Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering MEng, BEng

Aeronautical and aerospace engineering is among the most challenging engineering disciplines, integrating mathematics, physics, materials and computer science with a strong design philosophy. This course will equip you to design, analyse, manufacture and operate aircraft and aerospace vehicles.

You’ll be taught by academics with a passion for aeronautical and aerospace engineering who are at the forefront of their fields. Their strengths and expertise include aircraft structural analysis (ensuring the aircraft is strong enough), structural optimisation (making best use of materials), aerodynamics and computational fluid dynamics (minimising drag and increasing fuel economy), and aerospace systems design and analysis (ensuring stability and control).

An active aerospace Industrial Advisory Board helps inform the development of this course to ensure that it is up to date with industry developments and requirements. This is one of the reasons why our graduates are in demand from industry.

You can choose to take either the four-year Integrated Masters (MEng, BEng) or the three-year Bachelor’s (BEng) degree on this course.

Find out more about the MEng, BEng and BEng.

Specialist facilities

You’ll learn among leading academics in world-class facilities. We have extensive lab space and equipment for subjects including: solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, engine testing and thermofluids as well as control and dynamics. You will have access to wind tunnels and a flight simulator which is housed in an adjacent school in addition to our high-spec CAD cluster and workshop facilities including various rapid prototyping systems.

There’s also the LabVIEW Academy course, the first of its kind in the UK. Combining face-to-face teaching with hands-on lab exercises, this course will build your skills in using the visual programming software LabVIEW – created by National Instruments, who developed the course – to help you build skills to prepare for your career.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council.

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students. An accredited aeronautical and aerospace engineering course must meet the quality standards set by the RAeS.

The MEng, BEng course is accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Once you have graduated with your MEng degree, you will usually be required to have a minimum of three years industrial experience before you can apply for your chartered status.

The BEng is accredited as partially satisfying the educational base for CEng status. A course of accredited further learning will be required to complete the educational base for CEng.

The first two years of our five degree courses share the same set of compulsory modules, giving you the flexibility to switch between our different degrees. In Years 3 and 4 you’ll take modules in your chosen specialism.

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

Specialist aeronautical and aerospace modules form the basis of Year 3. 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.

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.

If you take the MEng course, you’ll continue into Year 4 to learn more about analysing structures unique to the aerospace industry. You will be trained to conduct Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to analyse the aerodynamic characteristics of aerospace vehicles and you will develop a deeper understanding of aerospace systems. There will be a choice of an optional module, allowing you to focus on the scientific principles of design optimization or rotary wing aircraft.

In addition to the taught modules, 50% of year 4 consists of an aerospace-related group project, usually in conjunction with leading aerospace companies that are members of the aerospace industrial advisory board.

Projects

Every year of the course gives you hands-on experience of project work. As part of the Design and Manufacture modules in years 1 and 2, you will design, construct and test a model glider and a fully-automated Martian rover. These and other project activities give you the opportunity to explore your subject further as well as developing valuable skills in problem solving, communication and teamwork.

Find out more about our Projects.

Engineering ethics

You’ll study engineering ethics as part of your course, with lectures and/or seminars in each year of your study. Visit our engineering ethics webpage to find out more.

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 MEng, BEng in the course catalogue

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

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. On this course you broaden your learning through core and/or optional modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

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. Together they will equip you with in-depth knowledge and key practical skills that will put you in a good position to compete in science and technology-related careers.

We organise industrial visits and offer additional seminars delivered by practising engineers and other professionals. Our close links with industry also mean that you have direct contact with industry and potential employers from an early stage in your course.

Our personal tutorial system will provide academic and pastoral support. You will have a designated personal tutor throughout your studies at Leeds. He or she will be an academic member of staff: you will 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 twice per 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.

Assessment

You will be assessed through both written examinations, held at the end of each year, and through coursework in the form of reports, projects, presentations and posters.

Entry requirements

A-level: A*AA including Mathematics and Physics, where the A* must be in either Mathematics or Physics.

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.

Admissions statement

Due to the competitive nature of this course, the Admissions team may take a variety of factors into account when assessing applications. Please read the admissions statement for further information.

Extended Project Qualification - Whilst we recognise the value, effort and enthusiasm applicants make in the Extended Project, we do not currently include this as part of our offer making. We do however encourage you to provide further information on your project in your personal statement and if invited, at interview.

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

• Access to HE Diploma

  Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, with Distinction, to include Mathematics, Calculus, Further Calculus and Physics.

• BTEC

  DDD overall with Distinctions in relevant Mechanical units and grade A in A-level Maths. Some Mechanical units may be optional on your BTEC but are required by the Faculty. Please contact us for further information.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D2, D3, D3 including Mathematics and Physics, where the D2 must be in either Mathematics or Physics.

• International Baccalaureate

  36 points overall, with 18 points at higher level to include 6 points in higher level Mathematics and Physics.

• Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2, including Mathematics and Physics where a H1 must be in either Mathematics or Physics.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  AA at Advanced Higher Level, including Mathematics and Physics, and AAAAA at Higher Level.

• Other Qualifications

  Engineering Diploma: A* (plus A-level Mathematics at grade A or above).

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 an alternative 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 alternative admissions.

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. We offer a BSc Studies in Science for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science Foundation Year for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.

Foundation year

If you have the ability to study for a degree but don’t have the qualifications to enter directly to level one, you might consider studying a foundation year. We have formal links with the following foundation year programmes:

- University of Leeds International Foundation Year (IFY)

- Northern Consortium of UK Universities (NCUK)

- Study Group Leeds International Study Centre (LISC)

If you are applying from an alternative foundation year provider, please contact our admissions team to find out if your qualification is suitable for entry to our courses.

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.
 

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

The UK Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) operates a scheme called the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). If you are an international (non-EU/EEA or Swiss citizen) applicant and require a student visa to study in the UK then you will need an ATAS certificate to study the four-year MEng, BEng course at the University of Leeds.

To apply for an ATAS certificate online, you will need your programme details and the relevant Common Aggregation Hierarchy (CAH) code and descriptor. For this course, the CAH code is: CAH10-01-04 and the descriptor is Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering.

More information and details on how to apply for your ATAS certificate can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme.

Next steps

Suitable applicants will be invited to an applicant day, for which we encourage attendance, as this gives you the opportunity to meet our students, academic and admissions staff, and find out more about your course. You’ll take part in a practical engineering activity, working in teams to solve a fun engineering problem. This is followed by a feedback session and prize-giving.

The tour of the School’s facilities includes interactive demonstrations of student activities, such as experiments with engines, materials and mechatronic systems, and recent project work. You will also view our thermofluids lab, the dynamics and control lab, the National Instruments LabVIEW Academy/ materials lab, and the prototyping and manufacturing lab.

During the day you’ll have the opportunity to meet academic staff, to have your questions answered and find out more about studying at Leeds.

After you apply we will send you a link to book your place on the applicant day, but please let us know as soon as possible if you cannot attend, so your place can be allocated to another applicant.

Admissions policy

Faculty of Engineering Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2019

Fees

UK/EU: See fees section below

International: £22,750 (per year)

For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2018, the fee for 2018/19 will be £9,250. 

For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2019, the fee for 2019/20 will be £9,250. 

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. For example, the increase of 2.8% in 2017/18 was based on the government’s forecast for the RPI-X measure of inflation.

The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2019/20 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.

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.

Financial support

The School of Mechanical Engineering offers a range of scholarships for Home, EU and International students. Find out more.

When you graduate, you’ll be able to apply your skills in a number of areas, including aerospace design and manufacturing in both civil and military environments, fundamental research, airline management and operations, and the space sector. The global aerospace industry drives many future developments in science and technology.

98% of our recent graduates are employed or in further study within six months of graduating (latest Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey 2016/17). Recent graduates have secured positions including:

• Flight Physics Engineer, Airbus

• Design Engineer, Atkins

• Engineer, Babcock International

• Graduate Engineer, BAE Systems

• Project Engineer, Boeing

• Graduate Engineer, British Airways

• Graduate Engineer, Jaguar Land Rover

• Product Development Engineer, Jaguar Land Rover

• Graduate Engineer, Leonardo Helicopters

• Flight Physics Engineer, QinetiQ

• Graduate Scheme, Rolls Royce

• Field Engineer, Schlumberg

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

Careers Support

You’ll have access to our dedicated Employability team, located centrally in our Employability Suite, who will provide you with specialist face-to-face support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and year-in-industry placements, as well as graduate positions.

You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, ongoing support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers. The team also works closely with the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Find out more about careers support and employability.

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has over 300 partnerships with universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

With the help and support of our faculty Employability Team, you can choose to undertake an industrial placement year at one of the 100+ companies that we work with. If you decide to undertake a placement year this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you will be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

As a BEng student you have the option to undertake the placement between years 2 and 3. MEng, BEng students can choose to do this either between years 2 and 3 or years 3 and 4.

Find out more about work placements.