MEng Aerospace Engineering (Private Pilot Instruction)

The University of Sheffield's MEng Aerospace Engineering (Private Pilot Instruction) is a four-year integrated master's course combining advanced aerospace engineering with foundational pilot training. It is most suitable for individuals aiming to become aerospace engineers or pilots, blending flight experience, aircraft construction, and rigorous technical development.

Curriculum structure:

• Year 1: You will study the basics of Aerospace Aerodynamics and Thermodynamics, Engineering Statics and Dynamics, and Introduction to Aerospace Materials. Hands-on activities include designing, constructing, and testing planes, as well as participating in the Global Engineering Challenge—an interdisciplinary team project.

• Year 2: Modules focus on Aerodynamics and Heat Transfer, Aerospace Design II, Aerospace Materials, and Control Engineering. You’ll develop embedded programming skills, work with electrical energy systems, and begin ground training for flight. Group projects and lab work are central.

• Year 3: Study Aero Propulsion, Aerodynamic Design, Aircraft Dynamics and Control, and Aircraft Design. You’ll complete the Professional Studies – Pilot Training module, including five hours of flight training. Optional modules enable focus on areas like computational fluid dynamics, composite materials, or machine learning.

• Year 4: Complete an Aerospace Individual Investigative Project under academic supervision, with optional advanced modules in propulsion, control, materials, or space systems. You’ll manage a major research project and may access further flight training through university partnerships.

Focus areas: Aerodynamics, Propulsion, Avionics, Aeromechanics, Aircraft Design, Materials and Manufacturing, Pilot Ground and Flight Training

Learning outcomes: Apply advanced engineering principles to aerospace systems and aircraft design, integrate theory with hands-on flight and build experience, manage complex interdisciplinary projects from concept to completion, translate technical concepts between aviation and engineering environments

Professional alignment (accreditation): Fully accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Royal Aeronautical Society, Institution of Engineering and Technology, and Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining—satisfying all academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Reputation (employability tables): Ranked #5 in the UK for manufacturing and aeronautical engineering (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024). Median salary: £31,000 after 15 months.