Aerospace Engineering

Course overview

Studying BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering at Aston University will prepare you to tackle some of the most complex, high-stakes engineering challenges of our time, from net-zero aviation and electric propulsion to drone technologies and spacecraft design.

You’ll build a strong foundation in mechanical and electrical engineering, aerodynamics, thermodynamics and structures, before specialising in advanced aerospace systems. Our hands-on, project-based approach means you won’t just learn about engineering, you’ll actively practise it.

You’ll be taught by active researchers and industry-experienced academics, and benefit from cutting-edge facilities and Aston’s strong connections with aerospace employers.

Your integrated placement year is more than experience. It is your launchpad. You’ll gain valuable insight into the sector, develop in-demand technical and professional skills, and graduate with the confidence and capabilities to lead change in a fast-moving global industry.

Why Aerospace Engineering at Aston University?

Here to stay

Ranked 11th in the UK for 'continuation' (Mechanical Engineering; Complete University Guide, 2026)

Highly ranked

Ranked 12th overall in the UK for Mechanical Engineering (Guardian, 2025)

GBSIoT partnership

Access to over £2 million worth of cutting-edge engineering and advanced manufacturing equipment through our partnership with the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT)

Industry-informed learning

Course shaped by real-world needs with input from aerospace professionals and engineering employers

Professional experience

Gain valuable experience with a compulsory placement year built into your degree

Careers and Placements

Whatever your Aston University journey, we're here to help. Discover what's possible with Careers and Placements.

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Course description

BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering

BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering at Aston University will prepare you to become a confident innovator and leader in the fast-paced aerospace sector. You’ll gain hands-on skills, technical expertise and professional insight to solve real-world challenges shaping the future of flight, propulsion and space exploration.

What we will provide
World-class teaching in a city renowned for engineering innovation, delivered by expert staff who bring research and industry into the classroom. You’ll use cutting-edge labs and simulators, plus benefit from strong industry partnerships to experience authentic aerospace engineering challenges.

What you will provide
Bring your curiosity, ambition and resilience. You should embrace a growth mindset, be ready to push technical boundaries and develop critical thinking, creativity and teamwork skills that aerospace employers demand.

What skills we teach
You will master core aerospace engineering fundamentals including aerodynamics, propulsion, structures and control systems, alongside essential skills in programming, modelling, design software, project management and effective communication.

Placement year
Your compulsory placement year will be your launchpad into the aerospace industry. Gain invaluable hands-on experience, build a professional network, and apply your skills to live projects that boost your confidence and employability.

Career prospects
This course equips you with the skills and knowledge to pursue exciting careers in aerospace engineering and related industries. You will graduate ready to contribute to sectors such as aircraft design, propulsion systems, UAV development, and space technology, with a strong foundation for leadership and innovation.

How you will learn

Our teaching is designed to challenge and inspire you, combining rigorous theory with hands-on application throughout your studies. You will learn through interactive lectures, practical workshops, laboratory sessions and real-world design projects that mirror industry challenges. This approach ensures you build both technical expertise and professional skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and communication.

The course follows an integrated learning model where you conceive, design, build and test aerospace systems, preparing you for complex engineering roles. You will benefit from expert tutors who are active researchers and industry practitioners, committed to bringing the latest developments directly into the classroom.

Your compulsory placement year will offer invaluable experience working in a professional aerospace environment, applying your knowledge to real projects and building your network. Outside of the classroom, you can get involved in student societies, competitions and industry events that further enhance your skills and employability.

What you will learn

Driven by industry needs and technological advances, this course will equip you with a deep understanding of aerospace engineering principles and practical skills to solve tomorrow’s challenges.

First year

You will build a solid foundation in engineering science, mathematics, electronics, and materials. You will be introduced to aerospace engineering fundamentals, power skills, and interdisciplinary design, preparing you to think critically and work collaboratively.

Second year

You will study core aerospace topics including aerodynamics, thermodynamics, propulsion, structures and control systems. You will deepen your technical knowledge through practical projects and develop skills in modelling and design..

Placement year

Your compulsory placement year offers valuable real-world experience, allowing you to develop professional skills and build a network that supports your future career. Our award-winning careers and placements team are on hand to support you through every step of your placement journey.

Final year

You will master advanced aerospace subjects such as computational fluid dynamics, rotorcraft design and advanced structures. You will undertake a major engineering project, showcasing your ability to innovate and lead in aerospace engineering.

Sherjit's story

Sherjit completed his placement year with GE Aviation and shares his experience of being involved with Formula Student.

Find out more

Facilities

Aerospace Engineering is a hands-on discipline combining lectures with practical lab work and design projects. You will develop individual and teamwork skills alongside peers, guided by experienced academics and expert technicians.

Our engineering workshops and labs provide access to industry-standard equipment and spaces, including 3D printing and rapid prototyping facilities, laser cutting, CNC machining, and advanced CAD and simulation software. You will work in collaborative design studios equipped with the latest tools to support your projects.

Dedicated project spaces and expert support help you bring your ideas from concept to reality. Alongside personal tutors and peer learning, our facilities ensure you gain valuable practical experience preparing you for the aerospace industry.

Check out the teaching spaces we have for our Mechanical Engineering courses, including workshops where areas such as hydraulics and high powered jets are covered in a safe environment.

coursepage_mechnicalengineering_formulastudent

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Year 1 modules

In your first year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Materials and Manufacturing 1	15
Introductory Mathematics for Engineering, Digital, and Physical Sciences	15
Introductory Programming for Engineering and Physical Sciences	15
Electronics 1	15
Engineering Science 1	15
Power Skills	15
Interdisciplinary Design Project	15
Introduction to Aerospace Engineering	15
Total	120

Year 2 modules

In your second year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Engineering Science 2	15
Materials and Manufacturing 2	15
Aerodynamics	15
Electromechanical Design and Control	15
Aerospace Thermodynamics and Propulsion	15
Aerospace Structures	15
Aerospace Design Project	15
Aerospace Electrical Power Systems	15
Total	120

Placement year modules

You will spend your third year on placement. You will be fully supported throughout the process by our award-winning Careers and Placements team.

Placement Year

Module Title	Credits
Integrated Placement Year	120

Placement year outcomes

On successful completion of the placement year, you will be able to:

Develop an understanding of business and the relevant commercial environment and/or intercultural study and their role within it.
Gain knowledge of key aspects of good practice relevant to industry and/or intercultural study context.
Develop new knowledge and understanding appropriate to the industrial, business, study or research sector related to degree programme.
Communicate effectively in a variety of ways in a professional and industrial environment and/or in an intercultural study context.

Final year modules

In your final year, you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Professional Engineering Practice	15
Engineering Major Project	30
Aerospace Dynamics and Control	15
Advanced Aerospace Structures	15
Computational Fluid Dynamics	15
Advanced Aerodynamics	15
Rotorcraft and UAV Design	15
Total	120

We regularly review our modules to provide the best possible teaching and learning experience, incorporating academic developments, student feedback and employer feedback.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any changes to modules at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints may mean it isn’t possible to take some module combinations. The structure of some courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

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