The MEng Aerospace Engineering at the University of Birmingham is designed for students who want to shape the future of aviation and space exploration. From aerodynamics and systems engineering to mechanics and performance analysis, you’ll gain the technical depth you need—while also getting hands-on experiences like flight simulation and even real aircraft flying exercises. This degree is perfect for those who want to combine innovation with practical skills and research-led learning in both air and space vehicles.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Building Your Foundation
Your first year is all about getting the essentials right. You’ll study:
Mathematics and Computing for Engineers
Mechanics and Structures
Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Fluids
Electrical and Magnetic Engineering
Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainability
Practical and Design Skills for Aerospace
These modules give you the analytical, design, and problem-solving skills that form the backbone of aerospace engineering. You’ll also begin to develop your hands-on skills through labs and design-based projects.
Year 2: Diving into Aerospace
Now the focus shifts more toward your chosen field. You’ll explore:
Aerodynamics and Propulsion
Aircraft Design and Flight Mechanics
Space System Engineering and Design
Aerospace Electrical Power and Control
Aerospace Experimentation, Simulation and Practice
Fracture, Fatigue and Degradation
This year balances technical theory with practical applications—helping you understand how aircraft and spacecraft are designed, tested, and operated.
Year 3: Specialisation and Innovation
Year 3 pushes you further into advanced aerospace study. Alongside an Individual Project, you’ll study:
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Flight Dynamics and Control
Space Mission Analysis and Design
You’ll also have the freedom to shape your studies with optional modules such as:
High Performance Aerospace Materials
Materials for Electric Propulsion
Communication Systems for Aerospace
This flexibility allows you to start tailoring your degree towards your career goals—whether that’s materials, propulsion, spacecraft design, or communications.
Year 4: Team-Based Design Challenge
Your final year is a real highlight. Half of your time is devoted to an Aerospace Group Project, often centred on designing an aircraft or space vehicle from concept to prototype. Alongside this, you’ll choose optional modules aligned to your interests—be it advanced aerodynamics, propulsion, or space applications—giving you the chance to graduate with a specialism that reflects your ambitions.
Focus Areas
Aerospace fundamentals
Aerodynamics and propulsion
Flight and space systems
Computational analysis (CFD & FEA)
Materials and communication systems
Real-world flight testing & simulation
Individual and group design projects
What You’ll Gain (Learning Outcomes)
By the time you graduate, you’ll:
Have strong theoretical and experimental knowledge of aerospace engineering
Be confident applying computational tools, design techniques, and project management skills
Have developed a specialism in areas such as propulsion, space systems, materials, or communications
Know how to solve real-world aerospace challenges using flight simulation, real aircraft data, and hands-on design projects
Professional Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) on behalf of the Engineering Council. That means it fully meets the academic requirements for achieving Chartered Engineer (CEng) status—a major step toward a professional career.
Reputation & Rankings
6th in the UK for Aerospace Engineering – The Guardian 2025
8th in the UK – Complete University Guide 2025
University of Birmingham ranks among the top 100 universities worldwide (QS World Rankings) and 11th in the UK overall.
Graduate Outcomes
85% of graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of finishing the degree.
Average graduate salary: £32,000 just 15 months after graduation.
👉 In short, this degree doesn’t just give you the knowledge—it gives you the professional edge. You’ll graduate with the skills, experiences, and accreditation to launch a career in one of the most exciting industries on the planet.
From the moment you join this programme, you’re not just studying aerospace engineering — you’re living it. Every step of your journey blends theory with practice, so you graduate with the skills, confidence, and experience to thrive in a fast-moving industry.
This isn’t just classroom learning — it’s full immersion in aerospace engineering:
Flight simulators & real aircraft flights
You’ll move seamlessly from high-tech simulators to real aircraft flights, where the planes are instrumented to capture live data. You won’t just read about flight handling qualities — you’ll test them yourself and see how the data shapes design decisions.
Wind tunnels & teaching labs
Step into our cutting-edge teaching laboratories and wind tunnels, where you’ll bring aerodynamics, materials, and mechanics to life. These hands-on sessions turn abstract concepts into real-world understanding.
Group projects & national competitions
Collaboration is at the heart of engineering. You’ll work in interdisciplinary teams on projects that mirror industry practice. Many students even go on to compete — and win — in national competitions. For example, a fourth-year team recently took first place in the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Light Aircraft Design Competition (2021–22).
Year in industry (internships)
Between your second and third years, you can choose to spend a year working in industry. Our staff will help you find placements, polish your applications, and mentor you through the process. It’s an invaluable chance to gain experience, grow your network, and walk into your final year with real-world insights.
Year abroad or intercalation options
If you want to broaden your horizons, you can study abroad for a year or intercalate in another field like Computer Science or Business Studies. These options help you build a truly versatile skill set and global perspective.
Final-year major project
Your degree culminates in a major individual project, where you become the subject expert. You’ll take the lead on solving a real technical challenge, applying everything you’ve learned to create something innovative and impactful.
Shared discipline modules
Along the way, you’ll study modules that span mechanical, materials, electrical, and systems engineering. This interdisciplinary approach makes you adaptable and ready for the many directions an engineering career can take.
Industry-standard software & hardware
From day one, you’ll use the same tools and systems that professionals rely on — whether it’s modelling, design, or testing. By the time you graduate, you’ll already be fluent in the technologies shaping the aerospace sector.
✨ The result? A degree that prepares you not just to enter the aerospace industry, but to make an impact from day one.
Career pathways after graduation
Graduates step into exciting, high-skilled roles across aerospace — from design and systems engineering to cutting-edge research and development. Many go on to shape industries such as commercial aviation, space exploration, and defense. Whether your ambition is to innovate in advanced engineering or contribute to pioneering research, you’ll be equipped to launch your career with confidence.
University support to boost your employability
The Careers Network offers tailored one-to-one guidance, CV and interview workshops, internships, summer placements, and alumni mentoring to help you stand out in a competitive field.
Worklink, the university’s on-campus recruitment agency, gives you access to flexible part-time jobs, so you can build your professional skills and experience from the very start of your degree.
Graduate employment stats & earning potential
Across engineering at Birmingham, around 85% of graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months, with average starting salaries of about £32,000.
For aerospace-focused engineering grads specifically:
85% employed or in study within 15 months
Average salary: ~£32,000 (typical range: £29,000–£35,000)
After 5 years: salaries rise to around £37,000 (with many earning up to £45,500).
Industry connections that give you an edge
The programme is closely linked with world-leading aerospace companies like Rolls-Royce, with industrial experts feeding into teaching and real-world projects. Group and individual projects often include live challenges shaped by industry, giving you valuable exposure to the skills employers are actively looking for.
Accreditation & professional recognition
The BEng version of this programme is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society and IOM3, meeting the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer status and partially for Chartered Engineer. That accreditation strength underpins the MEng too, adding long-term professional credibility to your qualification.
Graduate outcomes you can be proud of
Around 90% of aerospace or related engineering graduates move quickly into professional roles — from engineering specialists and associate professionals to senior officials — within just 15 months.
Degree outcomes at Birmingham are consistently strong, with high numbers of students achieving a First-Class or 2:1 degree, reflecting the university’s rigorous standards and the commitment of its students.
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.