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Aerospace Engineering

Entry Year: 2023

7 study options

Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons)

Key information

Degree
BEng (Hons)
Duration
3 years
Start
September 2023
UCAS code
H421
Institution code
Q50
Typical A-Level offer
Grades AAB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Mathematics, and Physics or Chemistry. Excludes General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions)
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£26,250
Funding information
Paying your fees

Engineering with Foundation BEng (Hons)

Key information

Degree
BEng (Hons)
Duration
4 years
Start
September 2023
UCAS code
HHX3
Institution code
Q50
Typical A-Level offer
Grades BBB at A-Level.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions)
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£21,200
Funding information
Paying your fees

Aerospace Engineering with Industrial Experience BEng (Hons)

Key information

Degree
BEng (Hons)
Duration
4 years
Start
September 2023
UCAS code
H401
Institution code
Q50
Typical A-Level offer
Grades AAB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Mathematics, and Physics or Chemistry. Excludes General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions)
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£26,250
Funding information
Paying your fees

Aerospace Engineering with Year Abroad BEng (Hons)

Key information

Degree
BEng (Hons)
Duration
4 years
Start
September 2023
UCAS code
H42Y
Institution code
Q50
Typical A-Level offer
Grades AAB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Mathematics, and Physics or Chemistry. Excludes General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions)
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£26,250
Funding information
Paying your fees

Year abroad cost

Finances for studying abroad on exchange

View details

Aerospace Engineering MEng (Hons)

Key information

Degree
MEng (Hons)
Duration
4 years
Start
September 2023
UCAS code
H400
Institution code
Q50
Typical A-Level offer
Grades AAA at A-Level. This must include A-Level Mathematics, and Physics or Chemistry. Excludes General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions)
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£26,250
Funding information
Paying your fees

Aerospace Engineering with Industrial Experience MEng (Hons)

Key information

Degree
MEng (Hons)
Duration
5 years
Start
September 2023
UCAS code
HK00
Institution code
Q50
Typical A-Level offer
Grades AAA at A-Level. This must include A-Level Mathematics, and Physics or Chemistry. Excludes General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions)
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£26,250
Funding information
Paying your fees

Aerospace Engineering with Year Abroad MEng (Hons)

Key information

Degree
MEng (Hons)
Duration
5 years
Start
September 2023
UCAS code
H40Y
Institution code
Q50
Typical A-Level offer
Grades AAA at A-Level. This must include A-Level Mathematics, and Physics or Chemistry. Excludes General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions)
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£26,250
Funding information
Paying your fees

Year abroad cost

Finances for studying abroad on exchange

View details

Overview

Interested in the design, construction and operation of aircraft, spacecraft, drones, launching systems, green air transport, green energy, sport vehicles or sustainable earthbound vehicles? Our programme in Aerospace Engineering could be for you.

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, earthbound 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 earthbound 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.

Professional recognition

Our Aerospace Engineering programmes have been accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAES) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council.  

Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).  

An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Our BEng programmes meet the academic requirements for IEng and our MEng programmes meet the academic requirements for CEng.

Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

Royal Aeronautical Society logo

Structure

You can complete your Aerospace Engineering degree in three, four or five years. A typical BEng programme will comprise 3 years of study, whilst a typical MEng programme will comprise 4 years of study. Study abroad can be taken in Year 3 and Year 3 modules will instead be taken in Year 4. Industrial Experience can be taken in Year 3 or 4 of a BEng programme or Year 3, 4 or 5 of an MEng programme. Please note that students cannot do both study abroad and a year in industry.

Year 0

Foundation

Semester 1

Compulsory

  • Physics - Mechanics and Materials
  • Essential Foundation Mathematics
  • Communication in Science & Technology
  • Mathematics B  (double module across Semester 1 and 2)

Semester 2

Compulsory

  • Physics- Fields and Waves
  • Physics - Electricity and Atomic Physics
  • Introduction to Engineering
  • Mathematics B  (double module across Semester 1 and 2)

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 2

  • Applied Solid Mechanics
  • Instrumentation and Measurements
  • Aerothermodynamics of Flows
  • Introduction to Spacecraft Dynamics
  • Designing for Sustainable Manufacture
  • Numerical Methods and Data Science in Engineering
  • Control System Analysis and Design
  • Subsonic Aerodynamics and Wings

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 3

Compulsory

  • Design Project (30 credits)
  • Simulation Tools in Engineering Analysis and Design
  • Conceptual Design of Aircraft
  • Flight Dynamics and Stability of Aircraft

Optional modules include:

  • Aircraft Structures
  • Spacecraft Design
  • Aircraft Propulsion Systems
  • Materials for Aerospace Applications
  • Aerodynamics of High Speed Flows

 

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 4

MEng only

Compulsory

  • Industry / Research Project

Optional modules include:

  • Engineering Design, Optimisation and Decision Making
  • Introduction to Systems Engineering
  • Advanced Flight Control and Simulation of Aerospace Vehicles
  • Robotics
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Aeroelasticity
  • Advanced Aerodynamics of High Speed Flows
  • Advanced NanoComposites
  • Advanced Spacecraft Design
  • Digital Acquisition and Processing

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Study options

Apply for this degree with any of the following options. Take care to use the correct UCAS code - it may not be possible to change your selection later.

Integrated foundation year

Students who do not have the required high school qualifications for admission to this degree,  and students who do not meet their UCAS Conditional offer may be considered for the 4 year degree (foundation year plus the 3 year degree). 

International students with Year 12 or a completed international high school certificate qualify for the one year foundation programme commonly known as the ISEFP.

The foundation programme offers a range of transferable skills and an opportunity to improve on your knowledge content for relevant Maths and Science subjects.

You will enrol on an Engineering BEng with Foundation which will offer progression to a range of degrees in the School of Engineering and Material Sciences including BEng or MEng Aerospace Engineering.  At the end of the foundation programme, students will be required to meet the progression requirements for admission to BEng or MEng Aerospace Engineering.

Year in industry

Apply for our Aerospace Engineering BEng or MEng with Industrial Experience to spend a year on placement in the aerospace engineering sector, gaining practical experience and building professional contacts.

The year in industry counts toward the requirements of applying to be a chartered engineer.

Master of Engineering (MEng)

Take an extra year to gain specialised knowledge through a high-level group project and your choice of advanced modules. Apply for our Aerospace Engineering MEng, ideal if you want to go into research and development, or to give you an edge in the job market.

Year abroad

Go global and study abroad as part of your degree – apply for our Aerospace Engineering BEng or MEng with a Year Abroad. Queen Mary has links with universities in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia (partnerships vary for each degree programme).

Find out more about study abroad opportunities at Queen Mary and what the progression requirements are.

You can do either a year in industry or a year abroad - you cannot combine these options.

student profile image
Testimonial

Last year I had the opportunity to do a 12 month placement at Airbus UK. I realised that what I was learning at university was not just to do an exam, I used at least something I had learnt at Queen Mary every day at work. I can confidently say that a Queen Mary degree in Aerospace Engineering prepares you well for a career in industry.

Alba Espinosa Rastoll, Aerospace Engineering with Industrial Experience (2018)

Teaching

Teaching and learning

You’ll learn through a combination of lectures, laboratory practicals and problem-based learning.

You should plan for 14 to 17 hours of formal teaching each week, plus time spent on group projects. For every hour spent in class, you’ll complete a further one to two hours of independent study.

Assessment

Assessment typically includes a combination of coursework, written reports, projects, presentations, group work and exams in the summer.

Resources and facilities

The School offers excellent on-campus resources to aid your studies, including:

  • a state-of-the-art flight simulator
  • mechanical testing facilities
  • teaching laboratories
  • the Whitehead Aeronautical Laboratory containing low- and high-speed wind tunnels
  • an acoustics research rig
  • a purpose-built, fully equipped teaching workshop.

Funding

Loans and grants

UK students accepted onto this course are eligible to apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans from Student Finance England or other government bodies.

Scholarships and bursaries

Queen Mary offers a generous package of scholarships and bursaries, which currently benefits around 50 per cent of our undergraduates.

Scholarships are available for home, EU and international students. Specific funding is also available for students from the local area. International students may be eligible for a fee reduction. We offer means-tested funding, as well as subject-specific funding for many degrees.

Find out what scholarships and bursaries are available to you.

Support from Queen Mary

We offer specialist support on all financial and welfare issues through our Advice and Counselling Service, which you can access as soon as you have applied for a place at Queen Mary.

Take a look at our Student Advice Guides which cover ways to finance your degree, including:

  • additional sources of funding
  • planning your budget and cutting costs
  • part-time and vacation work
  • money for lone parents.

Careers

The skills you develop on this programme could be applied to next-generation spacecraft and high-performance aeroplanes and helicopters, or to the future of ground transport, such as high-speed trains. The programme is also relevant to green energy technologies, like wind turbines.

Some of our graduates transfer their skills into areas such as consultancy, IT or finance.

Recent Aerospace Engineering graduates have been hired by:

  • Abelio Greater Anglia
  • Air Mauritius
  • An F1 team
  • HM Treasury
  • Jaguar Land Rover
  • Schlumberger.

Career support

The School of Engineering and Materials Science holds a weekly careers session where employers provide information, advice and skills training. We also run networking events for students to meet  employers and alumni.

The Queen Mary careers team can also offer:

  • specialist advice on choosing a career path
  • support with finding work experience, internships and graduate jobs
  • feedback on CVs, cover letters and application forms
  • interview coaching.

Learn more about career support and development at Queen Mary.

Data for these courses

Aerospace Engineering - BEng (Hons)

Engineering with Foundation - BEng (Hons)

Aerospace Engineering with Industrial Experience - BEng (Hons)

Aerospace Engineering with Year Abroad - BEng (Hons)

Aerospace Engineering - MEng (Hons)

Aerospace Engineering with Industrial Experience - MEng (Hons)

Aerospace Engineering with Year Abroad - MEng (Hons)

The Discover Uni dataset (formerly Unistats)

About the School

The School of Engineering and Materials Science attracts some of the brightest minds from across the country, and the world. The most recent national assessment of the quality of university research (REF 2021) placed us seventh for our engineering research (Times Higher Education) and second for the quality of our research outputs.

Our academic staff have extensive contacts with major industrial companies in engineering and materials science, and there is constant interaction between industry, research and our teaching.

Our students benefit from personal contact with approachable teaching staff in small-group settings, where discussion and feedback is actively encouraged.

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