The Best Aerospace Engineering Universities in the UK

Aeronautical Engineering degrees deal with the study, design, development, construction, research, testing and science and technology of operating aircraft, training engineers in the aerodynamic characteristics of aircraft, behaviour and related factors such as airfoil, control surface, lift and drag of commercial or military aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft.

An Aeronautical Engineering course covers a number of related disciplines, all of which are necessary to create a full engineering team, including: 

• Aerodynamics and fluid mechanics
• Aeroelasticity and structural dynamics
• Flight mechanics and control
• Propulsion and combustion
• Structural mechanics and materials behaviour
• System design and optimization

What do Aeronautical Engineers do?

Aerospace engineers are responsible for the research, design, testing, part assembly and production of aircraft, spacecraft, aerospace equipment, satellites and missiles. They also develop and design extraordinary technologies in commercial aviation, defence systems, and space exploration, such as supersonic jets, helicopters, space shuttles, satellites and rockets.

Some aeronautic engineers specialize in studying the effects of aircraft on the environment and the potential dangers of new aircraft technologies or fuel efficiency. Within aeronautical engineering, a person may focus on the design of aircraft systems, also called avionics, or materials research and selection. Skills developed on an Aeronautical Engineering degree in the UK include:

• High knowledge of Mathematics & Physics
• High proficiency in Research Methodology
• Analytical and Critical Thinking
• Mechanical and Technical Skills
• Interdisciplinary Skills
• Ability to work well with others

Learn more about the best aerospace engineering universities in the UK below and begin your application to study aerospace engineering by arranging a free consultation with SI-UK India today.

Five Best Aerospace Engineering Universities in the UK

1. Imperial College London

Imperial College London's aeronautical courses will set you on the path to becoming a future leader in aerospace and related engineering disciplines. The MEng Aeronautical Engineering course will provide teaching enriched by an internationally leading research programme.

While studying at one of the best aerospace engineering universities in the UK, you will have the opportunity to understand engineering practices through an optional year abroad or a year in industry. Year two of the course will see you study mechatronics, flight mechanics, propulsion and turbomachinery, as well as attend a flight-testing course at Cranfield University’s National Flying Laboratory Centre.

You can select from an extensive range of optional modules for years 2, 3, and4, and 5. Modules are tailored to the interests of each student and the specialist topics studied in the college curriculum. You could, for example, study aeronautical engineering’s onboard air traffic control systems. For year four, you will choose from a variety of research topics and complete advanced modules to allow you to pursue your research.

• Imperial aerospace engineering degree: MEng Aeronautical Engineering
• Entry requirements: A-Level: A*A*A including A* in Mathematics or A/A* in Physics | International Baccalaureate: 40 points.
• International fees: £37,900 per year

2. University of Bristol

The University of Bristol's Aerospace Engineering degree is a top-ranked, four-year course that prepares you to be a highly skilled engineer at the leading edge of aerospace engineering research and development. 

You’ll study multidisciplinary subjects in the areas of mechatronics, flight mechanics, propulsion and turbomachinery during year two at Cranfield University’s National Flying Laboratory Centre, as well as attending a flight-testing course during your third and fourth years.

You’ll be paired with a team in year three and work on the project together. In year four, you’ll work through advanced modules and an individual research project to explore your interests and develop transferable skills for other roles.

• Bristol aerospace engineering degree: MEng Aerospace Engineering
• Entry requirements: A-Level: A*AA including A*A (in any order) in Mathematics and any one of Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics or Computer Science | International Baccalaureate: 38 points.
• International fees: £29,000 per year

3. University of Bath

Throughout your first two years at the University of Bath on its aerospace engineering programme, you’ll focus on learning the core principles of mechanical engineering and the role of a professional engineer. You’ll explore how to integrate design, analysis, and testing into the science, manufacturing, and management elements of aerospace engineering so that you can build, analyse, and test a product.

You’ll go on to specialise in areas including aerodynamics, stability and control, propulsion and structures. You’ll also study performance. Through practical project work, you’ll develop a full understanding of aircraft from design to manufacture. You’ll work with professionals from aerospace manufacturers to get first-hand knowledge of customer requirements, and a flight test course at a local airfield will allow you to explore the industry further.

• Bath aerospace engineering degree: MEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering
• Entry requirements: A*AA in three A levels, including Mathematics and Physics, with A* in Mathematics or Physics (or Further Mathematics if applicable | International Baccalaureate: 36 points.
• International fees: £26,200 per year

4. University of Leeds

A degree in aerospace engineering at the University of Leeds places you under world-class tutelage. As part of the University’s commitment to creating a truly global and diverse institution, you can expect to learn from the experts on the latest innovations in engineering from Leed’s world-leading research conducted on their campus that feeds directly into the course.

This course provides you with a sound theoretical foundation in the design process. It provides you with the skills and knowledge to design team solutions for programme-specific and industry-relevant problems.

While studying at the University of Leeds, you will also be able to access the School’s impressive range of specialist facilities, including CAD facilities and industry-standard software.

• Leeds aerospace engineering degree: MSc Aerospace Engineering
• Entry requirements: A-Level: A*AA including Mathematics and either Physics or Chemistry, with the A* in Mathematics or Physics if presented. | International Baccalaureate: 36 points.
• International fees: £28,000 per year

5. University of Southampton

This MEng degree from the University of Southampton is the perfect choice for students looking to study aircraft, spacecraft, and their associated technologies. You’ll learn about how these machines operate in different environments and their use's economic and legal implications. With this degree, you’ll sync with the UK Space Agency’s Civil Space Strategy.

The course elaborates on aeronautical and astronautical engineering principles and slowly progresses to more advanced modules. During the second year, you can choose a specialisation. As you reach year 3, you will need to complete an individual research project and a group design project in year 4.

• Southampton aerospace engineering degree: MEng Aeronautics and Astronautics
• Entry requirements: A-Level: A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A) and (minimum grade A), with a pass in the physics Practical (if separately endorsed) | International Baccalaureate: 38 points.
• International fees: £23,720 per year

Aeronautical Engineering Careers

Aeronautical Engineers are mostly employed by:

• ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization)
• The Defence Ministry
• Civil Aviation Department
• National Aeronautical Laboratory
• Defence Research and Development Laboratories (DRDO)
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

Aeronautical Engineers in large numbers from India are in great demand in countries like the USA, France, the UK, and Germany.  A good percentage of Indians constitute the workforce of engineers and technical professionals in NASA.

Study Aeronautical Engineering in the UK

If you want to learn more about studying Aeronautical Engineering in the UK, arrange a free consultation today with SI-UK India.

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