Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering (Industrial) BEng

Course overview

Aeronautical and aerospace engineering is concerned with the development of aircraft and spacecraft – using science and engineering, computational and analytical skills to design vehicles and structures that interact with the earth’s atmosphere and beyond.

From choosing materials which maximise structural strength to optimising aerodynamics and fuel economy, today’s industry-leading aeronautical and aerospace engineers are developing new technologies for use in aviation, defence systems, and spacecraft.

Studying an aeronautical and aerospace engineering degree at Leeds will develop your abilities in mathematics, physics, materials and computer science, backed-up with a strong design philosophy – all of which will equip you to design, analyse, manufacture and operate aircraft and aerospace vehicles. You’ll be prepared to help meet the challenges facing the aerospace sector.

Our active Industrial Advisory Board helps inform the development of this course to ensure that it is up to date with industry developments and requirements. That’s one of the reasons why our graduates are so in demand from industry, and why our courses are accredited by the leading professional bodies.

Industrial placement year

This programme gives you the opportunity to undertake a paid industrial placement year as part of the course. Our close industry links give you the platform to apply to a number of major organisations such as Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Limited and Rolls-Royce.

Why study at Leeds:

• This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Royal Aeronautical Society.
• Get hands on with practical work in each year of study by putting into practice what you have learned by designing, manufacturing and assembling devices and testing their performance.
• This is a practical course, so you’ll benefit from specialist facilities including extensive lab space and equipment such as wind tunnels, our high-spec computer cluster for Computer-Aided Design (CAD) work and computational modelling, in aerodynamic analysis for example, and workshop facilities for various rapid prototyping systems.
• You’ll develop your programming skills in industry standard languages like Matlab and for microprocessor systems, giving you everything you need to get started on your career in engineering.
• Test your learned knowledge in various practical activities and events throughout the course including designing, building and testing a model aircraft and gaining hands-on flying experience at The National Flying Laboratory Centre.
• Benefit from our globally recognised research that feeds directly into your course and shapes what you learn at Leeds with the latest thinking.
• Enhance your career prospects and give your CV that competitive edge before you graduate with a paid industrial placement year.
• At the end of your second year, there’s the possibility of transferring to the four-year integrated Masters (MEng, BEng).
• Make the most of your time at Leeds by joining our student society MechEngSoc. It’s a great opportunity for you to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds who share your passion for mechanical engineering.

Accreditation

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS)

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.

This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) on behalf of the Engineering Council.

This BEng degree is accredited as partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Course details

The first two years of our degree courses in the School of Mechanical Engineering share the same set of compulsory modules, giving you the flexibility to switch between our different degrees. In year three you’ll take specialist modules in aerospace and aeronautical engineering.

You’ll also study engineering ethics throughout your course. You’ll be taught by academics from the Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied Centre covering a wide range of topics such as professionalism and codes of conduct, corporate social responsibility, engineering and responsibility, ethics in innovation and research ethics.

The ethics training will advance your critical thinking, communication and creative problem-solving skills which are crucial to employers, but it will also help you identify and respond effectively to ethical dilemmas that you may encounter in your professional life in the engineering industry.

Each academic year, you'll take a total of 120 credits.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering (Industrial) BEng in the course catalogue

Years 1 and 2

You’ll study compulsory modules to establish the core mechanical engineering principles required by all branches of mechanical engineering. You’ll also undertake design and manufacture projects. In your first year, you’ll work in a team to design, build and test a small-scale wooden glider, and your second-year project will be to design, build and test a Mars Rover and controller under challenging terrain.

Since many mechanical engineers go on to positions where they have management responsibilities, you’ll also develop your knowledge of business practices by studying economics and management, taught by the Leeds University Business School.

Year 1 compulsory modules

• Computers in Engineering Analysis – 20 credits
• Design and Manufacture 1 – 20 credits
• Thermofluids 1 – 20 credits
• Solid Mechanics – 20 credits
• Engineering Materials – 20 credits
• Engineering Mathematics 1 – 20 credits

Year 2 compulsory modules

• Engineering Mechanics – 20 credits
• Vibration and Control – 20 credits
• Design and Manufacture 2 – 20 credits
• Economics and Management – 20 credits
• Mechatronics and Measurement Systems – 20 credits
• Thermofluids 2 – 20 credits

Year 3

You’ll have the opportunity to apply to spend a year in industry. A work placement is an invaluable opportunity to transfer your learning into a practical setting, applying the knowledge and skills you’ve been taught throughout your degree to real-world challenges – in a working environment. It’s important to note, work placements are not guaranteed.

Year 4

You’ll study specialist aeronautical and aerospace modules. You’ll learn to apply design to different aspects of modern aerospace vehicles, leading to detailed design of different aerospace vehicle systems. You’ll understand the fundamental principles of flight mechanics, stability and control, orbital mechanics and space flight, aerodynamics and propulsion systems, finite element analysis and aerospace vehicle design.

You’ll be encouraged to put theory into practice through various practical activities and events during your course. In year 4, you’ll have the opportunity to practise being a flight engineer at the National Flying Laboratory Centre, flying in a unique SAAB 340B Flying Classroom and Laboratory. You’ll also have the chance to design, build and test a model aircraft you have modified as part of a team, using a combination of lab-based measurements and established theory.

To experience some of these aspects in practice, you’ll also attend a flight course where you’ll be a passenger in a small aircraft, taking measurements of its performance during a range of manoeuvres.

Your fourth-year project will be a large individual research project, where you can get involved in an area of current research and will be assigned an academic supervisor for guidance and support.

Recent level 4 projects have included:

• Design of Unmanned Air Vehicles for Volcano Plume Tracking
• Urban Building Surveillance
• Rainforest Fire Emergency Response
• Aeroelastic analysis of wings using low-fidelity modelling

Year 4 compulsory modules

• Aerospace Vehicle Design – 20 credits
• Aerodynamics and Aerospace Propulsion – 20 credits
• Aerospace Flight Mechanics – 20 credits
• Individual Engineering Project – 40 credits
• Finite Element Methods of Analysis – 20 credits

Learning and teaching

You’ll benefit from our integrated style of learning and teaching. Laboratory classes, project work, and industry sponsored fieldwork allow you to gain hands-on experience investigating and applying material from your lectures and tutorials to real life work situations. We also organise industrial visits and offer additional seminars delivered by practising engineers and other professionals. Our close links with industry also mean that you’ll have direct contact with industry and potential employers from an early stage in your course.

You’ll have a designated personal tutor throughout your studies at Leeds, who will be an academic member of staff. You’ll have fortnightly academic tutorials with your tutor throughout your first two years, in your tutor group (of typically 5 students), as well as one-to-one meetings each semester. In addition, our excellent student support team is based close to where you’ll work and study to help with anything from academic advice to timetabling and project submission enquiries. You’ll also receive support from fellow students through our peer mentoring scheme.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed through a variety of assessment approaches to test different knowledge and skills. Assessments will enable you to demonstrate your competency in a particular skill, as well as measuring the extent of your knowledge and understanding. They are designed to be fair and inclusive.

We’ll use different forms of assessment including written examinations (held at the end of each semester) and coursework that also develops key transferable skills that will be relevant to your future professional practice, such as laboratory and project reports, teamworking and presentations.

Assessments will develop your ability to bring together evidence from a variety of sources and to critically understand and evaluate. You’ll also have frequent opportunities to develop your understanding of assessment and to improve your performance, for example through formative assessments with feedback, guided marking, peer review and opportunities to practise key assessment methods.

Entry requirements

A-level: A*AA including Mathematics and either Physics or Chemistry.

Where an A-level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-level at the stated grade.

Excludes A-level General Studies or Critical Thinking.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and International Project Qualification (IPQ): Whilst we recognise the value of these qualifications and the effort and enthusiasm that applicants put into them, we do not currently include them as part of our offer-making. We do, however, encourage you to provide further information on your project in your personal statement.

GCSE: English Language at grade C (4) or above, or an appropriate English language qualification.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: AAB including Mathematics and either Physics or Chemistry, with an A in Mathematics or Physics if presented.

Please note that the Access to Leeds offer is dependant on sucessful completion of the Access to Leeds Scheme.

For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.

Foundation years

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. A Foundation Year is the first year of an extended degree. We’ve designed these courses for applicants whose backgrounds mean they are less likely to attend university and who don’t meet the typical entry requirements for an undergraduate degree.

We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without science and mathematics qualifications.

You could also study our Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc which is for applicants whose background is less represented at university.

On successful completion of your foundation year, you will be able to progress onto your chosen course.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each section. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: £32,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
In November 2024 the UK Government announced that the tuition fee cap may rise to £9,535 from £9,250.

The tuition fee cap for some foundation years may also reduce to £5,760 from £9,250.

This would start from the academic year 2025/26. However, this is subject to final confirmation from the Government. Once available, we’ll publish the fees for the 2025/26 academic year and individual offer letters shall be updated via email and post.

The foundation year courses affected are:
·         Business Studies with Foundation Year BSc
·         Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
·         Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
·         Social Science (foundation year) BA

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 and 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
 

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

Apply to this course and check the deadline for applications through the UCAS website.

We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Admissions guidance

Read our admissions guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

What happens after you’ve applied

You can keep up to date with the progress of your application through UCAS.

UCAS will notify you when we make a decision on your application. If you receive an offer, you can inform us of your decision to accept or decline your place through UCAS.

How long will it take to receive a decision

We typically receive a high number of applications to our courses. For applications submitted by the January UCAS deadline, UCAS asks universities to make decisions by mid-May at the latest.

Offer holder events

If you receive an offer from us, you’ll be invited to an offer holder event. This event is more in-depth than an open day. It gives you the chance to learn more about your course and get your questions answered by academic staff and students. Plus, you can explore our campus, facilities and accommodation.

International applicants

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students.

We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Read about visas, immigration and other information here.

If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Mechanical Engineering

Contact us

School of Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Admissions

Email: ugmech@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

The employment opportunities in the field of aeronautical and aerospace engineering are far-reaching, with the potential to take you all over the world.

Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research, meaning our graduates are highly sought after by some of the most reputable companies in the field.

Qualifying with a degree in aeronautical and aerospace engineering from Leeds will set you up with the core foundations you need to pursue an exciting career across a wide range of industries, including:

• Aviation
• Construction
• Finance
• Armed forces
• Automotive
• Utilities
• Consultancy

The breadth of knowledge and experience, along with the teamwork, problem solving, engineering ethics, numeracy and analysis skills taught on the course are widely transferable and desirable to a whole host of employers.

Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our most recent graduates have obtained:

• Project Engineer, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing
• Flight Physics Engineer, Airbus
• Research Engineer, AMRC
• Gas Turbines Design Engineer, Assystem UK
• Avionics Technical Engineer, British Airways
• Nuclear Engineer, EDF Energy
• Helicopter Pilot & Licensed Engineer, Heli-Jet Aviation
• Test Engineer, Jaguar Land Rover
• RAF Officer, RAF
• Manufacturing Engineer, Rolls-Royce Plc

Read our alumni profiles to find out more about where our students are working.

Careers support

At Leeds we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.

You’ll be supported throughout your studies by our dedicated Employability Team, who will provide you with specialist support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and industrial placements, as well as graduate positions. You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.

Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.

You’ll also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

This degree does not offer the option to study abroad. However, the Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering BEng degree does have this option.

Work placements

This programme gives you the opportunity to undertake a paid industrial placement year as part of the course.

It’s important to note, work placements are not guaranteed. The job market is competitive – and there may be competition for the placement you want. You’ll have to apply the same way you would for any job post, with your CV and, if successful, attend an interview with the organisation.

Our Employability Team will help you every step of the way. They run a number of placement sessions to discuss opportunities and support you with CV writing and interview preparations. Plus, they’ll be there to answer any questions you may have and offer guidance throughout the process, too.

Benefits of a work placement year:

• 100+ organisations to choose from, both in the UK and overseas
• Build industry contacts within your chosen field
• Our close industry links mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers
• Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in this industry
• Improve your employability

Here are some examples of placements our students have recently completed:

• Industrial Placement, Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Limited
• Intern within Defence Aerospace, Rolls-Royce
• Supplier technical assistance, Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains
• Nuclear Science & Engineering Placement, EDF Energy
• Test Engineer Intern, Siemens Industry Software Limited

Find out more about Industrial placements.