4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering with a Year in Industry at Swansea University offers professional education in the design, analysis, and operation of aeronautical vehicles from jet-powered aircraft to helicopters. The course is suitable for students who are fascinated by flight, hands-on engineering, and gaining real-world industry experience.
Curriculum structure:
Year 1: You’ll build a strong foundation in aerospace engineering through modules like Introduction to Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mechanics (Aero), Thermofluids (Mechanical & General), and Design and Laboratory Classes. Early exposure to laboratory work and flight simulation helps ground theory in practice.
Year 2: More advanced topics such as Aerospace Structures, AI and Aerospace Systems, Flight Mechanics, and Computer Aided Engineering are emphasized. Experimental investigations and group projects deepen your understanding of real aerospace issues.
Year 3: You spend your third year on a full-time industry placement, which gives you rich practical experience and the chance to apply your learning in a work environment. Swansea's strong network of industry partners supports your career development and placement search.
Year 4: You'll study Engineering Management, Rotorcraft Theory, Gas Dynamics, Propulsion, and complete an Individual Engineering Project. This year focuses on developing technical and leadership abilities, preparing you for graduate careers or postgraduate study.
Areas of specialisation: Aerodynamics, propulsion, flight mechanics, aerospace structures, AI in aerospace systems, engineering management.
Learning achievements: Design and analyse aerospace vehicles, apply computational and experimental techniques, consolidate theory with hands-on competence, exhibit industry preparedness.
Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by Institution of Mechanical Engineers and Royal Aeronautical Society.
Reputation (employability rankings): #19 ranked for BEng/BTech in the UK; 85% overall student satisfaction; 70% in highly skilled work; average salary £31,000 (15 months after graduation).
Practical skills are developed by Swansea's aerospace engineering students through extensive use of the most advanced facilities, including the Merlin MPX521 Engineering Flight Simulator, JetCat P120 Engine, and a specially commissioned £1.2 million wind tunnel. From your very first year, you will have a real flying lesson, use state-of-the-art simulation equipment, and go on field trips to airports and national laboratories. Group design projects, practical workshops, and access to high-performance computing ensure that you will be ready for industry on graduation. You will have access to:
Merlin MPX521 Flight Simulator and MP500-2 UAV Simulation Stations
£1.2m Wind Tunnel Facility with Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV)
Aerostructures Vibration Laboratory
Engineering Workshop in Engineering East
High-Performance Computing Labs
Year 1 flying lesson in Swansea Airport
Year 2 National Flying Laboratory field trip
Year 3 Group aircraft design and simulation projects
Year 4 Individual Engineering Project
Access to specialist aerospace research libraries and online resources
Swansea BEng Aerospace Engineering with a Year in Industry graduates are highly employable, with good technical, analytical, and professional competencies for the aerospace and allied industries. Typical careers include Aerospace Engineer, Design Engineer, Manufacturing Systems Engineer, and Project Manager. The professional accreditation and industry year help you shine in the job market, with graduates earning on average £25,000 six months after graduation, £29,000 after one year, £29,500 after three years, and £32,500 after five years.
You'll benefit from:
Professional accreditation: Accredited degree to support your route to professional registration
Industry placements: Strong industry links and placement opportunities with leading aerospace organisations
Practical experience: Flying lessons and hands-on experience with specialist equipment
Career support: Dedicated employability team and strong graduate prospects
Placement support: Opportunity for placement with leading employers and a dedicated employability team to support your career growth
Further Academic Progression: Students may go on to postgraduate study in fields like MSc Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautics, or Astronautics. The strong technical and industry basis of the program also leads to fields such as AI & Data Science, Management, and Technical Development.
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