Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering MEng, BEng

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 aeronautical and aerospace engineering at Leeds will open up a whole world of opportunities for your career. You’ll 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.

Our degree programmes develop world-class mechanical engineers who 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.

This is a practical course, so you’ll benefit from specialist facilities including extensive lab space and equipment as well as having access to wind tunnels and a flight simulator which is housed in an adjacent school. You’ll also use our high-spec CAD cluster and workshop facilities including various rapid prototyping systems, and dedicated LabView facilities, combining face-to-face teaching with hands-on lab exercises to build your skills in using visual programming software. You’ll have everything you need to get started on your career in mechanical engineering.

Why Study at Leeds

• Graduate with an accredited mechanical engineering degree from a university ranked 5th in the UK for Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering, Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022, and Top 100 in the world for Engineering, Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2022.

• Work on your own mechanical projects, putting into practice what you have learned by designing, manufacturing and assembling devices and testing their performance.

• Develop your experience and boost your career prospects with our paid industrial placement opportunities or study abroad programmes.

• Take advantage of our world leading research here at Leeds, which helps to solve real world mechanical engineering problems.

Accreditation

Institution of Mechanical Engineers

This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) 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 mechanical engineering course must meet the quality standards set by the IMechE.

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.

Royal Aeronautical Society

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.

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

The first two years of our degree courses share the same set of compulsory modules, giving you the flexibility to switch between our different degrees. In years three and four you’ll take modules in your chosen specialism. You’ll also study engineering ethics throughout your course, with lectures and/or seminars in each year of study.

Years one and two

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 will 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 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.

(Optional) One-year work placement or study abroad

To advance your skill set and boost your experience, you can choose to take up an industrial placement or study abroad at one of the many universities we’re in partnership with worldwide. Both of these options will extend your degree by 12 months and take place between the second and third year for BEng students and between the third and fourth year for MEng students. You then return to Leeds to complete your final year.

Year three

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.

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 third year project will be a large individual research project, where you can get involved in an area of current research within the School and will be assigned an academic supervisor for guidance and support.

Recent level three 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 four (MEng)

If you continue into year four to take the MEng qualification, you’ll 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 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, year four consists of an aerospace-related group project, usually in conjunction with leading aerospace companies that are members of the aerospace Industrial Advisory Board.

Recent projects have included:

• Design and Optimisation of a Mass-Spring-Damper system for satellite battery systems

• Conceptual Design of a Forward Swept Wing Crescent Aircraft

• Aerohydrodynamic and stability analysis of a hydroplane

• CFD machine-learning based design optimisation of transonic aircraft

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

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 will have direct contact with industry and potential employers from an early stage in your course.

You will have a designated personal tutor throughout your studies at Leeds, who 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. You will also receive support from fellow students through our peer mentoring scheme.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

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 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 either Physics or Chemistry, with the A* in Mathematics or Physics if presented.

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 and International Project Qualification: 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. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.

• Access to HE Diploma

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

• BTEC

  DDD (RQF) in an Engineering-related BTEC and a grade A in A Level Mathematics.

  We cannot consider BTEC qualifications without A Level Mathematics and do not accept BTEC Maths units in lieu of this A Level requirement

  Please note – there may be different requirements for the older QCF BTECs, please contact Admissions.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D2, D3, D3 including Mathematics and Physics or Chemistry, 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 or Chemistry.

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

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

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  AA at Advanced Higher level including Mathematics and Physics or Chemistry, and AAAAA at Higher level.

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.

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.

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

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.

We typically receive a high number of applications for this course. To ensure we treat all applications fairly, we may put your application on hold until after the UCAS deadline before making a final decision. All applications received before the UCAS deadline are guaranteed equal consideration.

This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.

Read our admissions guidance and see ‘application decisions’ for details.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK 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. Your supervisor will be Greg de Boer.

More information and details on how to apply for your ATAS certificate can be found here.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023

Fees

UK: £9,250

International: £27,500 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee will be £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.

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 about additional costs.

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.

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

The mechanical engineering programmes here at Leeds have also been industrially accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. University of Leeds students are among the top five most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2022, 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
Graduate Engineer, AgustaWestland
Manufacturing Engineer, Aim Composites Ltd
Flight Physics Engineer, Airbus
Project Manager, Airbus Defence & Space
Value & Project Engineer, Airinmar
Engineering Consultant, Altran Technologies
Research Engineer, AMRC
Army Pilot, Army
Gas Turbines Design Engineer, Assystem UK
Project Engineer, Braendler Engineering
Avionics Technical Engineer, British Airways
Nuclear Engineer, EDF Energy
Helicopter Pilot & Licensed Engineer, Heli-Jet Aviation
Test Engineer, Jaguar Land Rover
Stress Engineer, Marshall Aerospace
Project Procurement Coordinator, McDermott International Inc.
Flight Physics Engineer, QinetiQ
RAF Officer, RAF
Manufacturing Engineer, Rolls-Royce Plc
Research and Development Engineer, Synthesis Systems Engineers
Graduate Engineer, Tata Steel
Performance, Strategy and Simulation Engineer, Williams Advanced Engineering

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 will 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.

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

Visit our Careers and employability page to find out more.

There are also plenty of exciting ways you can volunteer during your time at Leeds. Find out more at the Leeds University Union website.

Study abroad

This programme offers you the chance to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year between years two and three.

Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world, whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects too.

From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide you can apply to, spanning across some of the most popular destinations for students.

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

The graduate recruitment market is highly competitive so it’s important that you stand out. An industrial placement could be the opportunity you need to impress potential employers and improve your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of a work placement year:

• 100+ organisations to choose from, both in the UK and overseas

• All placements are salaried

• 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

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.

With the help and support of our dedicated Employability team, you can find the right placement to suit you and your future career goals.

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.