BEng Aerospace Engineering (H405)

2025 entry

Course summary

This three-year course in Aerospace Engineering combines advanced theory with practical experience and is tailored to equip you with the broad set of skills required to solve the engineering problems of the future.

You will study a wide range of subjects, organised across four main themes: aerodynamics, structures and materials, dynamics and control, and systems and design. You will apply your knowledge and professional engineering skills to diverse applications such as fixed and rotary wing aircraft, spacecraft and space missions, and renewable energy.

The first two years of the course are devoted to core concepts, which are taught via lectures, supported by practical experience through coursework, and computer and physical lab activities. In addition to core theoretical knowledge, you will develop wider skills, such as teamwork and presentation skills, as part of our design-build-test project.

The third-year research project will allow you to apply your technical knowledge to tackle an open-ended problem; for example, the automated landing of an unmanned air vehicle (UAV), design of a potential space mission, or experimental testing of advanced composite materials. You will be working closely with academics who are world-leading specialists in their research areas, and make use of our extensive facilities.

Bristol lies at the heart of aerospace engineering in the country, and our Industrial Liaison Office organises company engagement through all years of the course, making the most of nearby aerospace companies.

The diversity of topics in aerospace engineering makes this a challenging degree, but the reward is a uniquely broad education which equips you for an exciting career in solving the problems of the future.

Accreditations

Our Aerospace Engineering BEng is approved by major professional bodies in the UK (RAeS) so as a graduate you can gain exemptions from a number of their examinations or credits for prior learning.

Course structure

First-year students studying Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, and Design Engineering all start their degree with a shared foundation of technical knowledge and a command of the skills that underpin modern engineering. You will share common units with your peers in other disciplines and work on an interdisciplinary project. In addition, a dedicated unit will introduce you to the fundamentals of aerospace engineering.

The second year will see you specialise in aerospace engineering. This involves demanding units on topics such as aerodynamics, structures and materials, dynamics and control, and space systems engineering. You will undertake a group design-build-test project that will see you get hands on with tools and state-of-the-art test equipment.

The third year of the degree concentrates on advanced topics in aerospace engineering, such as computational fluid dynamics, finite element analysis, and feedback control. You will also apply your foundational knowledge to cutting edge research in your individual research project, working closely together with academics who are world-leading experts in their fields.

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Go to programme catalogue

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

A*AA including A*A (in any order) in Mathematics and any one of Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Computer Science or Electronics
AAB including AA in Mathematics and any one of Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Computer Science or Electronics

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D*DD in either Engineering BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in four Physics units, plus A in Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent), or in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in five specified Chemistry units, plus A in Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent). Applicants taking Engineering BTEC may be invited to take the University of Bristol mathematics test in place of A-level Mathematics.

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38 points overall with 18 at Higher Level including 7, 6 (in any order) at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and any one of Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics or Computer Science
34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level including 6, 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and any one of Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics or Computer Science

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
88% overall, with 9.0, 8.5 in Mathematics and any one of Physics, Chemistry or Computer Science (in any order)
Advanced Higher: AA in Mathematics and any one of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics of Mechanics or Computer Science, and Standard Higher: AAAAA
Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, Science, or Computing (or similar titles) with 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit, including at least 12 credits at Distinction from units in one of Physics, Chemistry or Computer Science, and A in A-level Mathematics, Or Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, Science, or Computing (or similar titles) with 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit, including at least 12 credits at Distinction in Mathematics (including algebra, calculus and trigonometry), 12 credits at Distinction from units in one of Physics, Chemistry or Computer Science, and achieving the required level in the University of Bristol mathematics test.

More about Access to HE entry requirements
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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