4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The BEng Aerospace Engineering with a Year in Industry at the University of Bristol is a four-year program designed for students who want to combine rigorous academic study with a year of professional experience. You’ll explore aerodynamics, structures and materials, dynamics and control, and systems and design, preparing for a career at the forefront of aerospace innovation.
Curriculum structure:
Year 1: You’ll study core modules such as Aerodynamics, Structures and Materials, and Dynamics and Control. Practical sessions and a design-build-test project help develop teamwork and presentation skills, while computer and physical labs introduce key engineering tools.
Year 2: Advanced topics in Systems Engineering and Materials Science are covered, with more complex lab work and group projects. You’ll also begin preparing for your industrial placement with support from the Industrial Liaison Office.
Year 3 (Year in Industry): You will spend up to 12 months in an approved aerospace industry company, applying your academic skills in a working environment. The university-arranged placement combines work with leading employers in the sector and an average starting annual salary of £23,000.
Year 4: Returning to campus, you’ll undertake a substantial research project—examples include the automated landing of UAVs or advanced composite testing. You’ll also choose specialist units aligned with your interests and career goals.
Focus areas: Aerodynamics, Structures and Materials, Dynamics and Control, Systems and Design
Learning outcomes: Apply engineering principles to aerospace challenges, design and analyse aircraft and spacecraft systems, use advanced software and laboratory techniques, communicate technical ideas effectively in professional settings
Professional alignment (accreditation): Fully accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), in support of the pathway to Chartered Engineer status.
Reputation (employability rankings): the University of Bristol is one of the UK's top universities for aerospace engineering, with satisfactory graduate satisfaction and employability. Graduate median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, rising to £42,500 after five years.
You will gain practical experience in Bristol's cutting-edge laboratories and facilities, including wind tunnels, flight simulators, and advanced materials laboratories. Design-build-test projects, individual and group research projects, and a large group design project in collaboration with industry partners like Airbus and Leonardo are included in the program. The overseas year provides unique exposure to international aerospace research and teaching environments.
Access to wind tunnels, flight simulators, and advanced composite materials laboratories
Design-build-test projects and group design project with industry collaboration
Individual research project in Year 3 (abroad)
Study at partner universities in Sweden, the Netherlands, US, Singapore, or Australia
Industry engagement coordinated by the Industrial Liaison Office
Use of industry-standard software and digital tools
Opportunities for networking with international aerospace companies
Support from Bristol's Centre for Study Abroad and Global Opportunities team
Graduates of the BEng Aerospace Engineering with a Year in Industry at Bristol are highly sought after, with a skillset that prepares them for leadership roles in aerospace and related sectors. Typical job roles include Aerospace Engineer, Design Engineer, Manufacturing Systems Engineer, and Researcher.
You’ll benefit from:
Career support services: A dedicated Industrial Liaison Office for career support and employer networking.
Industry partnerships: Strong industry partnerships with local and national aerospace companies.
Professional accreditation: Accredited status by RAeS, further supporting your route to professional registration.
Reputation and employability: The University's high reputation within the aerospace community and high employability ratings.
Academic Progression: Students can progress to postgraduate level in areas such as MSc Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautics, or Astronautics. The program's strong technical foundation and industrial experience also lead to entry into areas such as AI & Data Science, Management, and Technical Development.
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