The MEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering at the University of South Wales is an integrated master's degree, taken over four years on campus, for students looking to develop enhanced skills in aerospace engineering. Mathematical analysis, hands-on design activities, and industry-focused modules are all part of the course that leads you towards leadership roles within the aerospace industry, with a straightforward path to Chartered Engineer status.
Curriculum structure:
Year 1: You’ll build a foundation in mathematics, mechanics, and design, with modules in Mathematics for Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineers, Design and Manufacture, Engineering Computing Applications, Engineering Mechanics 1, Electrical Science, and Thermofluids 1. You’ll use industry-standard CAD tools and manufacturing techniques, and gain practical lab experience.
Year 2: You will move on to specialist aerospace modules such as Control and Instrumentation, Thermofluids 2, Engineering Materials, Further Engineering Mathematics, Rocket and Space Technology, and Aerospace Design. This year covers important aerospace subjects and develops your analytical and design capabilities.
Year 3: You’ll focus on advanced aerospace content, including an Integrative MEng Group Project, Engineering Computational Analysis, Aircraft Flight Dynamics, Aerospace Propulsion, and Aerospace Structures & Materials. Optional supervised work experience (sandwich year) is available, and you’ll participate in a live flight experience, reinforced by simulator training.
Year 4: You’ll tackle specialist and leadership modules, including an Individual MEng Group Project, Aeroelasticity, Space Environmental Management, Professional Engineering Management, Aerospace Systems, and Aerothermodynamics. This year develops your critical thinking, research, and management skills for modern engineering leadership.
Focus areas: Aerodynamics, propulsion, flight dynamics, structures, computational analysis, rocket and space technology, aeroelasticity, aerospace systems, engineering management, aerothermodynamics.
Learning outcomes: Mastering aerospace engineering principles, specialist analysis and design, leadership skills, teamwork skills, project management skills, and preparation for Chartered Engineer status and senior-level industry careers.
Professional conformity (accreditations): Accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), in respect of Chartered Engineer (CEng) requirements.
Reputation (employability rankings): Median graduate salaries: £27,000 (1 year), £35,000 (3 years), £39,000 (5 years) after graduation. Strong industry links with Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GE Aviation, and British Airways Maintenance.
At the University of South Wales, you’ll train in one of the UK’s most advanced aerospace engineering environments. The £3.3 million Aerospace Centre features two aircraft hangars housing both civil and military aircraft, including a full-size BAE Jetstream 31, Jet Provost, and access to Rolls-Royce Spey engines. You’ll work in industry-approved, EASA- and CAA-accredited facilities, using a suite of practical training spaces for gas turbine maintenance, riveting, composites, avionics, hydraulics, and pneumatics. The Centre also provides a full-motion, three-axis Merlin MP521 flight simulator (programmable for Airbus A320 and Cessna 150), a subsonic wind tunnel, and dedicated labs for electronics and materials testing. Here’s how you’ll gain hands-on experience and industry-ready skills:
Two aircraft hangars holding civil and military aircraft (e.g., BAE Jetstream 31, Jet Provost)
Gas turbine overhaul workshop and mock aircraft shell riveting area
Clean and dirty composite workshops for repair and specimen fabrication
Specialised laboratories for avionics, hydraulics, pneumatics, and electronics
Merlin MP521 full-motion flight simulator (Airbus A320, Cessna 150)
Subsonic wind tunnel for aerodynamic demonstration and testing
Sheet metal, welding, and hand tools workshops
EASA- and CAA-approved training facilities for real-world compliance
Industry-standard computer laboratories with SolidWorks, Ansys, LS-Dyna, SolidCAM, and Phoenix
Modern prototyping and manufacturing equipment: CNC routers, rapid prototyping machines, CMM, laser cutter, etc.
Graduates of the MEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering at the University of South Wales are highly employable, securing roles in aerospace engineering, aircraft design, flight testing, propulsion, manufacturing, and project management. Alumni have joined leading employers such as Airbus, GE Aviation, Rolls-Royce, Boeing, Jaguar Land Rover, MBDA, EasyJet, Emirates, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), and the UK Ministry of Defence.
You’ll benefit from:
Industry partnerships: Strong industry partnerships with Airbus, GE Aviation, Rolls-Royce, British Airways Maintenance, BAMC, Nordam Europe, and TES Aviation Group, providing placement opportunities, field visits, and industry-led curriculum content
Hands-on experience: In advanced facilities, including two aircraft hangars, a full-size BAE Jetstream 31, Jet Provost aircraft, Rolls-Royce Spey engines, 747 and MP521 flight simulators, wind tunnels, gas turbine engines, and materials testing labs
Real-world learning: Through group projects, live flight experiences, flight simulator work, and opportunities for a sandwich year placement, which can lead directly to graduate job offers
Career support: Dedicated career support including CV writing, interview preparation, skills workshops, careers fairs, and direct connections to the Aerospace Wales Forum and regional aviation industry
Graduate outcomes: 80% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after the course, with 85% using what they learned in their current roles and 91% satisfied with the quality of the course. The average salary for USW aeronautical and aerospace engineering graduates is £28,000 fifteen months after graduation, with typical starting salaries in the UK ranging from £27,000–£30,000 and rising to £35,000–£45,000 or more with experience.
Academic Progression: Students can proceed to doctoral (PhD) research in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautics, or related disciplines, or step into industry leadership roles, supported by the advanced technical and research foundation of the MEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering programme.
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