Aerospace engineering focuses on the design, development, and testing of aircraft and spacecraft. In the UK, you can have an excellent opportunity to learn from world-class academics and researchers of aerospace engineering, and at the same time gain hands-on experience through the UK's cutting-edge facilities, and pursue a rewarding career in the industry.
Aerospace engineering courses in the UK cover various topics, including aerodynamics, materials science, propulsion systems, flight mechanics, and control engineering. Selected universities also offer specialised modules in areas such as space engineering, aircraft design, or aviation management.
As an aerospace engineering student at a UK university, you can participate in practical projects, internships, or research programs to gain hands-on experience and apply your theoretical knowledge in real-world situations.
Popular UK universities for aerospace engineering have partnerships with industry leaders, research institutions, or government agencies that can provide you with valuable networking opportunities and help you develop your skills and knowledge in the field.
If you choose an aerospace engineering course with a placement year, you will have to spend an additional year to the total course duration. Part-time study will also affect the length of the course. The general Aerospace Engineering courses duration are:
The cost of studying Aerospace Engineering in the UK can vary depending on several factors, such as the university, the level of study, and whether you are a domestic or international student. The average fees charged across top UK universities for engineering are as follows:
| University | Course | International Fees |
|---|---|---|
|
£37,900 |
||
|
£29,000 |
||
|
£26,200 |
||
|
£27,500 |
||
|
£27,500 |
Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering in the UK provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to design, build and test aircraft and spacecraft. The syllabus typically includes topics such as aerodynamics, propulsion, materials science, control systems, and aircraft design.
Many engineering schools in the UK offer a range of specialisations, such as aircraft design, propulsion systems, avionics, aerospace materials, and space systems engineering. The specialisations help students to develop in-depth knowledge and skills in specific areas, which can enhance their career prospects and enable them to pursue their interests further.
A master's degree in Aerospace Engineering in the UK delivers advanced knowledge and skills in the field of aerospace engineering. It is a one-year postgraduate program designed for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering or a related field.
In a postgraduate aerospace engineering degree, students will study the fundamental concepts and principles of aerospace engineering, as well as the latest developments in the field. The syllabus typically covers topics such as computational fluid dynamics, advanced propulsion systems, aircraft structures and materials, space systems engineering, and advanced control systems.
A PhD degree is a research-focused program that enables students to pursue in-depth study and investigation in a specific area of aerospace engineering, and typically takes three to four years to complete and involves conducting original research under the supervision of a faculty member.
The combination of coursework and research activities typically includes advanced topics in aerospace engineering, research methodology, and scientific communication. Some common areas of aerospace research in the UK include advanced materials and structures, aerodynamics, propulsion systems, control systems, and space systems engineering.
Top engineering schools in the UK offer full and partial scholarships to students for studying aerospace engineering. Universities offering some of the popular aerospace engineering in the UK for Indian students are:
Aerospace engineering is a highly specialised field with many career options available in the UK. Graduates in this field can expect to find employment opportunities with aerospace manufacturers, research institutions, and government agencies. The salary for aerospace engineering jobs in the UK can vary depending on the employer and the specific job role.
Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency, Destination of Leavers from Higher Education.
According to the Guardian University Guide 2025 aerospace engineering subject rankings, the following five universities have the highest percentage of graduates who find graduate-level jobs or are in further study at a professional or higher education level within 15 months of graduation.
A strong background in mathematics and physics, along with good grades in related subjects such as chemistry, computing, and design technology, is required to gain entry into aerospace engineering courses in the UK. In addition, some universities may require applicants to have previous work experience for higher studies. The average entry requirements followed by most universities in the UK are as follows:
To learn more about the best aerospace engineering courses in the UK, find details on the top ten ranking Aerospace Engineering universities in the Guardian University Guide 2025 below:
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If you are interested in studying Aerospace Engineering in the UK, arrange your free consultation with SI-UK India today at an office near you or online via Skype.
Aeronautical engineering is a highly specialised field that deals with the design, development, testing, and maintenance of aircraft, spacecraft, and other related systems. The field offers a range of exciting and rewarding career opportunities, including working with leading aerospace companies, research institutions, and government agencies. Additionally, a career in aeronautical engineering can be financially rewarding, with competitive salaries and opportunities for career advancement. Overall, if you have an interest in science, technology, and engineering, and a passion for aviation and space, a career in aeronautical engineering can be a favourable and fulfilling choice.
Aeronautical engineering and aerospace engineering are related fields, but they are not exactly the same. Aeronautical engineering focuses on the design, development, and maintenance of aircraft that operate within the Earth's atmosphere, such as aeroplanes, helicopters, and drones.
Aerospace engineering, on the other hand, covers a broader scope, including the design and development of not only aircraft but also spacecraft, satellites, missiles, and other vehicles that operate outside the Earth's atmosphere. While there is some overlap between the two fields, the main difference is that aerospace engineering deals with both atmospheric and space flight, while aeronautical engineering is specifically focused on atmospheric flight. Both fields require a strong background in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles, as well as advanced knowledge in materials science, aerodynamics, and propulsion systems.
An aerospace engineering degree program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of engineering and how they apply to the design, development, and maintenance of aircraft and other aerospace systems. Throughout the course, students will develop a range of technical and practical skills, including:
Depending on your interests and skills, you may choose to pursue a career in one of several areas of aerospace engineering, including:
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