Aerospace Engineering with Foundation Year

This course prepares you for diverse roles in aerospace research and development, manufacturing, product design, testing, modelling, simulating and other commercial engineering enterprises. You’ll engage in professional practice from day one, working on industry-led projects and addressing complex aerospace problems.

This foundation year course is for those who don't meet the entry requirements for our BEng Hon Electrical and Electronic Engineering course, or would like extra preparation before starting degree-level study.

How you learn

On this course you’ll take an active, research-informed approach to learning, preparing for future aerospace challenges within a diverse student community.

You’ll gain skills and confidence through state-of-the-art teaching techniques – such as flipped learning, think-pair-share, digital-technology aided teaching, online learning and a variety of activities.

Course topics

You’ll apply your learning to solve real-world problems across core subject areas – including aerodynamics, thermodynamics, structures, propulsion, flight dynamics and control, systems and avionics. You’ll also explore case studies within the aerospace industry – insightful examples of ongoing research and industry practice.

Further themes of the course range from fluid mechanics and aerospace materials to aircraft design, numerical methods, modelling and simulation.

Assessments on the course include exams, coursework, case studies, phase tests, viva presentations and portfolios, offering equal opportunities to demonstrate your learning and potential.

Applied learning

Work placements

You’ll have the opportunity to undertake a year-long work placement between your second and third years. It's your chance to work as an engineer or designer, applying what you've learned in a commercial environment. You’ll learn how the industry works and make valuable connections for your future career. You’ll also have the opportunity to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.

We have a dedicated and experienced team to help you find a placement and make the most of your work experience opportunities. Our strong links to the industry and excellent reputation mean companies actively seek our students for employment. Often students return from their placements with sponsorships or job offers.

Previous students have worked in a variety of technical roles for companies including Rolls-Royce, Airbus, Boeing, General Electric, Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems and the Ministry of Defence.

Live projects

You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to real-world aerospace projects by working on client-based projects. You’ll learn how to address the main client, business or user’s needs, while also meeting the main requirements of the project. You’ll consider ethical principles and your responsibilities as an engineer towards health and safety, society and the environment.

Later in the course, you’ll undertake an individual project and an aircraft design and simulation module – carrying out the design of a real aircraft and creating a model in the flight simulator to verify the associated performance.

You can join our student aerospace societies, space academic network or even form your own team. You may also be able to experience training programmes such as piloting or computer simulations.