control, Fluids, and Mechanics of Materials are core aerospace technology themes, which match the research background of the staff of the Department of Engineering. The fourth theme is the application of systems engineering to aerospace projects and missions.

The course includes the option of an industrial placement, which is a great way to gain valuable experience.

Are you looking for an aviation management degree with strong industry links, taught by experienced academics?

The BSc (Hons) Air Transport Management course provides you with the knowledge and skills required to pursue a leadership management role within the aviation industry.

You will learn about various aspects of aviation including:

the theory of flight

how airlines transport passengers and goods around the world

how airports welcome and process millions of passengers

how the air traffic control system works

how the industry ensures safety and security on every flight.

You will learn about the practice of managing people and resources and have the opportunity to practise your knowledge and understanding by completing a placement year in the industry.

The course features interaction with industry through guest lectures, field visits and case studies. This is the perfect way to start your career in the world of aviation.

Our courses offer opportunities to discuss issues arising from the Covid crisis and examine solutions from a sector perspective. Our course content is developed with support from a wide network of sector professionals to include changes in the industry and we are proud to involve experts from Heathrow in our guest lectures and workshops to directly connect you to the industry.