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Aerospace Engineering MEng (Hons)

5 years with professional placement, starting in September 2025

This course is closed to applications from Home students for September 2025 entry. We are still accepting applications from Overseas students.

Specialise in aerospace design, performance, analysis and systems. Develop the engineering skills for a career in the aerospace industry.

In your first two years of study, you’ll focus on learning the core mechanical engineering principles and the role of a professional engineer. You’ll explore how to incorporate design into the science, manufacturing and management elements of engineering so that you can build, analyse and test a product.

Building on this, you’ll go on to specialise by studying areas including aerodynamics, stability and control, propulsion, structures and performance. This helps you develop a full understanding of aircraft from design to manufacture. During your studies, you'll also visit a local airfield and take a flight test course.

At Bath, we want to make sure you have the transferable skills engineers need in industry. You’ll develop complex problem solving and critical thinking skills as well as professional behaviours. You’ll explore how what you do as an engineer can impact the world around us and consider the ethical and environmental responsibilities this involves.

Our course focuses on giving you opportunities to apply what you’ve learnt through practical project work. You’ll work on a group project to design a new aircraft to a specification given by industry or for entry into a competition such as the annual Unmanned Aircraft Systems Challenge. In your final year, you’ll choose from a range of specialist units and complete an individual research project that could be based on simulation, experimentation or design. 

Shape your degree experience

You don't need to worry if you haven't made your mind up about whether to study a BEng or MEng yet. Once you're here at Bath, you'll have until the end of your second year to move between any of our BEng and MEng courses.

Play our video where Dr James Scobie discusses the benefits, features and differences between our BEng and MEng degrees.

Learn from experts in the field

We are invested in helping you get the most out of your learning experience. You’ll learn from academics with expertise in mechanical engineering and established links with industry. They have knowledge in design, manufacture, materials, automotive and aerospace. Their international collaborations and research activities feed into undergraduate teaching and contribute to your learning experience.

Use specialist facilities

You’ll have access to teaching and research laboratories that support a range of practical activities and project work. We design our facilities to be like industrial workspaces so that you gain insight into what it is like to work in a professional environment. You’ll also have access to our research facilities, which are fitted with the latest technology. This is similar to the equipment you could use in industry when you graduate. Our facilities include:

  • a design activity centre
  • an undergraduate model shop
  • subsonic wind tunnel
  • water tunnel
  • carbon fibre manufacturing facility
  • metal 3D printer

View our student-led tour of undergraduate laboratories and facilities.

Start your future here

Our graduates have many skills making them attractive to prospective employers, including problem solving, creativity, numeracy and teamwork. They often hold specialist and managerial roles in high technology industries in engineering and manufacturing or pursue academic and research careers with further study. Some of our graduates have gone on to work at international companies including:

  • AB Dynamics
  • BAE Systems
  • BMW Mini
  • Crux Design
  • Dyson
  • GKN Aerospace
  • Jaguar Land Rover
  • nPower
  • Rolls Royce
Find out what our graduates go on to do.

2025/2026 Academic Year


Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail.

We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.

Course structure

This course lasts 5 years. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2030. Welcome week starts on 22 September 2025.


Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Units

At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units. These allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.

As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) in each academic year. Credits are usually split evenly across your two semesters of study. 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) are the equivalent of 1,200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.

All credits displayed on this page are ECTS credits.

Year 1

Compulsory units

  • Design, materials and manufacturing 1

    10 credits

  • Engineering mathematics

    10 credits

  • Mechatronics

    10 credits

  • Responsible engineering practice

    10 credits

  • Solid mechanics 1

    10 credits

  • Thermofluids 1

    10 credits

Year 2

Compulsory units

  • Control and mechatronics

    10 credits

  • Design, materials and manufacturing 2

    20 credits

  • Engineering computation

    10 credits

  • Solid mechanics 2

    10 credits

  • Thermofluids 2

    10 credits

Year 3

Compulsory units

  • Professional placement

    60 credits

Year 4

Compulsory units

  • Aerodynamics

    5 credits

  • Aerospace structures

    5 credits

  • Aircraft performance and design

    10 credits

  • Aircraft propulsion

    5 credits

  • Aircraft stability and control

    5 credits

  • Group design and business project

    30 credits

Year 5

Compulsory units

  • Aerospace sciences

    5 credits

  • MEng individual project

    30 credits

  • Project scoping and research methods

    5 credits

  • Rotorcraft dynamics

    5 credits

Options

  • Final year options

    15 credits

Placement


All our courses include optional year-long placements so you can gain professional experience in a commercial or industrial environment during your degree. You’ll develop practical skills that can benefit the rest of your degree and improve your career prospects. Your placement can count towards becoming a Chartered Engineer, giving you an advantage that not all graduates will have.

Our students have worked at companies such as Airbus, Rolls Royce and Red Bull Technology.

Over half of our students choose to take a placement but you can decide whether this is right for you up until the end of your second year. Placement opportunities can’t be guaranteed but you will receive tailored support from our specialist team to help you secure a placement.

Find out more about engineering placements and the support we offer.

Learning and assessment

You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.


Learning

  • Laboratory sessions
  • Lectures
  • Online resources
  • Practical sessions
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Practical work
  • Presentations
  • Projects
  • Report
  • Written examination

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

Learning and teaching

Contact hours

Our teaching for this course is delivered through in-person learning on campus, supported by high quality online provision.

In your first year, you'll typically have around 15 to 20 hours of timetabled sessions a week, made up of lectures, seminars, and laboratory classes. Most contact hours throughout your course will be in person, enhanced by some online delivery which will make up a small amount of contact hours, depending on your programme and year of study, and chosen optional units. This may be supplemented by activities such as a few online learning sessions (not live), skills development sessions, and personal tutorials.

In later years, the amount of timetabled sessions on campus may vary based on the options you choose, with a greater emphasis on independent learning. Project and dissertation units will generally have fewer scheduled sessions to allow you time for your independent work. This may also mean the number of hours of timetabled sessions each week will vary within a year.

Overall workload and independent learning

Outside your timetabled contact hours, you're expected to carry out independent learning and assessment activities to support your studies. Typically, you should expect to spend a total of 35 to 40 hours on scheduled sessions and independent study each week. Examples of independent activities may include:

  • individual research
  • reading journal articles and books
  • working on individual and group projects
  • working through problem sheets
  • preparing coursework assignments or presentations
  • revising for exams

Assessment breakdown

The balance of assessment by coursework, exams and practical work will vary throughout your degree, depending on the optional units that you choose. As a guide, 40-50% of the course will be assessed by coursework and practical work, and 40-60% by examination. In your third year, you’ll complete a group project and in your final year, you’ll complete an individual project or dissertation. You’ll be assessed individually but you may also be assessed as part of a group.

We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities, take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information.

Professional accreditations

Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of demonstrating in full the underpinning knowledge and understanding required for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).


Recognition of professional qualifications


As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

Alice Richardson
‘My placement has provided me with a greater awareness of engineering within business and the variety of opportunities that are available to graduate engineers.’
Alice Richardson MEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering with professional placement (Graduating year, 2017)

Entry requirements


We consider a range of factors when assessing your application for this course, including your previous academic performance (such as GCSEs), your personal statement, your predicted grades and the combination of subjects you study at A level (or equivalent).

Your personal statement should explain your motivation for choosing this degree and any relevant non-academic interests and achievements. You are more likely to be successful if you demonstrate a keen interest in Aerospace Engineering through relevant reading, extracurricular or co-curricular activities, or work experience.

You will need a strong performance in both Mathematics and Physics or Engineering as part of your entry qualifications. If you are taking qualifications including a mixture of subjects (such as A levels) we prefer either a relevant subject (such as Design and Technology) or a traditional subject (such as History). We have a preference for applicants who study A level Further Mathematics (or equivalent).

We know that the context in which you are studying can have an impact on your ability to perform your best in exams and coursework, or limit which subjects or qualifications you are able to study at your school or college. We consider any application based on its merits, including your background and circumstances, including through:

Origin of qualifications

British qualifications

A level Typical offer

A*A*A

A*A*A in three A levels including A* in Mathematics and A in Physics

Read more about our approach to A levels and AS levels.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level. Read more about our approach to this qualification.

A level Contextual offer

AAA or A*AB

AAA or A*AB in three A levels including A in Mathematics and A in Physics.

Our contextual offers were updated in October 2024 for September 2025 entry.

We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.

Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.

Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level. Read more about our approach to this qualification.

A level Alternative offer

A*AA or A*A*B

We know that you may have study beyond three A levels that will help prepare you for your degree. If you are not eligible for a contextual offer, we recognise these studies through our alternative offers.

A*AA or A*A*B in three A levels including A* in Mathematics and A in Physics plus one of:

  • grade A in an EPQ or IEPQ
  • grade A in AS level Further Mathematics (except if you are studying an A level in that subject)
  • grade B in a fourth A level, where your four A levels include A level Further Mathematics
  • an appropriate grade in any other project qualification we recognise

The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is not accepted in place of an A level for these offers. If you are studying three A levels and this qualification you are eligible for an alternative offer:

A*AAB or A*A*BB in three A levels including A* in Mathematics and A in Physics and B in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

If you receive an offer, you will receive each alternative offer you qualify for alongside the typical offer. You only need to meet one of these sets of conditions to meet your offer overall.

Read more about how our alternative offers work.

International Baccalaureate Typical offer

7, 7, 6 at HL

International Baccalaureate Diploma

36 points overall and 7, 7, 6 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Physics and 7 in either HL Mathematics.

Read more about how we consider the IB Diploma.

Standard Level in essential subjects.

Mathematics is required at Higher Level.

In exceptional circumstances we may be able to consider you if you are studying Standard Level Physics. Our typical offer in this instance would be 36 points overall with 7, 6, 6 in three Higher Level subjects including 7 in either HL Mathematics plus 7 in Standard Level Physics.

We consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis based on the individual IB certificates and vocational qualifications you study within the programme. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider IB Certificates and common vocational qualifications.

For this course, you will need to study either Mathematics course at Higher Level.

Your remaining qualifications must include sufficient Engineering and Physical Science content.

International Baccalaureate Certificates

If you are studying IB subjects as part of the IB Diploma, you will usually need to complete the full diploma programme to be considered.

If you do not follow the IB Diploma programme, we can consider stand-alone IB Higher Level Certificates either on their own or combined with other qualifications. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider IB Certificates.

For this course, you will need to study either Mathematics course at Higher Level. Your remaining qualifications must include sufficient Engineering and Physical Science content.

International Baccalaureate Contextual offer

6, 6, 6 or 7, 6, 5 at HL

International Baccalaureate Diploma

36 points overall and 6, 6, 6 or 7, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Physics and 6 in either HL Mathematics.

Our contextual offers were updated in October 2024 for September 2025 entry.

We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.

Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.

Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.

Standard Level in essential subjects.

Mathematics is required at Higher Level.

In exceptional circumstances we may be able to consider you if you are studying Standard Level Physics. Our typical offer in this instance would be 36 points overall with 6, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in either HL Mathematics plus 7 in Standard Level Physics.

Pearson Edexcel BTEC RQF Typical offer

D*DD plus A* at A level

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (RQF)

D*DD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) plus grade A* in A level Mathematics.

You must be studying A level Mathematics alongside your BTEC qualification.

We are able to consider BTEC qualifications in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering and prefer you to study as many units as possible in Physical Science.

We may also be able to consider BTEC qualifications in Applied Science, Construction and the Built Environment, and Building Services. Please contact us to discuss the suitability of your optional units before making an application.

Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.

BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates

We accept Level 3 Diplomas and Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates.

You must be studying A level Mathematics alongside your BTEC qualification. Your remaining qualifications will need to include sufficient Physics or Physical Science units.

OCR Cambridge Technical Typical offer

D*D*D* plus A* at A level

Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma

D*D*D* in the Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma plus grade A* in A level Mathematics.

You must be studying A level Mathematics alongside your Cambridge Technical qualification.

We are able to consider Cambridge Technical qualifications in Engineering, and prefer you to study as many units as possible in Physical Science. Due to the mathematical content of the course, it is essential to have an A level in Mathematics alongside your Cambridge Technical qualification.

Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.

Cambridge Technical Diplomas and Extended Certificates

We accept Level 3 Diplomas and Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider OCR Cambridge Technical Diplomas and Extended Certificates.

You must be studying A level Mathematics alongside your Cambridge Technical qualification. Your remaining qualifications will need to include sufficient Physics or Physical Science units.

T level Typical offer

T Levels are not considered suitable preparation for this degree programme and are therefore not accepted for entry. If you require advice on how you may academically prepare to study this degree or present with a mix of qualifications, you should contact our Admissions Progression Team at admissions-progression@bath.ac.uk.

Scottish Highers Typical offer

AA in Advanced Highers

AA in two Advanced Highers including Mathematics and Physics.

We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved AAAAA in their Highers.

Read more about how we consider Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

Access to HE Diploma Typical offer

42 credits at Distinction

A pass in the Access to HE Diploma (in Science or Engineering) with at least 42 credits achieved at Distinction and 3 at Merit. This must include 12 credits from Mathematics units (including Calculus) achieved at Distinction and 12 credits from Physics units achieved at Distinction.

Our Mechanical Engineering courses are academically challenging and require solid foundations of knowledge in Mathematics and Physics. We are able to consider Access to HE Diplomas in Science or Engineering, and we are looking for you to be studying a suitable level of Mathematics and Physics to be able to succeed in our courses. You will need to have studied Mathematics graded units worth at least 12 credits (including Calculus) and Physics graded units worth at least 12 credits.

Suitable applicants progressing via this route will be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.

Combinations of qualifications Typical offer

We accept a range of other qualifications offered in UK, as well as combinations of typically studied qualifications (such as A levels and BTECs). You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider UK qualifications.

To be considered for this course, your combination of qualifications must include A level Mathematics (or equivalent) and either A level Physics (or equivalent) or sufficient Physical Science content.

You can contact us at admissions@bath.ac.uk for more advice.

Pearson Edexcel HNC or HND Typical offer

Our Mechanical Engineering courses are academically challenging and require solid foundations of knowledge in Mathematics and Physics. We are able to consider HNC or HND qualifications in Engineering disciplines for entry into the first year of our course. You will need to gain an overall grade of Distinction, including a Distinction in at least 20 credits of Level 4 Mathematics. In addition, you will need an A level in Mathematics at grade A or a pass rate of at least 75% for the Open University module MST124: Essential Mathematics 1.

HNC and HND qualifications may be counted as degree-level study by the Student Loans Company and therefore may be counted as previous study and have an impact on your ability to access student loans for the entirety of your chosen degree. We recommend that you discuss this in detail with the SLC before following this progression route to the University of Bath.

GCSE requirements

  • GCSE English Language or Literature grade 4 or C (or equivalent from English language category C)

GCSE grades are an important part of selection for this course and we typically expect students to have a good number of GCSEs at grade 7-9 or A-A*. Your GCSE grades in Mathematics and Physics are particularly important and we typically expect grade 8-9 in at least one of these subjects.

Your GCSE grades will be carefully considered as part of our contextual admissions process and depending on your circumstances, we may be able to consider you with GCSE grades of mostly 6 or B.

Read more about how we consider GCSEs.

English language requirements

Category C

If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • IELTS Indicator: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components
  • TOEFL IBT and IBT Special Home Edition: 90 overall with 21 in each component
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic Online (PTE Academic Online): we do not accept this qualification
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
  • Duolingo (taken up to 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 130, Conversation 115, Production 100
  • Duolingo (taken after 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 120, Conversation 120, Production 120
  • LanguageCert SELT: B2 Communicator High Pass in both the Speaking test and the Listening, Reading, and Writing test

See the full list of accepted English qualifications.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Aerospace Engineering MEng (Hons) with professional placement


Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

Fee information is not yet available for this course. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.

Find out more about student fees

Extra costs

The following course-related costs are not included in your fees:

Computer and drawing equipment

You will need to budget for a laptop or PC and invest in some basic drawing equipment. Read more about the laptops and equipment we suggest.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Read more about tuition fee loans

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Read more about your payment options

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement. If you are thinking about studying or working abroad as part of your course, you may have to prove that you have a certain amount of money in your bank account to get a visa.

Please read the information about planning your finances for your placement year which includes potential sources of funding, travel insurance, and visas.

Application information



Selection process

We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. If you are studying certain qualifications, such as an Access to HE Diploma, you will be invited to attend an interview as part of our selection process.

Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.

Our interview page gives more information on what you should expect from an interview.

Immigration requirements

This MEng degree is covered by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). Unless you are a citizen of the UK or another country exempted from ATAS clearance, you will need an ATAS Certificate to join this course. Find out more about applying for an ATAS certificate.

Exemptions include citizens of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) member state and citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, and the USA.

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