4 Years Part Time Bachelors Program
The 4-year full-time Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) is entirely delivered in English and provides students with career opportunities in the design, production, and certification of aerospace products ranging from aircraft to space vehicles. The program covers the engineering core courses including mathematics, physics, materials, and fluid mechanics as well as specialized aerospace topics like aerodynamics, propulsion, flight dynamics, aircraft design, and air navigation.
Curriculum structure:
Year 1: You will receive a strong grounding in mathematics, physics, and basic engineering principles. Courses include Calculus, Linear Algebra, Physics I & II, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Engineering Drawing. The year is used to develop analytical skills and to cover basics required for further aerospace courses.
Year 2: You will progress to core engineering modules such as Mechanics of Materials, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Electrical Engineering, and Materials Science. The curriculum introduces you to Aerospace Fundamentals and Engineering Projects, which allows you to apply theoretical concepts in real-world situations.
Year 3: Specialized aerospace courses begin, including Aerodynamics I, Aerospace Propulsion I, Aerospace Structures, Aircraft Systems, and Mechanics of Flight I. You’ll also study Control of Aerospace Systems, Aerospace Design I, and Aerial Navigation. This year emphasizes system integration and the practical application of aerospace engineering concepts.
Year 4: You'll explore more deeply and extensively into integrated and advanced subjects such as Aerospace Design II, Aerodynamics II, Onboard Systems Design, Aeroelasticity, Turbomachinery Design, and Space Vehicles and Orbital Dynamics. Year-long Professional Internships complete and prepare towards the final, Bachelor Thesis, where you address an aerospace engineering problem given in a real-life scenario, preferably by an agreement with a collaborating industry partner.
Focus areas: Aerodynamics, Propulsion, Flight Dynamics, Aircraft Design, Aerospace Structures, Air Navigation, Control Systems, Space Vehicles, Turbomachinery.
Learning outcomes: Design and analyze aerospace systems and vehicles, apply basic engineering principles, use computational aids, carry out professional internships, and work efficiently in multidisciplinary teams.
Professional alignment (accreditation): Degree may qualify for Aeronautical Technical Engineer title under Spanish law (Ord. CIN/308/2009).
Reputation (employability rankings): UC3M graduates have a 94.8% placement in employment after one year of graduation; the university is included in the top 50 under 50 in the world (QS) and highly ranked for engineering.
At UC3M, learning by doing is at the core of the Aerospace Engineering program so that students learn practical, professionally relevant skills complemented by good theoretical foundations. The program is designed with an emphasis on the applied aspect, with small classes and hands-on work from year one to graduation.
Professional Internships: You can intern in your last year with leading aerospace industry players. UC3M has collaborations with over 5,000 organizations and institutions, providing you with access to real engineering environments and hands-on industry experience.
Applied Projects and Laboratories: Practical classes are part of the program in the fields of aerodynamics, propulsion, flight dynamics, and control, with lab sessions and design projects that mimic real aerospace problems.
Aircraft Operations Laboratory: Students can carry out research and experiments in the Aircraft Operations Laboratory, studying subjects such as air traffic control, flight data analysis, and aircraft performance optimization. The lab uses advanced simulation software and real-world flight data, and facilitates collaborative research and industry work on projects.
Industry-focused Bachelor Thesis: Some students complete their thesis as part of industry collaboration with aerospace companies or research centers, occasionally by adapting their internship assignments or contributing to ongoing lab projects.
Data Engineering and Research Internships: The Aircraft Operations Lab offers specialized internships (e.g., Data Engineer Internship) where students have the opportunity to work on advanced analytics, simulation, and AI projects in the aviation industry, occasionally complementing these with their thesis efforts.
International and Interdisciplinary Opportunities: UC3M's strong international links and research focus offer students possibilities of taking part in collaborative projects, seminars, and workshops with international aerospace engineering experts.
Sophisticated laboratories for materials, structures, and fluid dynamics
Space for advanced simulation software and data analysis instruments
Aircraft Operations Laboratory with real-time flight data and simulation facilities
Small-group instruction for individual contact and mentoring
Graduates of the Bachelor in Aerospace Engineering at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) are in high demand, with 94.8% securing jobs related to their field within the first year after graduation. Typical roles include aerospace engineer, systems engineer, project manager, and avionics technician, with opportunities in both the public and private sectors, including design, manufacturing, certification, and maintenance of aeronautical and space systems.
Here’s how UC3M supports your career success:
Career services and employer links: UC3M’s Career Services and the Department of Aerospace Engineering offer personalized career guidance, job fairs, and access to more than 5,000 partner companies for internships and employment, including major aerospace and engineering firms.
Graduate earnings: The average starting salary for aerospace engineers in Spain is around €31,000, with experienced professionals earning up to €75,000 per year.
Industry partnerships: UC3M’s strong industry partnerships—such as with Airbus—provide direct access to internships, research projects, and recruitment pipelines.
International accreditation: The degree is fully accredited and recognised internationally, ensuring long-term value and professional mobility.
High graduate employability: Nearly all graduates enter the job market within a year, reflecting the program’s strong reputation and practical approach.
Further Academic Progression: After completing your bachelor’s, you can advance to the Master's in Aeronautical Engineering at UC3M, which provides full professional accreditation in Spain, or pursue the Master's in Space Engineering for specialised training in space systems.
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