Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Aerospace Engineering (H400)

The Aerospace Engineering BEng degree is for students who like challenges and problem solving and relish the idea of combining science, maths and engineering to develop new technologies, processes and materials for the aerospace industry.

Students will be taught by academics that are experts in their field and have been at the forefront of progress in several areas, including the Cassini-Huygens mission and the design and development of high-performance jet engines. This, together with the strong collaborations the University of Birmingham enjoys with leading companies, such as Rolls-Royce, will give students the best launch pad for a successful career.

The Aerospace Engineering BEng course is structured to give students a broad coverage of engineering disciplines appropriate to the current and future aerospace industry and research areas. Key topics include maths, mechanics, fluid mechanics, electronics, flight dynamics, design, and materials science, which provide a basis for aircraft and space vehicle design and operation. Depending on the students' study choices, students will be supported in gaining the skills necessary to transform the emerging fields of satellite, deep space missions and uncrewed aerial vehicles where remote control and long-distance communications are required.

There is an exciting practical element to the course. Students will put theory into practice with flight exercises in a custom-built flight simulator to learn about aircraft handing qualities followed by flights in a real aircraft, specially instrumented to capture flight data.

The interdisciplinary nature of the subject is dealt with by shared modules in all years as well as group project exercises. Students can develop a specialism (e.g. materials or communications) but this is based on broad coverage to enable them to embark upon good careers in the aeronautical and space industries. 

There is an opportunity to apply for a year in industry during this degree, usually between Year 2 and Year 3. Academic members of staff will help students to find suitable internships, review their application materials, and assist and mentor them throughout their year in industry. A year in industry is an invaluable opportunity to take on a role within a company, apply the theoretical knowledge of the degree course to real-world issues and will enhance career prospects. An additional year studying abroad is possible, as well as opportunities to add an intercalated year in Compute Science or Business Studies.