Aerospace Engineering with a Foundation Year

You’ll study the research, design, development, construction and flight of aircraft on this course and gain a solid grounding in aerospace engineering. You'll also learn how to communicate effectively with people from a wide range of engineering disciplines.

Launch your career with this exploration of aerospace engineering theory, and hands-on practice of building and flying aircraft.

If you don't have the usual scientific or mathematical background for an engineering degree, a foundation year is for you. After successfully completing the foundation year, you can start a BEng or MEng degree.

From a solid base of essential theories, you’ll explore propulsion, instrumentation, the computation and design of aerodynamics and aircraft control.

As you progress, you’ll tailor the degree to match your career path – choosing to focus on either avionic systems or aeromechanics, and completing an investigative project of your choice.

We’ll teach you how to manage a project from start to finish, and how to communicate with people from a wide range of engineering disciplines. In your final year, you'll work on a research project led by one of our world leading academics.

Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to fly and build aircraft, take part in national and international competitions, and ultimately graduate with the hands-on experience you need to progress in the aerospace industry.

Why study this course?

Project-based learning: Our system of project-based learning integrates engineering science with practical projects. Throughout the programme you will design, build and fly complex air systems such as drones, rockets and quad planes. These realistic, open-ended problems will make you a better engineer and prepare you for industry.

Personalised, tailored education: As a large faculty with many academics, we offer a diverse selection of optional modules that cover the world-leading research undertaken within the faculty, empowering you to shape your degree by selecting subjects aligned with your interests.

State-of-the-art facilities: Access a high quality laboratory education in a unique and state-of-the-art facility, including the opportunity to operate and examine jet engine technologies.

Personal tutorials: From day one, your personal tutor will be your regular point of contact for both pastoral and academic support throughout your studies. The small group academic tutorial system strengthens the student-tutor bond and helps you to develop as an independent learner.

Vibrant student and staff community: Our excellent ‘student voice’ is consistently recognised and rated highly in the National Student Survey (NSS). Students are encouraged to be involved and have a say in their own education and to work together with staff to improve their aerospace engineering programmes.