5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The University of Bristol MEng Aerospace Engineering with a Year in Industry is a five-year undergraduate degree that blends intense academic study with a year-long industry placement. The course is ideal for students who wish to develop technical expertise and real-world experience, such as aerodynamics, structures, dynamics, and systems design.
Curriculum structure:
Year 1: You’ll build a foundation in aerodynamics, structures and materials, and dynamics and control through lectures, hands-on lab work, and a design-build-test project that develops teamwork and presentation skills.
Year 2: Core concepts deepen with advanced coursework in systems engineering and materials science. You’ll gain practical experience in labs and group projects, while preparing for your industry placement with guidance from Bristol’s Industrial Liaison Office.
Year 3 (Industry Placement): Spend up to 12 months working in a leading aerospace company, applying your academic knowledge in a real-world setting. This paid placement boosts your confidence, employability, and professional network.
Year 4: Return to Bristol for a research project, such as automated UAV landing, space mission design, or composite materials testing. You’ll work closely with world-class academics and use state-of-the-art facilities.
Year 5: Undertake a major industry-led group design project, e.g. design a hydrogen-fueled aircraft or interplanetary science mission. Take optional units to focus on your career aspirations and areas of interest.
Focus areas: Aerodynamics, Structures and Materials, Dynamics and Control, Systems and Design
Learning outcomes: Apply state-of-the-art engineering to aerospace challenges, design and analyse aircraft and space vehicle systems, work effectively in multidisciplinary groups and communicate technical ideas, use industry-accredited software and laboratory techniques
Professional alignment (accreditation): Fully accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), supporting towards Chartered Engineer status.
Reputation (employability rankings): Bristol is a UK leader in aerospace engineering with outstanding graduate employability and close industry ties. Median graduate 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 projects with industry collaboration
Individual research project in Year 3 (abroad)
Study at partner universities in Sweden, the Netherlands, the 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 to assist your progression towards professional registration.
Reputation and employability: The excellent reputation of the University in aerospace and high employability rankings.
Academic Progression: Students can pursue their academic studies at the postgraduate level in areas such as MSc Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautics, or Astronautics. The technical focus of the programme and industry exposure also offer an entry point for fields such as AI & Data Science, Management, and Technical Development.
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