MEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering with Space Technology

The MEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering with Space Technology at the University of Hertfordshire is a four-year program designed to develop your expertise in both aerospace and space systems. You’ll cover the design and development of space vehicles, rocket propulsion, space flight control, and satellite communication systems, with advanced modules at master’s level. This program is perfect for students who want to combine core aerospace engineering with specialist space technology and hands-on experience using industry-standard facilities.

Curriculum structure:

• Year 1: You’ll 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. Early exposure to flight simulators and CAE software builds your practical skills.

• Year 2: Modules include Applied Aerodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics for Aerospace, Aerospace Materials, Aerospace Systems Modelling and Control, Aerospace Structural Mechanics, Aircraft Systems Integration, and Space Systems. You’ll participate in group design projects and have the opportunity for a short air-experience flight in a light aircraft or microlight (subsidised, additional cost).

• Year 3: You’ll undertake an MEng Individual Project (Aerospace), and study Computational Analysis of Fluids and Structures, Flight Testing, Aircraft Propulsion, Professional Engineering and Quality Management, Rocket Performance and Propulsion, and Space Dynamics. You’ll also work with astrophysicists and industry partners to design a space vehicle, and take part in group design projects.

• Year 4: At master's level, you'll study Engineering Management and Innovation, Stability and Control of Aircraft, Autonomous Aerospace Systems, Satellite Design, and Satellite Communications. The final capstone MEng Team Project is multidisciplinary and consists of addressing a demanding engineering issue—an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle design, for example—often in collaboration with a foremost space industry corporation.

• Students can choose an additional placement year or a year abroad to study without paying any tuition fee.

Focus areas: Spacecraft design, rocket propulsion, space flight control, satellite communication systems, aerodynamics, propulsion, aircraft systems integration, autonomous aerospace systems.

Learning outcomes: Design and analyse aerospace and space vehicles, apply computational and experimental techniques, use industry-standard software, demonstrate teamwork, leadership, and professional engineering skills.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS); fully meets academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration for 2022–2026 intakes.

Reputation (employability rankings): 1st in the East of England for Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering (Complete University Guide 2023); strong industry links with Airbus, BAE Systems, Virgin Atlantic Engineering, and more.