MEng Hons Aerospace Engineering With a Year Abroad

The MEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering with a Year Abroad at Swansea University is a five-year, on-campus program combining advanced engineering education with global experience. You’ll gain expert training in the theory and operation of aeronautical vehicles, from jet-powered and propeller-driven planes to gliders, helicopters, and spacecraft. The program covers the full engineering journey—from concept and design to testing and flight—while your year abroad at a partner university broadens your international perspective and employability.

Curriculum structure:

• Year 1: You’ll study Design and Laboratory Classes, Introduction to Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mechanics (Aero), and Thermofluids (Mechanical & General). You’ll gain hands-on lab experience and foundational engineering principles, including a flying lesson using the Merlin MPX521 Engineering Flight Simulator and JetCat P120 Engine.

• Year 2: You will move on to Aerospace Structures, AI and Aerospace Systems, Flight Mechanics, Experimental Studies (Aerospace), and Computer Aided Engineering (Aerospace). Laboratory classes and collaborative group projects continue to enhance your technical and analysis skills, with constant access to state-of-the-art wind tunnels and simulating facilities.

• Year 3: You’ll focus on Engineering Management (Aero, EEE, Mech), Rotorcraft Theory, Gas Dynamics, Propulsion, and complete an Individual Engineering Project. You’ll also participate in a flight test course, gaining real-world experience in aircraft performance and data analysis.

• Year 4 (Year Abroad): You’ll spend the year at a partner university overseas, expanding your academic, technical, and cultural knowledge. Partner institutions span the globe, with opportunities varying each year. All modules taken abroad are approved to match Swansea’s academic standards.

• Year 5: You’ll return to Swansea for advanced specialist modules such as Business Leadership for Engineers, Advanced Propulsion, Spacecraft Structure Design, and Power Sources for Operation of Spacecraft Systems. You’ll complete a major group design project and can focus on your chosen stream, such as Space, Structural/Computational, or Materials/Propulsion.

Focus areas: Aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, flight dynamics, spacecraft systems, computational methods, materials science, global aerospace industry.

Learning outcomes: Advanced problem-solving, engineering design, teamwork, research skills, project management, digital engineering, international collaboration, and effective communication.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), and Institution of Engineering Designers (IED); meets Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration requirements.

Reputation (employability rankings): Ranked in the top 100 worldwide for Aerospace Engineering (QS World University Rankings 2024); graduates employed by Rolls-Royce, GE Aviation, Airbus, Babcock, Jaguar Land Rover, and others.