The BEng Aerospace Engineering at the University of Manchester offers a combination of engineering science, practical experience, and design skills that prepare you for a challenging career in the industry. An industry-led curriculum, combined with a focus on practical experience, helps you achieve the technical and professional skills to progress in the fields of design, development, test, and operation of aerospace systems.
Curriculum structure:
Year 1: You’ll study core modules such as Aerospace Design, Introduction to Aerospace Engineering, Fluid Mechanics for Aerospace and Mechanical Engineers, Structures 1 (Aero), and Mathematics 1M1 & 1M2. The year also covers Computer Aided Engineering and Electrical Engineering Fundamentals, giving you a strong technical foundation.
Year 2: The second year deepens your expertise with Modelling & Simulation 2 (Aerospace), Aircraft Performance and Design, Space Systems, Structures 2 (Aerospace), Fluid Mechanics 2, and Avionics. You’ll also take Project Management and Mathematics 2M1, and participate in an Aerospace Field Course for real-world exposure.
Year 3: You’ll tackle advanced modules including Control Engineering (Aerospace), Aerospace Propulsion, Structures 3 (Aerospace), Aircraft Aerodynamics, Vibrations (Aerospace), Conceptual Aerospace Systems Design, and Flight Dynamics. The year culminates in an Individual Project, often linked to industry or research, and Operations Management.
Focus areas: Aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, avionics, flight dynamics, spacecraft systems.
Learning outcomes: Complex problem-solving, engineering design, teamwork, data analysis, project management, and effective communication.
Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE); meets academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Incorporated Engineer (IEng) registration.
Reputation (employability rankings): Ranked 4th in the UK for Aerospace Engineering (QS World Rankings 2024); 90% of graduates employed or in further study within 15 months (Graduate Outcomes Survey).
You’ll gain practical skills through hands-on projects, industry-standard software, and access to the state-of-the-art Engineering and Materials Building. Facilities include advanced laboratories, digital design suites, and group project spaces. Each year features a design project, with the third year offering an individual research project often linked to industry. The Aerospace Field Course provides real-world exposure, and you’ll use tools like Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) and simulation software throughout your studies.
Access to the Engineering and Materials Building with specialist aerospace labs and digital suites
Annual design projects and a final-year individual research project
Aerospace Field Course for practical, real-world learning
Use of advanced CAE and simulation software
Group-based and individual project work
Opportunities to work on sustainability and innovation challenges
Collaboration with external organisations via the University Living Lab
Access to the University of Manchester Library and dedicated engineering resources
Graduates of the BEng Aerospace Engineering at the University of Manchester enjoy outstanding prospects, with 90% employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation. This highly transferable degree prepares you for leadership roles in aerospace and related sectors, equipping you with both technical and commercial skills valued by employers worldwide. Typical career paths include: Aerospace Engineer, Design Engineer, Manufacturing Systems Engineer, CAD Technician.
You’ll benefit from:
A dedicated Careers Service offering tailored support and employer connections.
Strong partnerships with industry leaders such as Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, and BAE Systems provide valuable networking and placement opportunities.
Accredited status by RAeS and IMechE, supporting your journey toward Chartered or Incorporated Engineer registration-highly respected in the UK and internationally.
The University’s reputation as one of the most targeted by top graduate employers in the UK (THE Graduate Market 2024).
Further Academic Progression:
Students can pursue postgraduate study in areas such as MSc Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautics, or Astronautics. The strong technical and analytical foundation also opens doors to fields like AI & Data Science, Management, and Technical Development.
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