BEng (Hons) in Aerospace Engineering

At South East Technological University (SETU), the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Aerospace Engineering is designed to prepare you for real aerospace engineering practice from day one. This honours degree blends core mechanical and aerospace principles with hands-on work in aircraft systems, propulsion, aerodynamics, structures, and control systems — all within applied laboratory environments. You’ll not only learn the theory behind how aircraft and aerospace systems function, you’ll experiment with them, use industry-relevant tools, work on integrated flight simulations, and deliver engineering solutions that mirror real industry challenges. The programme is project-driven and built around teamwork, real design tasks, and iterative engineering practice, so you graduate with both the capability and the confidence to enter aerospace, airline, defence, or advanced manufacturing sectors.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded throughout your Aerospace Engineering degree:

• Specialist Aerospace & Engineering Laboratories
  You’ll work firsthand with aircraft systems hardware, structural testing rigs, materials labs, and aerodynamic test equipment — giving you practical insight into how airframes, propulsion and subsystems behave under real conditions.

• Wind Tunnel & Aerodynamics Testing
  Practical modules give you the opportunity to collect and analyse wind tunnel data, helping you understand lift, drag, stability and airflow phenomena that govern aircraft performance.

• Aircraft Structures & Materials Workshops
  You’ll study aerospace materials and structural behaviour through hands-on sessions that test strength, deformation, failure modes, and lifecycle properties of materials used in modern aerospace design.

• Control Systems & Flight Dynamics Projects
  Applied engineering projects focus on flight dynamics, control systems, and stability analysis using real data and simulation environments — grounding theoretical concepts in observable engineering outcomes.

• Flight Simulation & Performance Analysis
  Aerospace engineering students make use of flight simulation tools to model aircraft performance, conduct mission analysis, and test control strategies as part of system and design modules.

• Digital Engineering Software & Computer Aided Tools
  You’ll gain experience with industry-aligned design, modelling, and simulation software — tools used by aerospace engineers worldwide to prototype, iterate and validate solutions.

• Team Design Projects & Interdisciplinary Work
  Engineering design projects are woven into the curriculum, requiring you to work in teams to define problems, prototype solutions, test systems, and communicate outcomes — replicating real aerospace engineering workflows.

• Final-Year Aerospace Engineering Project
  In your honours year, you complete a major individual or group capstone project that integrates skills from your entire degree, demonstrating your ability to solve complex engineering challenges and deliver professional-quality technical work.

• Industry Engagement & Professional Context
  The programme incorporates insights from aerospace industry partners and guest professionals, helping you connect classroom learning with real-world engineering practice.

Facilities & Applied Learning Resources:
SETU provides specialist aerospace and engineering labs, wind tunnel equipment, material and structures testing spaces, digital design and simulation suites, flight dynamics and performance modelling tools, collaborative project zones, and engineering workshop spaces. These facilities are designed to give you hands-on experience with aerospace systems and applied engineering workflows.

Why choose Aerospace Engineering at SETU

This honours degree is ideal for students who want a practical aerospace engineering education that prepares you for engineering careers in aircraft and aerospace design, flight systems engineering, materials and structures analysis, propulsion systems, UAV and space-related technologies, airline engineering, defence R&D, and advanced manufacturing. Graduates leave with real applied experience, a strong engineering portfolio, and the technical confidence to work in global aerospace environments.

The BEng (Honours) in Aerospace Engineering at South East Technological University (SETU) prepares you for a high-impact engineering career in the global aerospace and aviation sector. Graduates typically progress into roles such as Aerospace Engineer, Aircraft Design Engineer, Structures & Materials Engineer and Flight Systems Engineer, working across aircraft design, manufacturing, testing, maintenance and advanced aerospace technologies. This programme combines strong engineering fundamentals with hands-on aviation training, making SETU one of Ireland’s leading centres for aerospace education:

• University Services to Support Your Career:
SETU’s Careers and Employability Service provides one-to-one career coaching, CV and interview preparation, employer engagement events, placement and graduate recruitment support, and professional development workshops — helping you build a strong engineering profile and connect with aerospace employers.

• Employment Outcomes & Salary Prospects:
Aerospace engineering graduates are in demand across airlines, aircraft manufacturing, defence, space technology and aviation services. With specialist skills in aerodynamics, structures, propulsion and systems, graduates access strong employment opportunities and competitive entry-level salaries in one of the world’s most advanced engineering sectors.

• University–Industry Partnerships:
SETU delivers this programme through its renowned aerospace and mechanical engineering department, supported by an on-campus aerospace centre with aircraft fleets, avionics laboratories, wind tunnels and flight simulation facilities. Students benefit from industry-aligned project work, guest lectures from aviation professionals and real-world engineering exposure.

• Long-Term Accreditation Value:
The programme is designed in line with professional engineering standards and provides a strong pathway toward professional engineer recognition. The honours degree strengthens your long-term career mobility and supports progression toward Chartered Engineer status.

• Graduation Outcomes:
Graduates leave with strong expertise in aircraft design, aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, materials, avionics and flight systems. You’ll be ready to contribute to aerospace design teams, aviation operations, maintenance engineering, research and development, or advanced manufacturing environments.

Typical roles graduates pursue include:
• Aerospace Engineer — working on aircraft and aerospace system design and analysis.
• Aircraft Structures/Materials Engineer — specialising in airframe performance and safety.
• Flight Systems Engineer — developing and testing aircraft control and avionics systems.
• Maintenance & Airworthiness Engineer — supporting aircraft safety and regulatory compliance.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BEng (Honours) in Aerospace Engineering, you can progress to Master’s degrees in aerospace engineering, aviation technology, mechanical engineering or space systems, allowing you to specialise further in areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, aircraft structures, flight control or space engineering. Many graduates also move into research and development programmes or pursue PhD study, opening pathways into advanced aerospace innovation, academic research and senior technical leadership roles. Postgraduate study significantly strengthens your professional standing in the global aerospace industry.