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The BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering course at the University of Hertfordshire is a work-based, industry-focused course with an emphasis on aircraft design, structures, materials, and aerodynamics. The course is ideal for students who want to blend technical skills with real-world exposure, using leading-edge facilities and working on actual engineering projects.
Curriculum structure:
Year 1: You will study Introduction to Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Mathematics for Aerospace, Fundamentals of Aerospace Projects, Aerospace Mechanical Science, Fundamentals of Autonomous Systems Design, Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing, Programming for Aerospace Engineering, and Electronics for Aerospace Engineering. Practising with flight simulators and wind tunnels from the beginning enhances your hands-on skills and confidence.
Year 2: Core modules include Applied Aerodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics for Aerospace, Aerospace Materials, Aerospace Systems Modelling and Control, Aerospace Structural Mechanics, and Aircraft Systems Integration. You’ll deepen your understanding of design and analysis, participate in group design projects, and may have the opportunity to fly at a local flying school.
Year 3: You'll acquire a BEng Individual Project (Aerospace), Computational Analysis of Fluids and Structures, Flight Testing, Aircraft Propulsion, and Professional Engineering and Quality Management. Your third-year group design project challenges you to design an entire aircraft utilising industry-standard packages such as CATIA, finite element analysis, and computational fluid dynamics.
Key areas: Aerodynamics, propulsion, flight mechanics, aircraft design, materials, structures, systems integration, computational analysis.
Learning outcomes: Design and analyse aerospace vehicles, use computational and experimental methods, use industry-standard software, and demonstrate teamwork and professional ability.
Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS); satisfies academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and, in part, for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration.
Reputation (employability rankings): 1st in the East of England for Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering (Complete University Guide 2024); excellent industry links and placement prospects.
You'll learn by doing through hands-on experiences in state-of-the-art facilities, including flight simulators, wind tunnels, specialist labs, and CAE software. The CDIO (Conceive Design Implement Operate) strategy is embedded throughout the course, meaning you'll have the opportunity to apply real-world skills through design-and-build projects and team exercises. There are open-access labs and 24/7 study facilities at your disposal for individual and group learning. You will have access to:
Flight simulators for real flight dynamics and systems testing
Subsonic and supersonic wind tunnels for aerodynamic testing
Specialist materials and structural test laboratories
Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) suites equipped with CATIA, FEA, and CFD software
Group and individual aircraft design projects
Flying lessons facilities at a local flying school
Open-access laboratory policy for independent testing
Work placement and study abroad
Access to the Centre for Academic Skills and 24/7 Learning Resources Centre
Graduates from the University of Hertfordshire’s BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering are highly employable, with roles in aircraft and aerospace design, manufacturing, flight testing, and systems engineering. The degree is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), supporting your journey to professional registration.
You’ll benefit from:
Professional accreditation: Accredited degree supporting your path to Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status
Industry partnerships: Strategic industry connections with leading aerospace companies such as Airbus, Rolls-Royce, British Airways, BAE Systems, and the Ministry of Defence, providing access to placements, internships, and graduate schemes
Practical experience: Practical skills with the latest facilities, including flight simulators, wind tunnels, and UAV laboratories, complemented with live projects and group design sessions
Career development: Personalised career direction, networking sessions, and the opportunity to spend a year in industry or study overseas, enhancing your professional reputation
Salary prospects: Competitive entry-level salaries: UK aerospace engineers typically start at £25,000–£34,000, with average salaries of £48,000.
Academic Progression: The students can proceed to pursue postgraduate studies in areas such as MSc Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautics, or Astronautics. The robust technical and industrial foundation of the course also gives way to disciplines such as 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 72UCAS Personal Statement upto 600 wordsOne teacher's letter of recommendationEducational Resume showcasing all extracurriculars, internships, projects, etc A-levels: ABB–BBB. Mandatory subjects: Mathematics and either Physics or Technology or engineering-based subjects, excluding General Studies/Critical ThinkingGCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and 4/C MathematicsInternational Baccalaureate: 32 points accepted with relevant subjectsTariff points (UCAS): 120-128 pointsPortfolio, 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 Hertfordshire
