5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The MEng Aerospace Engineering with an Industrial Year at the University of Nottingham is designed for students who have a strong interest in the design, manufacture of aircraft and the science of flight. The program combines innovative teaching, project work, and an industrial year to prepare you for a leading role in aerospace engineering.
Year 1: You’ll build a foundation in aerospace engineering and aircraft technology, with courses such as Integrating Design, Make and Test Project, and core modules in flight physics and engineering analysis. You’ll also design and build a model-scale glider, applying your new skills in a practical context.
Year 2: The curriculum advances with modules like Aircraft Design and Control, Professional Engineering and Project, and Dynamics and Flight Mechanics. You’ll deepen your understanding of core aerospace subjects and complete a major design-make-test project focused on aircraft systems.
Year 3 (Industrial Year): Spend a full year as a paid member of staff within a leading aerospace company, gaining first-hand experience of genuine engineering challenges and developing both technical and managerial skills. The Placements Team will support you throughout your placement.
Year 4: Specialise in advanced topics such as Aerospace Propulsion, Control of Aerospace Systems, and Airframe and Materials. You’ll participate in a group design project and select from optional modules like Advanced Aerodynamics or Avionic Systems.
Year 5: Undertake an individual research project and choose further specialist modules, such as Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics, Spacecraft Systems and Design, or Structural Vibration and Aeroelasticity, allowing you to focus on areas of personal interest.
Focus areas: Aerodynamics, Avionics, Flight Mechanics, Human Factors, Aircraft Design, Propulsion, Space Systems
Learning outcomes: Advanced technical knowledge, practical engineering skills, project management, problem-solving, teamwork, preparation for industry
Professional alignment (accreditation): The programme is seeking accreditation from the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Institute of Engineering and Technology.
Reputation (employability rankings): 8th in the UK for Aerospace Engineering (Guardian University Guide 2024).
You’ll gain practical skills in Nottingham’s outstanding aerospace engineering facilities, designed for hands-on learning and bridging theory with real-world application. The department features industry-standard equipment and collaborative environments for designing, building, and testing aerospace systems. You'll have access to:
ALSIM AL250 Flight Simulator: One of the only UK university simulators with bespoke flight models, used in advanced flight dynamics modules and individual projects, plus four Next Level Flight Simulator Cockpits for immersive training
Wind Tunnels: First-rate teaching wind tunnels, including a novel closed-return wind tunnel with rolling-road facility, for aerodynamics testing and student-driven UAV/drone projects
Space Lab: Satellite tracking facilities, CubeSat simulators, and a magnetic resonance simulator, complementing modules like 'Introduction to Space' and international CubeSat competitions
Aerospace Design Studio & Project Design and Make Room: Dedicated facilities for collaborative design, prototyping, and large-scale production via 3D printers
Teaching in jet engines and access to specialist research laboratories, including the Aerospace Research Centre and Aircraft Electric Power Systems Innovations Laboratory
Institute for Aerospace Technology (IAT): A world-class research institute in support of advanced learning and innovation, with over 400 aerospace professionals and £75 million of projects
Guest lectures from industry, company visits, and placement opportunities with Airbus, Boeing, and Rolls-Royce
Graduates of MEng Aerospace Engineering with an Industrial Year at Nottingham are extremely employable with strong industry and technical competencies. They become prepared for a leadership role in the aerospace industry and the broader industry, including Aerospace Engineer, Design Engineer, and Project Manager.
You'll benefit from:
Placement and networking: Placement and networking with leading companies like Airbus, Boeing, and Rolls-Royce Aerospace
Career support teams: Placements Team and Careers and Employability Team are devoted to assisting
Professional accreditation: Accredited degree (in the pipeline), which supports your journey to Chartered Engineer status
Reputation and employability: The University's high employability rankings and good reputation
Further Academic Progression: Students are able to progress to postgraduate studies in disciplines such as MSc Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautics, or Astronautics. The technical and industry grounding of the program also opens the door to areas such as AI & Data Science, Management, and Technical Development.
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