Enter OTP
The University of Brighton BEng (Hons) Aeronautical Engineering sets you up to design, test, and build aircraft, drones, and satellites. Ideal for students passionate about flight and innovation, you'll study core aeronautical principles and put them into practice with hands-on projects alongside specialist staff and industry partners.
Curriculum structure:
Year 1: You'll develop a sound foundation in Engineering Mathematics, Mechanical Design, and Energy Systems. Projects introduce you to Computer Aided Design (CAD) using packages like SolidWorks, and you'll design, manufacture, and test functional products in team-oriented modules. Modules include Materials and Manufacturing, and Engineering Practice.
Year 2: You’ll specialise in aerospace topics with modules such as Dynamics and Control, Aerospace Fluid and Thermal Systems, Mechanics of Materials, and Engineering Systems. Group projects simulate real-world engineering challenges, and you’ll use simulation and analysis software to model dynamic systems and explore manufacturing processes.
Year 3: Your final year covers Flight Dynamics and Control, Computational Fluid Dynamics for Aeronautical Engineering, Aircraft Design and Management, Aerospace Propulsion Systems and Avionics, and an Individual Project. You’ll use digital simulation tools for flight dynamics, undertake a major design project, and have the option to pursue Private Pilot Studies (additional cost applies).
Focus areas: Aerodynamics, propulsion, flight mechanics, aircraft design, avionics, materials, computational fluid dynamics, and manufacturing.
Learning outcomes: Design and analyse aircraft and aerospace systems, use computational and experimental methods, manage engineering projects, and demonstrate professional and teamwork skills.
Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Reputation (employability rankings): Top 30 in People & Planet University League for sustainability and ethics; recognised degree that employers and international agreements respect.
You’ll gain practical skills in specialist facilities including flight and car simulators, wind tunnels, prototyping labs, CNC machines, and robotics and VR labs. Project-based learning is central, with opportunities for group design, manufacturing, testing, and industry placements with companies like Lockheed Martin, GE Aviation, NATS, and Rolls-Royce. You’ll also participate in national competitions and research projects with staff who collaborate with the European Space Agency. You will have access to:
Flight and car simulators for hands-on systems testing
Wind tunnel tests for aerodynamics studies
Prototyping workshops and CNC equipment for making projects
Robotics and VR labs for high-level simulation
Utilisation of STEP lab (Sustainable Technology and Engineering Projects)
Group and individual design projects
Industrial placements with major aerospace firms
Guest lectures from professional engineers
Potential for research work with staff in microgravity and propulsion
Private Pilot Studies option (external, additional cost)
Graduates are highly employable, with roles in designing, manufacturing, and testing civil and military aircraft, helicopters, and jet engines. The program's strong industry links and professional accreditation provide excellent career prospects and access to placements with leading aerospace employers. Graduates report competitive salaries, reflecting the high demand for skilled aerospace engineers.
You’ll benefit from:
Professional accreditation: Accredited degree supporting your journey to professional registration
Industry connections: Strong industry connections with leading aerospace companies such as Airbus UK, Rolls-Royce, GE Aviation, Leonardo Helicopters, and BAE Systems
Practical experience: Practical experience of state-of-the-art aerospace facilities and industry-relevant projects
Career support: One-to-one career planning and networking opportunities
Placement opportunities: Placements with leading organisations and an employability team to enhance your career prospects
Further Academic Progression: Students can progress to postgraduate studies in MSc Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautics, or Astronautics. The solid technical and industrial foundation of the course also makes it possible for students to transfer to domains like AI & Data Science, Management, and Technical Development.
10th Grade transcript and 12th Grade predicted from school counselorEnglish test results: IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5), TOEFL IBT 72 UCAS Personal Statement upto 600 wordsOne teacher's letter of recommendationEducational Resume showcasing all extracurriculars, internships, projects, etc A-levels: BBB–BCC. A-levels must include maths and a physical science. University's conditional offers typically fall within this range.International Baccalaureate: 26 points, with three subjects at Higher Level. Higher level subjects must include maths and physics at grade 5.GCSE: minimum grade C or grade 4. Must include English language, maths and a physical science.Tariff points (UCAS): 104-120 points.Portfolio, project links, or YouTube channel to enhance your application (optional)Application via UCASAerospace EngineerFlight Test EngineerPropulsion EngineerAircraft Design EngineerAerodynamics SpecialistAvionics EngineerStructural AnalystMaintenance EngineerCAD TechnicianSatellite Systems Engineer
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University of Brighton
