Aircraft Engineering

UCAS code: H410

Here's what University of the West of Scotland says about its Aircraft Engineering course.

Please note that this hugely successful programme is being replaced with the new B/MEng Hons Aerospace Engineering. Applications for Year 1 entry in September 2026 should be made to BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering H420.

OVERVIEW

Prepare yourself for a career in the aerospace industry with BEng (Hons) Aircraft Engineering. Designed in partnership with industry, this programme will provide you with the skills required to work effectively in the aircraft design, manufacturing, aerodynamic and structural design and repair and overhaul sectors. This programme is delivered via laboratories and software sessions to ensure you have a sound academic underpinning and the practical skills necessary to launch a successful career in this industry.

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

• You’ll gain the skills related to a wide range of sectors and specialisms within the aerospace industry. • You’ll study project and quality management to ensure you’re equipped with the management skills required for a high-flying engineering career. • Visits to organisations such as Spirit AeroSystems and British Airways will allow you to see real-world applications of the subjects you’ll study throughout this programme. • BEng (Hons) Aircraft Engineering Aircraft Engineering is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. The accredited BEng (Hons) Aircraft Engineering meets, in part, the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer and students will need to complete an approved format of further learning pursuant to the requirements of UK-SPEC. The accredited BEng (Hons) Aircraft Engineering also automatically meets in full, the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng).

PROGRAMME DETAILS

This programme has been designed to meet the needs of southwest Scotland’s aerospace cluster, which includes BAE Systems, Spirit AeroSystems, Collins Aerospace and Ryanair. However, the skills you’ll develop are appropriate for careers in the UK and international industries too.

CAREERS

As an Aircraft Engineering graduate you’ll have the wide-ranging skills to take on roles in design, research, development, manufacturing, management or maintenance in the sector.

MODULES

Year 1 Applied statics and dynamics, materials and mathematics provide a foundation to engineering design. Professional and industrial studies are introduced alongside skills development in communications and IT technology. Year 2 Topics include design of aerospace structures and systems, strength of materials, vibration theory, materials and manufacturing technology. The formal engineering design process and how it relates to aircraft engineering practice is introduced; as well as computer-aided design and information technology related techniques. Year 3 Skills in design and applied mechanics are enhanced. Aerodynamics and aircraft performance; intelligent systems and control technologies; aircraft design and modelling; advanced computer-based analysis and simulation techniques are introduced, along with project management skills. Year 4 Aerodynamic understanding is enhanced whilst design, analysis and testing of composite structures is introduced. Computer-aided engineering design is explored further through finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics is introduced. Aircraft conceptual design and a major individual project complete the learning in Year 4.

ASSESSMENT METHOD

A variety of assessment approaches are utilised throughout the course such as examination, written coursework, portfolio and presentations.

PROFESSIONAL BODIES

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification. • Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Throughout the course, a variety of topics will be covered which include the design of aerospace structures and systems, strength of materials, vibration theory, thermofluids, materials and manufacturing technology. The formal engineering design process and how it relates to aircraft engineering practice is introduced; as well as computer-aided design and information technology related techniques. You’ll also study project and business management to ensure you’re equipped with the management skills required for a demanding and rewarding engineering career. Check the 'Course Details' section on the course entry on the UWS website for more information on topics covered per year.

A variety of assessment approaches are utilised throughout the course such as examination, written coursework, portfolio and presentations.