Aeronautical engineering in the UK: A complete guide

By Ben
Updated on Apr 8, 2024
Aeronautical engineering in the UK: A complete guide

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More than 500,000 international students visit the United Kingdom to pursue higher education every year. The UK is considered one of the top study destinations for various disciplines, especially engineering, offering the finest education with hands-on experience for a scopeful career.

Engineering programs in the country are widely popular for their global accreditation and the educational experience they offer. International students aspiring to pursue aeronautical engineering often choose the UK to pursue the program.

This article dives deep into studying aeronautical engineering in the UK, its perks, eligibility requirements, top universities and courses, career options, and others.

Aspiring to study aeronautical engineering abroad? Grab the chance to study your desired course in the UK!

Overview of Aeronautical engineering in the UK

Course-typeFull-time
Course duration
  • Undergraduate degree: 3-4 years
  • Postgraduate degree: 4-5 years
Course entry requirement
  • Undergraduate degree: An international student with a subject background in maths, physics, and chemistry with a score of at least 60-70%.
  • Postgraduate degree: An international student with an undergraduate degree in aeronautical engineering or a related specialisation with GPA above 3.0.
English proficiencyIELTS: 6.0-6.5, TOEFL: 90, PTE: 59, Duolingo: 105-120
Entrance examSAT: Above 1400, GRE: Above 310
Work experiencePostgraduate degree: Relevant work experience for at least two years.
Fees range£14,000 - £70,000
VisaUK Student Visa

Data updated as of February 2024

Start your journey in the UK
Apply now for the upcoming intake in top UK universities

Scope of studying aeronautical engineering in the UK

  • Aeronautical engineering is the branch of aerospace engineering that studies the vehicles used at an atmospheric level. The field of study involves the design, development, production, testing, and maintenance of these vehicles and systems.
  • Aeronautical engineering has a variety of disciplines, including mathematics, physics, material science, and fluid mechanics, among others.
  • The UK is one of the top study destination choices for aerospace engineering courses, as the country is home to some excellent educational institutions. These universities strive to help students with the theoretical and practical aspects.
  • The country has a well-established aerospace industry with more than 3,000 companies and endless possibilities for international students.

Also read: International student life in the UK

Common subjects in aeronautical engineering courses in the UK

PhysicsAerodynamicsMaterial science
Aircraft structuresFluid dynamicsAircraft control
MechanicsPropulsionFlight communications
Aircraft structureControl engineeringAircraft transportation system

International student eligibility to pursue aeronautical engineering in the UK

Educational institutions in the UK have pre-determined eligibility criteria for international students to verify their readiness to pursue the course. Before applying for aeronautical engineering in any institution abroad, make sure your profile satisfies the requirements before submitting your application.

Eligibility criteria to study aeronautical engineering in the UK

Eligibility factorStandard requirement
Educational qualification

Undergraduate degree: An international student with a subject background in maths, physics, and chemistry with a score of at least 60-70%.

Postgraduate degree: An international student with an undergraduate degree in aeronautical engineering or a related specialisation with GPA above 3.0.

English proficiencyIELTS: 6.0-6.5, TOEFL: 90, PTE: 59, Duolingo: 105-120
Entrance examSAT: Above 1400, GRE: Above 310
Student visaUK Student Visa

Data updated as of February 2024

Note: The eligibility criteria differ with every program, university, and location. Check the university course page to understand the requirements and prepare your application.

How much does it cost to study aeronautical engineering in the UK?

The educational expenses for international students pursuing aeronautical engineering are comparatively high in terms of the program and location. This is because the course program involves more practical education and hands-on experience for its students.

The average annual cost of studying aeronautical engineering in the UK ranges from £14,000 to £70,000.

Also read: Cost of studying in the UK for Indian students

Top aeronautical engineering universities in the UK

University nameQS World University Rankings 2024
Imperial College London06
University of Bristol55
University of Leeds75
University of Glasgow76
University of Southampton81
University of Nottingham100
University of Sheffield104
Queen Mary University of London145
University of Bath148
University of Liverpool176
Loughborough University212
Swansea University307
Coventry University571
Kingston University601-610
University of Hertfordshire851-900
University of Salford851-900

Data updated as of February 2024

Top aeronautical engineering universities in the UK: An overview

Aeronautical engineering in Scotland

University of Glasgow

QS World University Rankings 202476
Aeronautical engineering courses in Scotland at Glasgow

BEng Aeronautical Engineering

MEng Aeronautical Engineering

MSc Aerospace Engineering

MSc Aerospace Engineering and Management

Cost of studying for aeronautical engineering at Glasgow University£30,240-£67,880
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate74%

Data updated as of February 2024

Start your journey in the UK
Apply now for the upcoming intake in top UK universities

Aeronautical engineering in England

Imperial College London

QS World University Rankings 202406
Courses offered

MEng Aeronautical Engineering

MEng Aeronautics with Spacecraft Engineering

MSc Advanced Aeronautical Engineering

MSc Advanced Computational Methods for Aeronautics, Flow Management and Fluid-Structure Interaction

Cost of studying£40,900-£40,940
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate14.3%

Data updated as of February 2024

University of Bristol

QS World University Rankings 202455
Courses offered at the University of Bristol for aeronautical engineering

BEng Aerospace Engineering

MEng Aerospace Engineering

Cost of studying£31,300
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate67%

Data updated as of February 2024

University of Leeds

QS World University Rankings 202475
Courses offered at the University of Leeds for aeronautical engineering

BEng Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

MEng Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

MSc Aerospace Engineering

Cost of studying£30,250-£31,000
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate77%

Data updated as of February 2024

University of Southampton

QS World University Rankings 202481
Courses offered at the University of Southampton for aeronautical engineering

BEng Aeronautics and Astronautics

BEng Aerospace Electronic Engineering

MEng Aerospace Electronic Engineering

MEng Mechanical Engineering / Aerospace Engineering

MEng Aeronautics and Astronautics / Aerodynamics

MEng Aeronautics and Astronautics / Engineering Management

MSc Aerodynamics and Computation

MSc Space Systems Engineering

Cost of studying£27,400-£32,300
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate84%

Data updated as of February 2024

University of Nottingham

QS World University Rankings 2024100
Courses offered at the University of Nottingham for aeronautical engineering

BEng Aerospace Engineering

MEng Aerospace Engineering

Cost of studying£28,600
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate11%

Data updated as of February 2024

University of Sheffield

QS World University Rankings 2024104
Courses offered

MSc Aerospace Engineering

BEng Aerospace Engineering

MEng Aerospace Engineering

BEng Aerospace Engineering (Private Pilot Instruction)

MEng Aerospace Engineering - Private Pilot Instruction

BEng Aerospace Engineering with an Industrial Placement Year

MEng Aerospace Engineering with an Industrial Placement Year

Cost of studying£27,500-£29,110
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate85%

Data updated as of February 2024

Queen Mary University of London

QS World University Rankings 2024145
Courses offered

BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering

MEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering

PhD Aerospace Engineering

Cost of studying£25,150-£28,350
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate43.6%

Data updated as of February 2024

University of Bath

QS World University Rankings 2024148
Courses offered at the University of Bath for aeronautical engineering

BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering

BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering with Professional Placement

MEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering with Professional Placement

Cost of studying£28,800
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate10-20%

Data updated as of February 2024

University of Liverpool

QS World University Rankings 2024176
Courses offered

MEng Aerospace Engineering

BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering

MEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering

MSc (Eng) Advanced Aerospace Engineering

MEng Aerospace Engineering with Pilot Studies

Cost of studying£24,500-£26,350
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate14%

Data updated as of February 2024

Loughborough University

QS World University Rankings 2024212
Courses offered for aeronautical engineering at Loughborough University

BEng (Hons) Aeronautical Engineering

MEng (Hons) Aeronautical Engineering

BEng (Hons) Aeronautical Engineering with a Foundation Year

MEng (Hons) Aeronautical Engineering (with placement year)

Cost of studying£19,750-£27,250
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate68%

Data updated as of February 2024

Also read: Working while studying in the UK

Swansea University

QS World University Rankings 2024307
Courses offered at Swansea University for aeronautical engineering

BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering

MSc Aerospace Engineering

PhD Aerospace Engineering

MPhil Aerospace Engineering

MEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering

Cost of studying£21,700-£22,000
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate14%

Data updated as of February 2024

Coventry University

QS World University Rankings 2024571
Courses offered

MSc Aerospace Engineering

MEng Aerospace Systems Engineering

MSc Aerospace Engineering with Placement Year

BEng (Hons) Aerospace Systems Engineering

Cost of studying£19,850-£20,050
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate32%

Data updated as of February 2024

Kingston University

QS World University Rankings 2024601-610
Courses offered

MSc Aerospace Engineering

BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering

MEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering

BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering (Space Technology)

MEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering (Space Technology)

BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering, Astronautics & Space Technology

Cost of studying£15,400-£18,500
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate20-30%

Data updated as of February 2024

University of Hertfordshire

QS World University Rankings 2024851-900
Courses offered

MSc Aerospace Engineering

PhD Aerospace Engineering

BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering

MEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering

BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering with Pilot Studies

BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering with Space Technology

MEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering with Pilot Studies with Placement Year

MEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering with Space Technology with Placement Year

Cost of studying£14,000-£14,750
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate70%

Data updated as of February 2024

University of Salford

QS World University Rankings 2024851-900
Courses offered at the University of Salford for aeronautical engineeringMSc/PGDip/PGCert Aerospace Engineering
Cost of studying£16,380
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate8%

Data updated as of February 2024

Career opportunities after pursuing aeronautics engineering in the UK

The aerospace industry has great career options for international students. The opportunities offer rewarding growth and high-paying professions.

The average annual salary of an Aeronautical Engineer in the UK is around £27,080. Fresh graduates earn over £23,400, while experienced employees earn £42,500 annually.

Here are some of the top career options for aeronautical engineering graduates in the UK.

  • Aeronautical Engineer
  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Design Engineer
  • Academic Lecturer
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Academic Researcher
  • Maintenance Engineer
  • Flight System Engineer
  • System Verification Engineer
  • Computer-aided Design (CAD) Technician

Also read: 5 reasons why employers love foreign graduates

Top employers in the UK for aeronautical engineering graduates

  • Airbus
  • British Airways
  • GE Aviation
  • Rolla Royce
  • BAE Systems, Inc.
  • Babcock International
  • Britten-Norman

Reach new heights in aeronautical engineering! Enrol now to unlock an exciting future!

Frequently asked questions

What are the best universities for masters in aeronautical engineering in the UK?

Here are some of the top universities for international students to pursue aeronautical engineering in the UK.

Imperial College LondonUniversity of Bristol
University of LeedsUniversity of Glasgow
University of SouthamptonUniversity of Nottingham
University of SheffieldQueen Mary University of London
University of BathUniversity of Liverpool
Loughborough UniversitySwansea University
Coventry UniversityKingston University
City University LondonUniversity of Salford
Teesside UniversityUniversity of South Wales

What are the aeronautical engineering entry requirements in the UK?

Universities that offer aeronautical engineering courses have set some eligibility requirements to evaluate an applicant’s readiness to attend the program. While the qualifications change with every university, here are the standard eligibility requirements to pursue aeronautical engineering.

Educational qualification

Undergraduate degree: An international student with a subject background in maths, physics, and chemistry with a score of at least 60-70%.

Postgraduate degree: An international student with an undergraduate degree in aeronautical engineering or a related specialisation with a GPA above 3.0.

English proficiencyIELTS: 6.0-6.5, TOEFL: 90, PTE: 59, Duolingo: 105-120
Entrance examSAT: Above 1400, GRE: Above 310

What are the aeronautical engineering in the UK fees?

The average annual cost of pursuing aeronautical engineering in the UK is between £14,000 and £70,000.

What are the Loughborough aeronautical engineering entry requirements?

Here are the entry requirements for international students pursuing aeronautical engineering at Loughborough University.

Educational qualification

Undergraduate degree: An international student with a subject background in maths, physics, and chemistry with a score of at least 78%.

Postgraduate degree: An international student with an undergraduate degree in aeronautical engineering or a related specialisation.

English proficiencyIELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90, PTE: 59, Duolingo: Above 100

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