Program Overview

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MEng Aerospace Engineering (H410)

2026 entry

Course summary

This four-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), the 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.

In your final year, you will complete an industry-focused design project, working in groups to undertake the design of a whole aerospace vehicle and replicate processes commonly used in industry. You could be tasked with designing a hydrogen-powered civil aircraft, a future uncrewed aerial vehicle, or even an interplanetary science mission. You will also choose from optional units, allowing you to specialise in the areas that align with your interests and career plans.

The city of Bristol is at the heart of aerospace engineering in the UK, 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 MEng is accredited by RAeS.

Overview

Typical offer

• A-level standard offer: A*AA
• A-level contextual offer: AAB
• Go to entry requirements for the full entry criteria and contextual offer eligibility.

Programme duration

• 4 year(s) full-time.
• Part-time study is not available for this course

Application method

• UCAS (Code: H410)

Location

• Clifton campus

Fees

• £9,535 per year, home students
• £32500 per year, international students
• More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Fees quoted are for 2025 entry only. Fees for 2026 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2025.

Course structure

First year

• First-year students studying Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, and Design Engineering all start their degrees 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.

Second year

• 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.

Third year

• 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.

Fourth year

• The fourth year consists of a capstone group design project, complemented by optional units on a range of specialist topics such as computational and experimental aerodynamics, aerial robotics, advanced composite materials, aircraft and rotor dynamics, space systems or renewable energy.

Entry requirements

A-level standard offer

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

A-level contextual offer

• AAB including AA in Mathematics and any one of Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, or Electronics

BTEC

• D*DD in either Engineering BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in four required 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 required 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.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• 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

International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer

• 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

European Baccalaureate

• 88% overall, with 9.0, 8.5 in Mathematics and any one of Physics, Chemistry or Computer Science (in any order)

Scottish Qualifications Authority

• 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

• 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.

Welsh Baccalaureate

• Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.

Cambridge Pre-U

• 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.

International qualifications

• The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

GCSE profile requirements

• No specific subjects required.
• Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.

English language requirements

• If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
  • IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all skills
  • GCSE English Language grade C or 4
  • an alternative qualification outlined in our Profile level E.
• Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Selection process

• Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
• If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
• Full information about our selection processes for Aerospace Engineering can be found in the Admissions Statement.

Related courses

• BEng Aerospace Engineering
• MEng Aerospace Engineering with a Year in Industry
• MEng Aerospace Engineering with Study Abroad

Related Subjects

• Civil Engineering
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Engineering Mathematics