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An aeronautical engineer works on an engine demonstrating skills and expertise.

Engineering (Aerospace Engineering) - BEng Hons Degree (Full-time)

Summary

Aerospace engineering is an exciting, cutting-edge field that opens up a range of fantastic career opportunities with the possibility of working internationally.

On this programme, which will equip you with all the highly sought after skills employers are  looking for in their graduate recruits, you will learn about aircraft, flying and flight systems and, by the time you graduate, will have gained specialist knowledge in aerodynamics, avionics, materials and structures, propulsion and systems integration. You will also have the opportunity to follow an aerospace pathway of your choice, having had the opportunity to sample core engineering subjects.

The programme starts at Level 4 and takes three years to complete. However, suitably qualified candidates with a relevant Level 4 qualification can enter the programme at Level 5/Year 2 and complete the programme in just two years. At Level 4, you will gain a foundational understanding of all the core engineering principles together with the necessary mathematics and computer-aided design (CAD) skills which will further enhance your career prospects. At Levels 5 and 6, you will gain more insight into subject specialisms, including sustainability which has become an increasing focus of the aerospace industry and is reflected in the increasing number of roles which address its environmental impact. From here, you will be able to develop your own interests and work on self-directed projects which will help you prepare for the range of responsibilities you will encounter in your future career.

There will also be the opportunity to explore practical subject areas and to engage in hands-on learning in the state of the art facilities available in our Advanced Technology Centre where we endeavour to invest in technologies and equipment which replicates those commonly used in industry. This is intended to get you workplace ready so that your transition from the world of education to employment is as smooth as possible.

Industry Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

  • Course code ET1HE603
  • UCAS code H400
  • Duration 3 Years
  • Day/s of week Monday to Wednesday
  • Time 09:00 - 17:00

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
07 Sep 2026
Bispham Campus
3 Years

Before applying, please check whether you meet the entry requirements under 'Key Information' for this course. Don't hesitate to call us on 01253 504343 if you need assistance.

  • £36,400 Average annual salary in this sector
  • STEM assured status
  • £10.5M Advanced Technology Centre

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Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

An ongoing need for aerospace engineers means there are excellent career opportunities for talented engineering graduates across the sector, offering upper-range starting salaries and enhanced progression opportunities. These range from the development of new aircraft components to investigating aircraft accidents. Aerospace professionals also take part in flight testing, supervising aircraft development and manufacturing, and researching and developing innovative ideas. You might also want to consider an international career, working with companies in technology innovation for aerospace or, alternatively, postgraduate study and research.

As an aerospace engineer, you will either be based in an office or a factory environment that includes production hangars and laboratories, which test, produce, develop and research various components. You can expect to work with sophisticated software and tools. Important non-technical skills for aerospace engineers are enthusiasm, dedication, stress management and attention to detail. You will most probably develop a very particular set of soft skills that combine fast decision-making and extreme accuracy, since human error in this field can have serious consequences.

Next steps at B&FC

There are no Masters programmes or research opportunities at B&FC, but you may have been inspired to pass on your knowledge to the next generation of aerospace engineers in which case our Post Graduation Certificate of Education (PGCE) could be your next step. The PGCE will enable you to teach at secondary level and beyond and could offer you a highly rewarding career pathway in education.

Other study options

If you are aiming to reach a senior position in the aerospace industry, you would do well to consider further study at Masters or research level. This programme of study leads perfectly to such courses, which, though challenging, are rewarded through a wealth of personal and professional development opportunities. There are numerous respected Masters programmes and research degrees offered at universities throughout the North West including Lancaster University with whom we are formally associated.

Employment Opportunities

Graduate openings are available in the research, design and development of civil and military aircrafts, missiles, weapons systems, satellites and space vehicles. Aerospace engineers also work in testing and maintaining aircraft and systems, and in improving efficiency (speed, weight, fuel consumption).

 

Key information

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 48 UCAS points (excluding Functional Skills) in an appropriate discipline:

  • DD from A levels to include mathematics and a technology, engineering or science-based subject
  • PPP from Extended Diploma, MP from Diploma, MM from 90 Credit Diploma in a science or technology-based subject, including passes in mathematics

The entry criteria for direct entry onto Level 5 of the programme are:

  • HNC or HND with an overall merit grade in: Mechanical, General or Aeronautical Engineering or an appropriate Engineering discipline

GCSE Requirements - English Language and Mathematics GCSEs at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent qualifications, such as Functional Skills at Level 2).

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are expected to achieve a minimum 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component

Applicants who are able to demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge will also be considered on an individual basis.


Please note: Where wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is a mandatory requirement of the course, it is the responsibility of the learner to ensure that they are able to wear such equipment. Further information can be obtained at the IAG session which all applicants are invited to or by calling Course Enquiries on 01253 504343.

Qualification obtained

BEng (Hons) Engineering (Aerospace)

Fees and funding

Visit our Tuition Fees page and Financial Support for Degrees page for more information about fees and funding.

Extra costs and equipment

You will need your own scientific calculator: we recommend the Casio FFX-91ES (costs start from around £15).

There may also be additional costs to consider, such as optional educational visits and photocopying/printing.

Relevant books, journals and electronic resources can be accessed via the College’s learning resource centres.

At the start of your course, it is highly recommended (but not compulsory) that you apply for student membership through a professional organisation such as IMechE or IET. Some organisations provide discounted student membership, while for others there is no charge.

  • IMechE - Affiliate Member*: No charge for an apprentice, college engineering student or undergraduate student studying a STEM degree.
  • IET* - Students and apprentices membership fees (duration of the course or up to five years) £35.

*Correct as at February 2024

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Awarding Body: Lancaster University

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and conditions

Please visit our Student Terms and Conditions page for more information.

What will I learn?

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

Many of the degree programmes at B&FC incorporate opportunities for work placements to provide you with the opportunity to link your studies to relevant professional practice in a real work environment. Our programme teams are able to offer support in securing an appropriate work placement where it forms part of your programme, and will work closely with you during the placement to ensure that the opportunity allows you to develop personally, professionally and academically.

  • Modules at level 4

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Managing Professional Engineering Project ET4MD246 15 No
    Professional and Academic Skills Stem ET4MD290 20 No
    Workshop ET4MD291 10 No
    Engineering Mathematics ET4MD292 15 No
    Engineering Design ET4MD293 15 No
    Aircraft Aerodynamics ET4MD301 15 No
    Airframe Mechanical Systems ET4MD302 15 No
    Turbine Rotary Wing Mechanical and Flight Systems ET4MD303 15 No

  • Modules at level 5

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Research Project ET5MD238 20 No
    Professional Engineering Management ET5MD239 20 No
    Further Engineering Mathematics ET5MD240 20 No
    Aircraft Flight Control Systems ET5MD244 20 No
    Materials Properties and Testing ET5MD246 20 No
    Advanced Mechanical Principles ET5MD251 20 No
    Propulsion ET5MD253 20 No

  • Modules at level 6

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Major Project ET6MD211 40 No
    Professional Engineer ET6MD212 20 No
    Control and Simulation ET6MD213 20 No
    Composite Materials ET6MD217 20 No
    Manufacturing Systems Engineering ET6MD218 20 No
    Thermofluids ET6MD221 20 No
    Avionics ET6MD228 20 Yes

Learning Support - at a glance

  • Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs)
  • One-to-one and group learning support sessions
  • Pre-degree preparation workshops
  • IT Support
Discover available Learning Support

Programme Specification

Download our Programme Specification for this course.

A tutor oversees a student using flight simulation facilities, demonstrating hands-on learning.
Aerospace Engineering student Alex inspects a rotary blade, showcasing his knowledge in the field.
A tutor demonstrates operating a jet engine to students, all wearing safety equipment.
A tutor oversees a student using flight simulation facilities, demonstrating hands-on learning. Aerospace Engineering student Alex inspects a rotary blade, showcasing his knowledge in the field. A tutor demonstrates operating a jet engine to students, all wearing safety equipment.
A tutor oversees a student using flight simulation facilities, demonstrating hands-on learning.
Aerospace Engineering student Alex inspects a rotary blade, showcasing his knowledge in the field.
A tutor demonstrates operating a jet engine to students, all wearing safety equipment.

How will I learn?

Scheduled Learning

Scheduled time relates to the time you spend in directed study with the guidance and support of our academic tutors. Scheduled learning can take a variety of forms and will vary from one course to the next, but may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, studio or workshop time, fieldwork and external visits.

Independent Study

Higher education courses rely on students undertaking work outside of formal, scheduled sessions and this is generally categorised as independent study. Independent study might include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks and revision.

Expert tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of higher education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

Learning Methods

Learning Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Scheduled 477 370 479
Independent 723 1030 878
Placement 0 0 243
Total 1200 1400 1600
Ready to take the next step? Navigate to the top of the page and click Apply Now to continue your degree-level journey.

Not the course for you?

Take a look at some of our other degree-level study options and see what sparks your imagination.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Coursework 73% 82% 59%
Exam 5% 17% 14%
Practical 28% 1% 27%