BEng Aerospace Engineering (H405)
2025 entry | view 2024 entry
Course summary
This three-year course in Aerospace Engineering combines advanced theory with practical experience and is tailored to equip you with the broad set of skills required to solve the engineering problems of the future.
You will study a wide range of subjects, organised across four main themes: aerodynamics, structures and materials, dynamics and control, and systems and design. You will apply your knowledge and professional engineering skills to diverse applications such as fixed and rotary wing aircraft, spacecraft and space missions, and renewable energy.
The first two years of the course are devoted to core concepts, which are taught via lectures, supported by practical experience through coursework, and computer and physical lab activities. In addition to core theoretical knowledge, you will develop wider skills, such as teamwork and presentation skills, as part of our design-build-test project.
The third-year research project will allow you to apply your technical knowledge to tackle an open-ended problem; for example, the automated landing of an unmanned air vehicle (UAV), design of a potential space mission, or experimental testing of advanced composite materials. You will be working closely with academics who are world-leading specialists in their research areas, and make use of our extensive facilities.
Bristol lies at the heart of aerospace engineering in the country, and our Industrial Liaison Office organises company engagement through all years of the course, making the most of nearby aerospace companies.
The diversity of topics in aerospace engineering makes this a challenging degree, but the reward is a uniquely broad education which equips you for an exciting career in solving the problems of the future.
Course structure
First-year students studying Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, and Engineering Design all start their degree with a shared foundation of technical knowledge and a command of the skills that underpin modern engineering. You will share common units with your peers in other disciplines and work on an interdisciplinary project. In addition, a dedicated unit will introduce you to the fundamentals of aerospace engineering.
The second year will see you specialise in aerospace engineering. This involves demanding units on topics such as aerodynamics, structures and materials, dynamics and control, and space systems engineering. You will undertake a group design-build-test project that will see you get hands on with tools and state-of-the-art test equipment.
The third year of the degree concentrates on advanced topics in aerospace engineering, such as computational fluid dynamics, finite element analysis, and feedback control. You will also apply your foundational knowledge to cutting edge research in your individual research project, working closely together with academics who are world-leading experts in their fields.
Entry requirements
We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
More about Access to HE entry requirements
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Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for Aerospace Engineering can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement - The admissions statement above relates to 2024 entry. The statement for 2025 entry will be available in summer 2024.