Aerospace Engineering with Foundation Year BEng (Hons)

St George’s University of London, through its partnership with City, University of London, offers some of the UK’s most advanced and historic aerospace research facilities. The Aeronautics and Aerospace Research Centre is internationally recognised for both its legacy and its cutting-edge resources, supporting world-class research and education in sustainable aviation and space exploration.

Key Facilities:

• Four wind tunnels: Including low turbulence and high-speed tunnels, part of the UK National Wind Tunnel Facility, enabling advanced aerodynamic testing and research on both traditional and innovative aircraft and UAV designs.

• One water tunnel: Used for fluid dynamics research and flow visualisation.

• Two flight simulators: One is a full Airbus A320 flight deck simulator; the other is a dynamic small aircraft simulator. These simulators support both research and student training in flight operations, systems, and human factors.

• Handley Lab: Houses advanced optical flow measurement technologies (wall shear-stress sensors, 3-D Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), BOS Schlieren), purpose-built test rigs, and high-performance computational resources (including a dedicated supercomputer) for Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) and Large Eddy Simulation (LES) of aerodynamic and aeroacoustic phenomena.

• Simulation lab: Supports research and teaching in big data, AI, optimisation, gaming theory, and virtual/augmented reality for aviation and space applications.

• Composite materials and adaptive structures labs: Enable the development and testing of nature-inspired flow optimisation strategies, composite material design, health-monitoring, and self-healing technologies for next-generation aerospace structures.

Graduates of the Aerospace Engineering with Foundation Year BEng (Hons) at St George’s University of London (delivered with City, University of London) are highly employable in the aerospace, defence, and space sectors, as well as in advanced engineering and technology roles. You’ll be prepared for positions such as aerospace engineer, aircraft designer, flight test engineer, propulsion engineer, systems engineer, and manufacturing engineer, with alumni progressing to work with major employers like BAE Systems, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Raytheon, Bombardier, and Dassault.

You’ll benefit from:

• Professional skill development: The course emphasises innovation, sustainability, and multidisciplinary teamwork, equipping you with the skills needed for modern aerospace challenges and leadership roles

• Strong industry partnerships: Engagement with leading aerospace companies provides direct access to job opportunities, industry placements, guest lectures, and networking, helping you build a professional network and stay current with sector developments

• Hands-on experience: You’ll train in world-class, CAA-aligned facilities, including low-turbulence and high-speed wind tunnels, advanced experimental equipment, and high-performance computational tools, with opportunities for individual and group design projects and an optional industrial placement year

• Career support: Receive tailored guidance on CVs, interviews, and career planning, with connections to employers in aerospace, defence, and space, as well as manufacturing and technology companies

Graduate outcomes: The aerospace sector is expanding globally, with skilled graduates in demand. Median salaries for City St George’s aerospace engineering graduates are £25,000 after one year, £32,000 after three years, and £38,000 after five years, with a typical range of £25,000–£42,000 depending on experience and role. 80% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after the course, with high satisfaction rates and strong employer demand.

Further Academic Progression: You can progress to postgraduate study such as MSc Aerospace Engineering, Space Systems Engineering, or related fields. The program’s strong technical and industry foundation also opens doors to specialist roles in research, management, and advanced technical development, as well as supporting your path toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status through expected Royal Aeronautical Society accreditation.