Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace Engineering at Queen's University Belfast offers a comprehensive and innovative curriculum designed to prepare students for a dynamic career in the aerospace industry. The programme combines fundamental principles of engineering with specialized knowledge in aeronautics and astronautics, covering areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion systems, aircraft structures, control systems, and avionics. Students will have the opportunity to engage in practical laboratory work, design projects, and industry placements that reinforce theoretical understanding and develop essential skills. The course is structured to evolve with technological advancements, ensuring graduates are equipped with the latest knowledge and industry-relevant expertise. Emphasising critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, the programme aims to produce highly skilled engineers capable of tackling complex aerospace challenges. Opportunities for research and innovation are integrated throughout the course, allowing students to explore areas such as unmanned aerial vehicles, sustainable aviation, and space exploration. Collaborations with leading aerospace companies and research institutions provide valuable networking and employment prospects. The programme also offers flexible learning pathways, including options for direct entry after secondary education and opportunities for continual professional development. Graduates of Aerospace Engineering at Queen's University Belfast are well-prepared for careers in aircraft design, manufacturing, maintenance, aerospace consultancy, research and development, and leadership roles within the aerospace sector worldwide. With a strong emphasis on practical experience coupled with academic excellence, this programme aims to produce innovative engineers who can contribute significantly to progress in aerospace technology and industry.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 4160 Year (EEA)
• EUR 13380 Year (Non-EEA)

England, Scotland and Wales £9,000; EU £3,575; International: £11,500

• English

Course Content

The three-year BEng degree covers all the important technologies in Aerospace Engineering, providing students with the basic skills needed for professional practice. The four-year MEng degree consists of core aerospace topics with extended study of selected topics in aerodynamics, structures, systems, management and manufacturing, including industrially-oriented project work, with an additional aim of generating top-quality graduates for management. Major themes of study for Aerospace Engineering are as follows:

Aircraft Design: our key aim is to provide students with the necessary skills to enable them to design aircraft and this major theme runs throughout the degrees, drawing on all of the major Aerospace Engineering topics.

Aerodynamics: when air moves around an aeroplane, it generates aerodynamic forces, the main ones being lift and drag, and the principal role of the aerodynamicist is to minimise the drag produced for a given lift. This is achieved through the shape of the aircraft.

Flight Mechanics: the motion of an aircraft in flight is complicated since it operates in 3D space. The study of this motion is called flight mechanics and includes handling of the aircraft, and testing performance in flight.

Structures and Manufacturing: whatever the proposed configuration of an aircraft it must be built and keep its cargo (including people) safe. The strength and stiffness of the structure are vitally important and must be kept within safe levels during take-off, flight manoeuvres and landing. Modern materials such as carbon fibre composites require sophisticated analysis and design methods to enable performance and cost-effective manufacture.

Supporting Subjects: in order to gain skills necessary in professional practice, some key ancillary subjects are studied, eg mathematics, management, economics, law and entrepreneurship.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

MEng

• A-level AAB including Mathematics and at least one from Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Design/Technology or Further Mathematics.Note: applicants not offering Physics at A-level should have a minimum of a grade B in GCSE Physics or Double Award Science.
• BTEC Extended Diploma A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with 16 Distinctions and 2 Merits. Distinctions will be required in stipulated relevant units.
• Irish Leaving Certificate AB2B2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade A and B2 in any order in Mathematics and at least one from Physics (preferred), Biology or Chemistry.

Option to Transfer

Transfers between BEng and MEng may be possible at the end of Stage 1.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Queen's University Belfast.

Funding

Although the majority of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in Engineering, significant numbers develop careers in a wide range of other sectors. The following is a list of the major career sectors (and some starting salaries)that have attracted our graduates in recent years:

• Engineering professionals: £22, 823
• Information and Communication Technology professionals: £22, 244
• Public Service professionals: £22, 657
• Business and Finance associated professionals: £22, 217

Accreditation

Accreditation/Registration: the degrees are accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society. The BEng fulfils the educational requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially fulfils the educational requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). The MEng fulfils the educational requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). BEng students who perform well during Stage 1 may be invited to transfer to the MEng degree in Stage 2.