Enter OTP
4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of the West of ScotlandUniversity of the West of Scotland's MEng (Hons) Aircraft Engineering is a five-year, integrated master's degree designed in consultation with the aerospace industry. You'll gain advanced skills in aircraft design, manufacture, aerodynamics, structural analysis, and repair, prepared for leadership and specialist careers in the global aerospace industry. The course is delivered through a mix of academic study, laboratory work, and industry-led projects, with a strong emphasis on professional standards and real-world application.
Curriculum structure:
Year 1: You’ll develop a foundation in applied statics and dynamics, materials science, mathematics, and engineering design. Professional and industrial studies are introduced alongside skills in communications and IT, ensuring you’re ready for advanced engineering study.
Year 2: This year covers aerospace structures and systems design, strength of materials, vibration theory, materials and manufacturing technology. You’ll learn the formal engineering design process, computer-aided design (CAD), and information technology techniques relevant to aircraft engineering.
Year 3: You will gain mastery in applied and design mechanics, aerodynamics, aircraft performance, intelligent systems, control technology, and modelling of aircraft. Introductory computer-based analysis, simulation, and project management are included with focus laid on actual engineering problems.
Year 4: You'll expand your aerodynamics expertise, learn composite structures, and explore more advanced computer-aided engineering design, including finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Aircraft conceptual design and an individual project finish your studies.
Year 5: You'll learn advanced modules in Aircraft Structural Analysis, Aeroelasticity, Advanced FEA and CFD, and complete a major group project with industry, preparing you for professional practice and Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Specialist fields: Aircraft design, aerodynamics, structural analysis, propulsion, manufacturing, composite materials, CAD, FEA, CFD, project management.
Learning outcomes: Proficiency in the science and practice of aircraft engineering, advanced design and analysis ability, simulation experience, team working, project management, and readiness for CEng and specialist aerospace careers.
Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) under licence from the Engineering Council, fully meeting the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration.
Reputation (employability rankings): Established with leading employers like BAE Systems, Spirit AeroSystems, Collins Aerospace, and Ryanair; high graduate demand across the UK and international aerospace industries; strong development to management and technical leadership roles.
The University of the West of Scotland Lanarkshire Campus provides a modern, technology-rich environment that directly informs aerospace engineering education. Students benefit:
Specialist engineering laboratories and flexible learning suites designed for hands-on work in areas such as aerodynamics, structures, and materials, supporting practical sessions and simulation work essential to aerospace studies.
Advanced digital infrastructure, including campus-wide Wi-Fi, device charging, and 24/7 access to online resources, enabling use of industry-standard software for CAD, FEA, and CFD in aircraft design and analysis.
Team-working facilities and innovation centers that promote team working on group projects, design projects, and research projects for aerospace engineering and its disciplines.
Good industry linkages through the presence of the campus in Hamilton International Technology Park, providing the facility of live projects, factory visits, and communication with aerospace employers such as BAE Systems, Spirit AeroSystems, and Collins Aerospace.
State-of-the-art AV and display facilities in teaching rooms and lecture theatres, facilitating simulation, virtual prototyping, and interactive learning in aerospace modules.
Enabling integration of teaching and research in flexible spaces, allowing students to participate in cutting-edge aerospace research and development alongside their academic syllabus.
Graduates of the MEng (Hons) Aircraft Engineering at the University of the West of Scotland are highly employable, moving into roles such as aircraft design engineer, research and development engineer, manufacturing engineer, maintenance engineer, junior manager, aircraft technician, and project manager. The program is fully accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), meeting the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration, which is highly valued by employers in the UK and internationally.
You’ll benefit from:
Strong industry partnerships: With BAE Systems, Spirit AeroSystems, Collins Aerospace, Ryanair, and others, ensuring course content is aligned with real industry needs and offering opportunities for industry visits and collaborative final-year projects
Practical experience: Through extensive laboratory and software sessions, hands-on work with advanced CAD, finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, and project and quality management training. Visits to organisations like Spirit AeroSystems and British Airways provide real-world context for your studies
Career options: Include junior management, aircraft technician, structural aircraft design, maintenance, and research and development roles. The shortage of aircraft engineers in the UK and globally means your skills will be in demand locally, nationally, and internationally
Graduate outcomes: 15 months after graduation, the median salary for UWS aerospace engineering graduates is £27,000, rising to £31,500 after five years (with a typical range of £25,500–£37,500). Graduates are employed across business, project management, and technical roles, with 35% in associate professional positions and 15% in project management.
Further academic progression: Completing the MEng (Hons) allows you to progress to specialist taught master’s degrees (such as MSc in Aerospace or Aircraft Engineering), research degrees (MPhil/PhD), or a one-year teaching qualification (PGDE/QTS).
10th Grade transcript and 12th Grade predicted from school counselorEnglish test results: IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5), TOEFL iBT 78UCAS Personal Statement upto 600 wordsOne teacher's letter of recommendationEducational Resume showcasing all extracurriculars, internships, projects, etc Participation in STEM fairs, Olympiads, or national-level engineering contests is encouragedPrior hands-on experience in model aircraft or robotics competitions is beneficialA-levels: BBC including Maths and PhysicsInternational Baccalaureate: 32 points including Maths and Physics, plus English at Standard LevelGCSE: English at Grade 5 or aboveTariff points (UCAS): 112 pointsPortfolio, project links, or YouTube channel to enhance your application (optional)Application via UCASWith an additional year students can earn MEng qualificationAerospace EngineerDesign EngineerMechanical EngineerCertification and Airworthiness EngineerProject ManagerResearch EngineerSystems EngineerFlight Test EngineerPropulsion EngineerMaintenance Engineer
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
