Aerospace Engineering

Program Overview

---

Aerospace Engineering

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.

Course Structure

The BEng degree provides a solid foundation in all the basic engineering technologies required by an aerospace engineer in the development of the next generation of aerospace products.

Stage 1

Students are introduced to core engineering principles and mathematics, and they undertake a team-based project, designed to introduce them to the concept of professional engineering practice. This is supported with a module in engineering design where students are introduced to Engineering CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software.

Stage 2

Stage 2 builds on the knowledge already gained with a series of more advanced engineering science subjects including dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and strength of materials. The group design exercises allow students to demonstrate their technical ability in a team environment. A dedicated laboratory programme enables students to conduct practical experiments to reinforce the theoretical knowledge developed in the engineering science modules.

Stage 3

Additional to more specialized and advanced coursework, the individual research project provides opportunities for in-depth study and engagement with aerospace engineering design and development.

People teaching you

Dr Zafer Kazanci

Programme Director for Aerospace Engineering

Dr. Kazancı is a Senior Lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast, UK and Director of the Advanced Composites Research Group (ACRG). He is a recognised expert on the behaviour of composite structures under extreme loads and specialises in impact and blast loading. His research expertise also encompasses auxetic structures, crash and crush analysis, bird-strike certification, crashworthiness and ballistic impact.

Contact Teaching Hours

• Personal Study: 17 (hours maximum)
• Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial: 1 (hours maximum)
• Large Group Teaching: 10 (hours maximum)
• Medium Group Teaching: 12 (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, which involves well over 100 universities worldwide. 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.

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 co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers.

Facilities

The school offers a range of world class facilities to support student activity and project-based learningsuch 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.

BTEC Higher Diploma

Those with good grades in a relevant Higher National Diploma will be considered on their individual merits for entry to Stage 2.

Graduate

A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided any subject requirement is also met.

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.

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, details of which are available at:

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at:

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) | £4,855 Republic of Ireland (ROI) | £4,855 England, Scotland or Wales (GB) | £9,535 EU Other | £25,300 International | £25,300

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.

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. Information on scholarships available.

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.

Alumni Success

Many of our former graduates have risen to the top of their fields and include many famous figures; for example:

• Bernadette "Bernie" Collins: British Formula One Strategy Analyst for Sky Sports and F1TV and former F1 Strategy Engineer and Head of Race Strategy for the Aston Martin F1 team.
• Katrina Thompson: Programme Director, Artemis Technologies.
• Michael McKay: Former Flight Operations Director for ESA Mars and Lunar Missions, European Space Agency.
• Michael Ryan: Former Vice President and General Manager, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast. Now General Manager of Spirit Aerosystems, Belfast.
• Bob Bell: Former Chief Technical Officer, RenaultSport F1.
• Air Commodore David Case: Royal Air Force.

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 totalling an annual fund of approximately £230K.

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. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more.

Student Accommodation

The most affordable, purpose-built student accommodation in Belfast.

Your Future Career

Queen's is ranked 8th in the UK for Graduate Prospects – On Track (Complete University Guide 2025)

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:

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.