Program Overview
Aerospace Engineering (BEng)
Overview
Aerospace Engineering is at the cutting edge of technology, understanding and applying scientific principles to the design, development and service of some of the most technologically advanced engineering products in the world, ranging from commercial aeroplanes and helicopters to spacecraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Aerospace engineers will be pivotal in addressing the future challenges of the aerospace industry related to the environment (e.g. minimising noise and pollution) and sustainability. With the ability to succeed in diverse and challenging situations, aerospace engineers are naturally versatile, opening up a wide range of career opportunities, and our graduates can be found in leading private and public sector companies worldwide.
We put emphasis on hands on, project based learning, and invest heavily in our state-of-the-art facilities and flexible project spaces to support this activity.
Aerospace Engineering highlights
- Global Opportunities
- Industry Links
- World Class Facilities
- Professional Accreditations
- Career Development
- Student Experience
- Internationally Renowned Experts
Course Structure
- Stage 1: Introduction to core engineering principles and mathematics, including a team-based project and engineering design.
- Stage 2: Advanced engineering science subjects, including dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and strength of materials.
- Stage 3: Specialized and advanced coursework, including an individual research project.
People teaching you
- Dr Zafer Kazanci, Programme Director for Aerospace Engineering
Contact Teaching Hours
- Personal Study: 17 (hours maximum)
- Medium Group Teaching: 12 (hours maximum)
- Large Group Teaching: 10 (hours maximum)
- Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial: 1 (hours maximum)
Learning and Teaching
- The School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering plays a leading role in CDIO (Conceiving — Designing — Implementing — Operating), an international initiative to reform engineering education.
- Initial support for participation in this initiative was secured through funding to set up a Centre of Excellence in Active and Interactive Learning at Queen's.
- Our degree programmes have many innovative features that enhance student learning.
Assessment
- Details of assessment procedures are outlined below:
- The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the learning objectives of each module.
- Most modules are assessed through a combination of coursework, class tests and end of semester examinations.
- Some modules [e.g. final year Honours Project module] are assessed through project work, written assignments, presentations and interviews.
Feedback
- As students progress through their course at Queen's they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module coordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers.
- University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work.
Facilities
- The school offers a range of world class facilities to support student
activity and project-based learning such as:
- Student Design Studio
- Computer Based Learning
- Flexible Project Environments
- Teaching Laboratories
- Engineering Workshop
- Polymer and Composite Processing
- Prototyping Studio
- Manufacture and Assembly Automation
- Material and Structural Testing
- Composites manufacturing and testing
Modules
- Year 1:
- Dynamic Systems 1 (20 credits)
- Engineering Design 1 (20 credits)
- Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 1 (20 credits)
- Mechanics of Materials 1 (20 credits)
- Mathematics 1 (20 credits)
- Introduction to Engineering 1 (20 credits)
- Year 2:
- Aircraft Aerodynamics and Performance 2 (20 credits)
- Compressible Flow and Propulsion 2 (20 credits)
- Aerospace Flight Laboratory (0 credits)
- Aircraft Design 2 (20 credits)
- Professional Studies 2 (10 credits)
- Aircraft Structures 2 (20 credits)
- Mathematics and Computing 2 (20 credits)
- Manufacturing Technology 2 (10 credits)
- Laboratory Programme 2 (0 credits)
- Year 3:
- Computer-Aided Engineering 3 (20 credits)
- Manufacturing 3 (20 credits)
- Aeronautical Engineering 3 (20 credits)
- Project 3B (40 credits)
- Professional Studies 3 (10 credits)
- Avionic Systems 3 (10 credits)
Entrance requirements
- A level requirements: ABB including Mathematics and at least one from Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Technology and Design, Further Mathematics or Double Award Life and Health Sciences.
- Irish leaving certificate requirements: H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Mathematics and at least one from Physics (preferred), Biology or Chemistry.
- Access/Foundation Course: Successful completion of Access Course with 80% in each module.
- International Baccalaureate Diploma: 33 points overall, including 6,5,5 at Higher Level, including Mathematics and Physics (preferred), Biology, or Chemistry.
- BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma: (QCF) BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits at Level 3), ) with overall grades D*DD. Distinctions will be required in four specified units (40 credits), including Mathematics for Technicians and Further Mathematics for Technicians.
How we choose our students
- Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
- Once your application has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.
- Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form, which is considered by an Admissions Manager/Officer from the Admissions and Access Service and, if appropriate, the Selector from the School.
International Students
- Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
- An IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification.
International Scholarships
- Information on scholarships for international students, is available at [insert URL].
Tuition Fees
- Northern Ireland (NI): £4,855
- Republic of Ireland (ROI): £4,855
- England, Scotland or Wales (GB): £9,535
- EU Other: £26,600
- International: £26,600
Additional course costs
- Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
How do I fund my study?
- There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.
Scholarships
- Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students.
International Scholarships
- Information on scholarships for international students, is available at [insert URL].
Career Prospects
- A degree in Aerospace Engineering from Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions alike.
- Our graduates are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and the versatility of Aerospace Engineering graduates makes them well suited for a wide range of future careers, both within engineering and in the wider graduate sector.
Alumni Success
- Many of our former graduates have risen to the top of their fields and include many famous figures.
Prizes and Awards
- The School receives valued support from the business community and private sponsors.
- This enables us to award over 50 prizes and scholarships.
Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
- In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills.
How to Apply
- Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
- Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: [insert URL].
Terms and Conditions
- The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
- Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering
at Queen's University Belfast aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills required at the cutting edge of technology. The course covers fundamental engineering principles and mathematics, leading students to progressively tackle more advanced engineering science subjects such as dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and strength of materials in stage two.
Outline:
Stage 1:
Introduces core engineering principles and mathematics, alongside a team-based design and build project to introduce the concept of professional engineering practice. CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software is introduced in this stage.
Stage 2:
Builds on the knowledge acquired in stage 1 with more advanced engineering science subjects, including laboratory experiments to reinforce theoretical knowledge. Group design exercises allow students to demonstrate technical ability in a team environment.
Stage 3:
Focuses on more specialized and advanced coursework, with an individual research project providing opportunities for in-depth study and engagement with aerospace engineering design and development. Throughout the program, the School places emphasis on hands-on, project-based learning. Northern Ireland has a vibrant Aerospace industry and students will undertake visits to Aerospace companies across Northern Ireland to understand the role of a practicing Aerospace Engineer in industry and to relate module content to a real-life work environment. This course welcomes international students and offers them a study experience in the United Kingdom through the Study USA initiative. This allows students to study at a university in USA during Stage 2 of the BEng programme.
Assessment:
Assessments vary according to the learning objectives of each module and can involve a combination of coursework, class tests and end of semester examinations. Some modules are assessed through project work, written assignments, presentations and interviews.
Teaching:
Queen’s University Belfast employs an international renowned faculty and uses an accredited learning environment to create a high-quality learning environment.
Other:
Careers:
The BEng in Aerospace Engineering degree provides a broad and well-rounded education, preparing graduates for diverse career opportunities. Students have the opportunity to gain a place on the Engineering Leadership Programme and a range of Employability Development workshops. This course provides an average starting salary of £27,000 for graduates, signifying the valuable skill set acquired through the program. This degree opens doors for careers at local, national and international levels, in various sectors including engineering and beyond. Several Queen's Aerospace alumni have achieved notable success within the field. Notable alumni include Bernadette "Bernie" Collins who became a Formula One Strategy Analyst for Sky Sports and F1TV, Katrina Thompson, who became the Programme Director at Artemis Technologies and Bob Bell who was the Chief Technical Officer of RenaultSport F1.
Other Information:
- The University is committed to providing students with access to cutting edge facilities, including:
Computer Based Learning Flexible Project Environments Teaching Laboratories Engineering Workshop Polymer and Composite Processing Prototyping Studio Manufacture and Assembly Automation Material and Structural Testing
Composites manufacturing and testing
- Students will receive detailed feedback regarding coursework, assignments, and projects to help them improve. The School encourages students to identify and implement strategies to enhance their work quality.
Conclusion:
The BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering at Queen's University Belfast is a comprehensive and rigorous program designed to prepare students for rewarding careers within the Aerospace Engineering field. With its focus on hands-on learning, project-based work, and industry collaborations, the program provides students with invaluable theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in today's competitive job market.
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £4,750 Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £4,750 England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £9,250 EU Other 3 £25,300 International £25,300 1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee. 2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees. 3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees. The tuition fees quoted above are for the 2024/25 academic year and are a guide only. In addition, all tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase in each year of the course. Fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless explicitly stated otherwise. Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework. Additional course costs All Students Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs. If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines. How do I fund my study? There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union. Information on funding options and financial assistance for undergraduate students is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/Fees-and-scholarships/. Scholarships Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available. International Scholarships Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.
