Program Overview

Introduction to Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace Engineering involves the design, development, testing, and production of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems and equipment. The University of Canterbury (UC) offers the only undergraduate Aerospace degree in Aotearoa, providing early entry into the industry or towards advanced research.

Program Structure

Aerospace Engineering is a minor in the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Mechanical Engineering and can be selected in year three of the degree.

What Will My Study Involve?

• Practical courses, such as:
  • Aerospace design
  • Aerodynamics
  • Propulsion
• Final-year projects sponsored by and in collaboration with industry, including:
  • Air New Zealand
  • Kea Aerospace
  • Dawn Aerospace
• Participation in the growing aerospace industry in Aotearoa, with tautahi Christchurch and UC as a central hub for research and innovation
• Involvement in the UC Aerospace club, including building rockets on campus

Courses

For the minor in the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours, students must complete the following courses:

• ENME362 Aerospace Engineering Design
• Two courses chosen from the available options, or any approved 400-level Engineering courses
• Completion of the requirements for Mechanical Engineering
• The project course ENME408 Honours Research & Development Project for the Mechanical Engineering major must have an Aerospace Engineering focus

Career Opportunities

Having a skillset in Aerospace Engineering will make graduates a great fit for a path in aviation, or they could pursue a career beyond the atmosphere in the growing space industry. Career pathways could include:

• Rocketry design
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) design
• Avionics engineering
• Defence forces