Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons)

Overview

Ranked 4th in London (Guardian University Guide 2026).

Our Aerospace Engineering BEng degree is an exciting, hands-on course developed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to meet the real world needs of the global aerospace industry.

You will be introduced to fundamental engineering subjects such as structures, materials, fluids, and maths, and gain skills in technical drawing. You’ll then learn about the principles of aircraft design and progress to specialist subjects such as propulsion systems, and flight testing and analysis.

You’ll have access to a range of technical facilities including our aerospace/aviation laboratory, full-motion engineering flight simulator, supersonic and subsonic wind tunnels, materials and structure testing laboratory, and 3D printing in the digital fabrication workshop. Industry standard specialist software for aircraft design is available for you to use 24 hours a day in high-performance computing clusters.

During your time at Brunel, you will benefit from guest lectures delivered by industry professionals who present a valuable insight into current, challenging topics in the field of aerospace. There are also planned visits to engineering and manufacturing companies where you’ll see first-hand the latest breakthroughs in development and technology for future aerospace systems. In addition, you have the advantage of Brunel’s close location to London’s Heathrow Airport for site visits as well as project opportunities, and placement and employment options.

At the end of each academic year, engineering and maths students are invited to showcase their project work at Brunel Engineers +, an event that both celebrates their achievements and gives them the chance to network with industry figures and employers. This video shows some of the projects exhibited at the 2024 Brunel Engineers + event, with explanations by the students themselves.

Our BEng aerospace engineering course is accredited by both the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) (NB: we are seeking accreditation for the with-placement route). These professional bodies ensure that your engineering degree meets the academic requirement to qualify as a professional engineer. This accredited BEng degree in aerospace engineering can be studied full-time over three years, or four years with a placement year. The BEng degree meets the educational requirement to become an Incorporated Engineer (IEng). You may wish to transfer to the MEng route of study at the end of your second year, subject to meeting the progression requirement. The MEng degree fully meets the educational requirement to become a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and involves a further year of academic study.

We encourage the placement year option. This time in industry helps you to further prepare for the world of work and you’ll have a year’s worth of invaluable professional experience when you graduate. If you decide to go on an engineering placement year, you will have the opportunity to work in the aerospace engineering sector.

As an extracurricular activity, there is the opportunity to be part of a student-led initiative involving the design and build of an unmanned aircraft vehicle and participating in the IMechE industry-sponsored UAS Challenge (Unmanned Aircraft Systems Challenge).

You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.

Course content

Course delivery is a well-balanced combination of theory and practical sessions. In your first two years, you will gain solid knowledge and understanding of key aerospace engineering principles. You’ll also develop your reflective skills and professional development planning through the professional engineering practice module. In your final year, you move on to specialist topics such as propulsion systems and flight testing. You will also work on your industry-relevant individual research project.

Year 1

Compulsory

Engineering Mathematics and Programming I
Aims: To develop students’ ability to understand and apply fundamental methods of engineering mathematics; to introduce the use of programming in engineering, and develop students’ ability to represent and solve problems algorithmically.
Engineering Mathematics and Programming II
Aims: To develop students’ ability to understand and apply fundamental methods of engineering mathematics; to introduce the use of programming in engineering, and develop students’ ability to represent and solve problems algorithmically.
Engineering Practice
Aims: to develop the skills required by students studying in all engineering disciplines, thereby supporting their journey through higher education and into their professional life with the intention of maximising their employability.

Skills development in the following areas will be addressed: problem solving; personal development; professional development; career planning; basic engineering design; introductory project management; communication; working in inclusive teams; health and safety and security.
Engineering Systems and Energy 1
Aims: to provide a grounding in concepts of measurement and uncertainty; to provide knowledge about applied physics relations that govern engineering systems within their boundaries and via their variables of interaction and to establish the ability to define system boundaries and apply relevant, simple models.
Engineering Systems and Energy 2
Aims: To provide a grounding in concepts of measurement and uncertainty; to provide knowledge about applied physics relations that govern engineering systems within their boundaries and via their variables of interaction; to establish ability to define system boundaries and apply relevant simple models.
Engineering Mechanics - Statics
Aims: To provide a grounding in the fundamental principles of engineering mechanics; to provide knowledge and understanding of Newton’s laws and their application for the solution of static problems; to provide experience and confidence in problem-solving.
Engineering Mechanics and Materials (Mechanical and Aerospace)
Aims: To provide a grounding in the fundamental principles of engineering mechanics – dynamics of rigid bodies; to provide knowledge and understanding of the common and important material properties for various engineering applications; to provide experience and confidence in problem-solving.
Mechanical Engineering Science
Aims: To present principles governing the mechanics of solid bodies under static condition; to present interpret and apply concepts and theories of classical engineering thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer to engineering systems; to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in modelling and analysing engineering problems; to achieve an appreciation of laboratory instrumentation and data analysis.

Year 2

Compulsory

Engineering Mathematics and Programming
The aim of this module is to enhance knowledge about application of mathematical modelling to engineering problems and to provide knowledge and understanding about various mathematical techniques that are used to solve mathematical problems relevant to engineering. Programming techniques will also be introduced for solving mathematical models
Design Process for Machine Elements, Manufacturing Processes, Materials and CAD
This module introduces relevant mechanical components, assemblies in an engineering design context and Computer Aided Design (CAD). Students learn to consolidate the disciplines of materials science, materials engineering and modern manufacturing processes.
Engineering Business (Core)
This module helps to develop and demonstrate an understanding of project management by working as part of a team to research and plan a project and enhances student preparedness for work placement and employment.
Aerodynamics and CFD
This module provides introduction to the fundamental principles of aerodynamics and development of experimental laboratorial procedures for basic aerodynamics. Students learn basic concepts of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to be used in aerodynamics problems.
Solid Mechanics and Intro to FEA
This module helps to establish a solid foundation for the analysis of solids and structures based on the fundamental principles of continuum mechanics. Students learn to link models and engineering applications with a range of real-life examples, experimental testing and comparative analysis of experimental measurements and theoretical results.
Flight Mechanics and Aircraft Design
This module introduces the basic principles of aircraft flight performance, stability and control, and aircraft design.
Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer
This module introduces new fundamental concepts of thermodynamics and apply to relevant thermal power and heating/cooling systems. Students learn basic concepts of heat transfer.
Dynamics of Machines
This module helps to establish a foundation for vibration analysis and machine dynamics. It will introduce analytical and graphical methods for mechanism analysis and synthesis.

Year 3

Compulsory

Major Individual Project
This module provides experience in planning, researching and conducting a major engineering project in the specialised course of study. Students will apply engineering techniques, critically assess the findings, putting forward ideas and drawing conclusions.
Applied Aerodynamics
This module introduces more advanced concepts of aerodynamics to develop further aircraft wing aerodynamics and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for the solution of aerodynamic problems. It will provide a flight test experience to students.
Mechatronics and Control Engineering
This module introduces knowledge and methods for designing and implementing mechatronic systems for control and robot systems. Students will develop an understanding of modelling dynamic systems using transfer functions and block diagrams by providing a mathematical foundation for control systems analysis, design and performance improvement.
Aerospace Structures
This module introduces advanced concepts for the analysis and design of lightweight structures for aerospace vehicles. Students will learn basic principles underpinning modelling of composite materials and basic principles of static and dynamic aero elasticity.
Sustainable Engineering Management and Practice
This modules helps to learn pertinent environmental, quality, health & safety issues, and their relevant related regulations, influencing engineering business. Students will develop professional and technical skills to assess and manage these impacts within the framework of industry-recognised Management Systems.
Aircraft Propulsion
This module introduces students with the basics of aircraft propulsion systems. It will provide an understanding of the different propulsion systems for subsonic and supersonic flight and understanding of performance parameters of air breathing engines.
Space Mechanics and Airworthiness
This module introduces students to aspects of the mechanics of space and orbit flight and fundamental concepts of atmospheric re-entry and atmospheric heating. Students will learn introduction to aircraft airworthiness requirements and regulations and explain how to meet these requirements in aircraft design and manufacture.
Flight Testing and Analysis
This module provides a flight test experience to students through the demonstration and analysis of aircraft flight performance and manoeuvring data.

This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.

This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available.

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Careers and your future

An aerospace engineering degree from Brunel will equip you with innovative technical knowledge and transferable skills relevant to demanding careers in the aerospace, aeronautical and related industries.

Some students have job offers before they graduate. They take up employment in fields such as aircraft and components design and manufacture, maintenance and testing, flight simulation, aviation, avionics and patent engineering.

Brunel’s high-calibre graduates are working for prestigious organisations, including: Rolls-Royce, Airbus, British Airways, BAE Systems, GE Aviation, Thales, Bombardier, Lockheed Martin and the Ministry of Defence. Opting for the year in industry during your aerospace engineering degree often leads to a job offer from your placement company.

UK entry requirements

2026/7 entry

Brunel University London is committed to raising the aspiration of our applicants and students. We will fully review your UCAS application and, where we’re able to offer a place, this will be personalised to you based on your application and education journey.

Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.

GCSEs

A minimum of five GCSEs are required, including GCSE Mathematics grade C or grade 4 and GCSE English Language grade C or grade 4 or GCSE English Literature grade B or grade 5.

A-level

Standard Offer: GCE A-level ABB including Maths and one of the following subjects; Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Environment Studies, Computer Science, Electronics or Design and Technology (Use of Maths, Mathematical Studies, Critical Thinking and General Studies not accepted).

Contextual Offer: GCE A-level BBB including Maths and one of the following subjects; Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Environment Studies, Computer Science, Electronics or Design and Technology (Use of Maths, Mathematical Studies, Critical Thinking and General Studies not accepted).