Program Overview

BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering

The BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering program is a 3-4 year undergraduate degree that combines the core disciplines of mechanical engineering with specific application to aerospace engineering. This program has a strong focus on the current and emerging needs of the aeronautical industry.

Key Information

• UCAS code: H3A1
• Level: Undergraduate
• Delivery type: Full Time
• Degree qualification: BEng (Hons)
• Mode of delivery: On-Campus
• Duration: 3-4 years
• Location: Edinburgh
• Start date: September

Aerospace Engineers design, develop, and build aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites. With advancements in commercial space exploration, drone technology, low carbon technologies, and aerospace commerce, this field is one of the fastest-growing specialisms in engineering.

Course Content

The undergraduate degree provides students with the core skills and specialist knowledge needed to launch a thriving career as an aerospace engineer. Students take courses from across engineering disciplines to gain a foundation of essential knowledge.

Year 1

• Mandatory September:
  • Introduction to Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanics, Fields and Forces
  • Engineering in Context 1
  • Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 1
• Mandatory January:
  • Introduction to Aerospace Engineering
  • Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
  • Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 2
  • Engineering in Context 2

Year 2

• Mandatory September:
  • Fluid Mechanics A
  • Mechanics of Materials A
  • Design and Manufacture 2
  • Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 3
• Mandatory January:
  • Dynamics
  • Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 4
  • Aerodynamics and Aircraft Performance
  • Thermodynamics A

Year 3

• Mandatory September:
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics and Incompressible Fluids
  • Sustainable Development and Engineering Management
  • Mechanics of Materials B
• Mandatory January:
  • Vibration Analysis & Control Engineering
  • Thermodynamics B
• Optional January:
  • Orbital Mechanics and Space Propulsion
  • Energy Studies
  • Automotive Technologies 1
• Mandatory AY:
  • Aerospace Design and Flight Mechanics

Year 4

• Mandatory September:
  • Aerospace Structures and Materials
  • Bluff Body Aerodynamics and Applications
• Optional September:
  • Heat Exchangers and Heat Transfer
  • Spacecraft Systems
  • Dynamics 1
• Mandatory January:
  • Compressible Fluid Dynamics
  • Advanced Thermodynamic Applications
  • Flight Control, Systems and Testing
• Mandatory AY:
  • Mechanical Engineering Individual Project

Fees and Funding

• September 2026 intake tuition fees:
  • Scotland: Paid by SAAS
  • England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland: ｣9,790
  • International: ｣25,808
• Scholarships and bursaries are available, including the Heriot-Watt University Bursary of up to ｣3,100 per year for students from England, Northern Ireland, or Wales.

Entry Requirements

• Standard entry requirements:
  • Highers: AABB (over two sittings), including Maths and one of Physics or Engineering Science, with one required subject achieved at A.
  • A-Levels: BBC, including Maths and Physics, with both achieved at B.
  • International Baccalaureate: 29 points, including Maths and Physics, with both achieved at Higher Level 5.
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM, in a relevant Engineering subject, including sufficient Maths and Physics.
  • HNC: A in graded unit, in a relevant Engineering subject, including sufficient Maths and Physics.
  • HND: AB / BA in graded units, in a relevant Engineering subject, including sufficient Maths and Physics.
• Minimum entry requirements:
  • Highers: BBBC (over two sittings), including Maths and one of Physics or Engineering Science, with both required subjects achieved at B.
  • A-Levels: BCC, including Maths and Physics, with one required subject achieved at B.
  • International Baccalaureate: 29 points, including Maths and Physics, with both achieved at Higher Level 5.
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM, in a relevant Engineering subject, including sufficient Maths and Physics.
  • HNC: B in graded unit, in a relevant Engineering subject, including sufficient Maths and Physics.
  • HND: BB in graded units, in a relevant Engineering subject, including sufficient Maths and Physics.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.

Employability

• 84% of BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering students are working 15 months after graduating.
• The average salary of students 15 months after graduating is ｣32,000.
• Potential career paths include engineering professionals and science, engineering, and technology associate professionals.