Aerospace Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold award

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold award

Our commitment to high quality teaching has been recognised with a TEF Gold rating. The University has received an overall rating of Gold, as well as securing a Gold award in the framework's two new student experience and student outcomes categories.

Why choose this course?

Aerospace engineering at Kingston has an innovative curriculum, excellent links with industry and cutting-edge facilities. Kingston is the perfect place to study aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, dynamics and materials.

You'll put theory into practice, applying what you learn to aerospace design problems and participating in a group design project.

We offer both BEng and MEng degrees and a specialised pathway in Space Technology.

The MEng has an extra year of study and can provide a faster route to chartered engineer (CEng) status. It also has the option to pursue an industrial placement.

If you are studying in Sri Lanka please go to our international partner institutions page.

Course Attendance UCAS code Year of entry
Aerospace Engineering MEng 4 years full time H425 2024
Aerospace Engineering MEng 5 years full time including sandwich year H426 2024
Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons) 3 years full time H421 2024
Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons) 4 years full time including sandwich year H422 2024
Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons) 4 years full time including foundation year H408 2024
Aerospace Engineering (Space Technology) MEng 4 years full time H402 2024
Aerospace Engineering (Space Technology) MEng 5 years full time including sandwich year H404 2024
Aerospace Engineering (Space Technology) BEng(Hons) 3 years full time H400 2024
Aerospace Engineering (Space Technology) BEng(Hons) 4 years full time including sandwich year H401 2024
Aerospace Engineering (Space Technology) BEng(Hons) 4 years full time including foundation year H405 2024

Important: if you are an international student requiring a Student Route visa to study in the UK, you will need an ATAS certificate if you wish to apply for the Aerospace Engineering MEng course. Read more.

Once you have completed the Aerospace Engineering Foundation Year (UCAS code H408), you can transfer to Aerospace Engineering BEng(Hons), dependent on satisfactory grades.

Location Roehampton Vale

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • Both the MEng and BEng degrees are accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), leading to chartered engineer (CEng) status.
  • You'll have access to cutting-edge equipment, such as a flight simulator, wind tunnel facilities, a rocket lab, advanced 3D printers and manufacturing workshops and a satellite ground station. You will participate in a flight test course, onboard a flying laboratory aircraft.
  • Employability is a key element of the programme, and you'll enhance your skills throughout the curriculum including through industrial visits, placement, and co-and extra-curriculum activities. Students are encouraged to take part in the Formula Student Competition to design and make a race car.

What our students say

Women in Engineering

The Faculty champions the excellent work our female staff members contribute across engineering.

We encourage women from all backgrounds into the field.

"Intimidation in a male-dominated engineering field is a mental barrier for some women.

I will advise a female applicant to find a mentor, who you aspire to be like, and find supportive individuals as a source for advice, shared experiences, and someone who can guide you in your career."

Dr Samireh Vahid – Senior Lecturer in the Department of Aerospace and Aircraft Engineering

What you will study

You can choose to take an optional sandwich year between Years 2 and 3 (BEng (Hons)) and Year 3 (MEng only). MEng students have to study and earn 120 credits in Year 3 while taking their industrial placement using work-based learning by carrying out an industrial individual project as well as applied business and management analysis. They also need to study an aerospace engineering science module using blended/distance learning model (subject to RAeS accreditation).

The Space Technology pathway is the same as the standard programme for the first two years, but students are expected to work on a space-related project in the Engineering Project Management module at level 5. In the final year students must take Space Vehicle Design and work on a space related individual project and group project.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 1 provides an introduction to aerospace engineering under Professional Practice, and will underpin the skills and knowledge required for further specialised study. You will study a mix of analytical subjects, such as mathematics, structures, dynamics, electronics, thermodynamics and engineering applications, alongside an introduction to the profession of engineering. 

Core modules

Navigate for the Professional Engineer

15 credits

Students are introduced to their course learning aims and consider their anticipated learning targets from induction to graduation. Students are guided to identify and take ownership of their personal academic journey through the development and application of academic skills aligned to KU Graduate Attributes and their discipline-specific professional body learning outcomes.

Students are tutored in a range of learning to learn techniques, are introduced to assessment for learning and the role of feedback, reflection and feedforward as an integrated part of their learning journey. This will be supported through active engagement in the KU Navigate Programme enabling students to understand and begin to develop a design thinking approach to Future Skills development.

Engineering Mechanics and Materials

30 credits

The module introduces students to the fundamentals of structural analysis (statics and dynamics) and the mechanical behaviour of a broad range of engineering materials. The mechanics part provides an understanding of the behaviour of particles and rigid bodies whilst stationary and in motion. Bodies such as trusses in equilibrium are studied and the external and internal parameters including force, moment, stress, or strain are defined and calculated.

The analysis of structural components will be developed with theoretical and numerical skills that are necessary in the design of real structures. This section also introduces the dynamics of particles and rigid bodies with their engineering applications. Material test methods will be used to determine the deformations and failures of the various engineering materials.

A selection of materials for engineering applications, such as metals, alloys, polymers, and composites, will be studied including their carbon footprint and their impact on the environment. The module is primarily delivered through lectures supported by tutorial sessions and laboratory-based practical sessions.

Engineering Mathematics I

15 credits

The aim of this module is to provide a thorough background in engineering mathematics and equip students with the mathematical skills essential for solving engineering problems. The topics introduced will serve as basic tools for studies in many engineering subjects. This comprises algebra, functions, statistics and probability, trigonometry, calculus, differential equations and vectors. Students will be empowered to understand and be able to use the language and methods of mathematics in the description, analysis and design of engineering systems. The emphasis is on using mathematical tools to solve engineering problems. The computing software used will typically include MATLAB and Excel.

Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics

15 credits

This module introduces mechanical engineering students to the fundamentals of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. The fluid mechanics section covers the fundamental properties of fluids along with the main basic conservation equations and their engineering applications. It also introduces the concept of dimensions and the SI units of measurement.

Thermodynamics section deals with the relationship between heat and other forms of energy. A variety of topics of engineering and science are dependent on various thermodynamics concepts. You can find applications of thermodynamics everywhere, such as in internal combustion engine or sitting in a room with the air conditioning. The thermodynamics laws that govern the behaviour of various systems will be discussed in depth as they find applications in a variety of disciplines.

The module is primarily delivered through lectures supported by tutorial sessions and laboratory-based practical sessions.

Engineering Design and Manufacture

30 credits

The principal aim of this module is to provide students with a flavour of what is involved in engineering design and to develop the good academic and professional practice needed to succeed during the course and attain professional status.

The module introduces the key aspects involved in planning a project from start to finish, design processes incorporating a sustainability agenda, building an awareness of the interactions across various disciplines, regulatory frameworks and Health and Safety procedures.

The module develops good academic and professional practice by developing skills in self-reflection and recording professional development.

The basic principles of measurement and manufacturing processes in a workshop and testing environment are also addressed in the module.

The module also involves the IMechE Design Challenge as a part of the curriculum, to provide the students with a flavour of how to work in teams to produce engineering artefacts that are capable of accomplishing tasks, as well as developing interpersonal skills in order to enhance the student's employability.

Introduction to Aerospace Engineering/Astronautics

15 credits

Aerospace Engineering core modules

Introduction to Aerospace Engineering

15 credits

The module introduces the student to basic aerodynamics, aircraft systems and propulsion using a flight simulator to provide a frame of reference.

Aerospace Engineering (Space Technology) core modules

Introduction to Astronautics

15 credits

This module is intended to give students an introduction to astronautics, the history of space engineering in the UK and to explore the space and launch environment. The module will also introduce students to basic quality assurance processes and methods used currently in the space engineering industry. Context will be provided through reference to past UK, European and International space missions.

The module content is informed by current space engineering practices and industrial requirements. The content and method of teaching is continually updated with best practices to improve the student's employability within the space industry. The module hopes to develop professional competencies and provide the skills to create, complete and implement requirements to constrain and control the engineering process, and then be able to apply quality assurance processes to a project.

Year 2 will introduce you to specialised topics in aerospace engineering such as aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, dynamics and materials. It includes further study of mathematics, electronics, control and computing. A design-orientated module (Aerospace Engineering Design and Project Management) will apply the principles taught in the other modules to problems of aerospace design. 

Core modules

Exploring Engineering Project Management

15 credits

This module considers the principles and practices for the design and management of engineering projects. The nature of engineering project management is discussed in the context of constraints on quality, time, risk, and sustainability. The module broadens the student's knowledge of how organisations undertake and monitor projects.

The module is skills-rich, including the development of teamworking, interpersonal and interdisciplinary skills, critical self-reflection, communication and presentation, time management, and the ability to organise, strategize and prioritise.

A key element of this module will be the participation in an inter-disciplinary design thinking project. Students will contextualise their subject-specific knowledge, skills and behaviours as an interdisciplinary team member charged with developing a solution to a designated sustainability challenge. The teamwork project enables students to demonstrate their ability to explore and contextualise their subject specific knowledge and helps prepare them for their individual project in Level 6.

Aerospace Structures, Materials and Vibrations

30 credits

This module is designed to provide the students in their second year of BEng Aerospace Engineering with an understanding of fundamentals mechanics of materials, aerospace structures design and analysis process, theory of vibration with applications, composite materials and how are they used in aerospace applications.

This module covers the main structural components of aircraft and aircraft airframe basic construction methods and introduces the analysis of linearly elastic problems under axial loading, torsion and pure bending, and analysis of shear stresses and calculation of shear centre.

Presentation of important concepts such as free and forced vibrations of single degree-of-freedom undamped linear systems, types and characteristics of damping and its effects on the response, multi degree-of-freedom systems, response to harmonic excitation is introduced as part of this module.

Composite materials and their applications in aerospace primary structures and their advantages in terms of high-strength and stiffness to weight ratio are discussed.

The lectures are supported by practical aerospace structures, materials, and vibrations laboratories and tutorials.

Aerospace Electronic and Control Systems

30 credits

Aerodynamics and Propulsion

30 credits

The basics of aerodynamics, aircraft performance and aerospace propulsion are introduced with a view to provide the ability to analyse, formulate and solve elementary problems. Students will have the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge into practice in this module via examination.

Computer Aided Aerospace Engineering Design

30 credits

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to computational simulation process like finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach. ANSYS package will be used to conduct FEA and CFD analysis on real-world engineering problems.

Students will get the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge gained from Aerospace Structures, Materials and Vibrations to analyse structural behaviour of a model based on its material properties and optimise their design.

The knowledge gained from Aerodynamics and Performance module will be used to conduct CFD analysis over an aerodynamic body where students can learn to validate their computational results with experimental or other numerical data. This would equip students with up-to-date flow and structure analysis techniques.

Aerospace Engineering core modules

Aircraft Performance and Design

15 credits

Aerospace Engineering (Space Technology) core modules

Space Technology Design

15 credits

This module is intended to teach students about safe testing and working practices in performing hazardous operations conducted in the space industry. Student will learn how to adapt their testing to take into account EDI considerations and how to write and enact test procedures. Hands-on practical testing will be developed. Context will be provided through reference to past UK, European and International space missions and the development of safe practices in hazardous environments.

In Year 3, you will deepen your knowledge of specialised aerospace engineering subjects and will broaden your expertise in other areas of engineering. BEng students undertake a major group design project and an individual research project along with business and management as well as further and more in depth studies of aerodynamics, propulsion, structure, materials and dynamics including applied computational techniques widely used in industry. MEng students have the opportunity of integrating industrial placement with further studies using a combination of work-based learning as well as blended and distance learning (subject to accreditation by RAeS). 

Core modules

Applied Business Management

15 credits

Students will demonstrate the ability to apply their developing professional skills competencies in their chosen area and will ensure they have a broad understanding of the business environment in which professional activities are undertaken. The module will develop the student's technical, management and interpersonal skills required to perform in a team environment and prepare the students for employment and entrepreneurship.

Students will participate in Kingston University's Bright Ideas competition where they will work together as a team to develop a business idea of their choice. To do this they will need to interact with relevant stakeholders outside the University.

Students will be guided to interact with professional and learning communities beyond the University and reflect on these interactions. This may include participation in co-curricular events such as subject-specific and career development events (e.g. talks, workshops, speed interviews), networking opportunities offered by the subject-specific professional bodies, exploring pathways to professional chartership/membership, leveraging interactions with professionals in the development of the final year research project and, reflecting on the co-benefits of these interactions.

Further Aerodynamics

15 credits

This module is designed to extend students' knowledge and understanding of aerospace aerodynamics, as well as to develop practical skills of using CAE tools in aerospace engineering applications. Subsonic, supersonic, compressible, incompressible, boundary layer, inviscid and viscous flows are all considered in High-speed and Low-speed Aerodynamics. The module would further help students enhance their numerical skills to conduct CFD analysis on advanced aerospace engineering problems.

Further Aerospace Structures

15 credits

This module is designed to provide the students in their third year of BEng Aerospace Engineering with an advanced understanding of structural design and analysis of aerospace structures.

Aerospace structures such as aircraft wing, fuselage, control surfaces, vertical and horizontal stabilizer and spacecraft structures such as satellite frame are generally assembled from thin-walled sheets. Each section would have a thin skin covering it, and the skins would be reinforced by many Z, C, or T section stringers. Such a structure would require extensive and time-consuming analysis. In order to simplify this, structural idealisation should be carried out to support different types of structural loading.

This module covers loads on the aircraft, V-n diagrams, materials used, and airworthiness requirements, energy methods in structural analysis, structural analysis of thin walled open and closed idealised section beams, bending of unsymmetrical wingbox cross-sections, shear flow under torsional and transverse loading and angle of twist of multicell wingbox sections, structural analysis of aircraft sub-structures and elastic stability.

Finite element applications to aircraft structures with lab sessions will be conducted, and demonstration problems will be solved using widely used finite element software's in the aerospace industry.

Individual Project

30 credits

Working on a topic of their own choosing, the student, with minimal guidance from their supervisor, should apply approximately 285 hours of individual time into the analysis of the problem and determination of the best solution or course of action. That analysis can take a variety of forms ranging from an in-depth comparison of a number of already documented potential solutions to the collection and comparison of experimental and theoretical data. The topic investigated should ideally be of an aircraft operational or engineering nature.

Aerospace Engineering core modules

Flight Dynamics and Propulsion

30 credits

Aircraft Design Project

15 credits

This module gives BEng Aerospace Engineering students the opportunity to integrate and apply their prior knowledge and develop their analytical skills to the design of aircraft vehicle beginning with just a simple set of design requirements. It also introduces them to the multi-stage approach and methods typically used by vehicle design teams.

Students will work in small groups to analyse a given design brief, decide on a project plan, and allocate resources. Throughout the activity, they will use an appropriate design process method, which will result in the creation of conceptual and preliminary designs.

By giving students hands-on experience with every step of the aircraft design process and a thorough understanding of multi-discipline design, this module's applied component makes sure that students are prepared to meet the needs of their future employers and positions them for rapid career advancement.

Aerospace Engineering (Space Technology) core modules

Further Space Vehicle Engineering

30 credits

This module is intended to further teach you space systems engineering, as applied to the design of space vehicles, to give a detailed understanding of space vehicle design, the space project cycle and insight into the core components of a space vehicle.

Context will be provided through reference to past UK, European and International space missions and the development of a system model.

The module content is informed by current space engineering practices and industrial requirements. The content and method of teaching is continually updated with best practices to improve your employability within the space industry. The module hopes to develop professional competencies and provide the skills to create, complete and implement a complex system model to a space mission project.

Space Technology Design Project

15 credits

This module is intended to teach students how to gather and analyse engineering test results working as part of a team. Students will be taught how to critically analyse gathered results and interpret their meaning. Students will learn how to communicate these to technical and non-technical audiences and how to best present these in a way to assist commercial and academic activities in the wider sector. Context will be provided through reference to past UK, European and International space missions and the development of a system model.

The module content is informed by current space engineering practices and industrial requirements. The content and method of teaching is continually updated with best practices to improve the students employability within the space industry. The module hopes to develop professional competencies and provide the skills to create and complete engineering-based grant applications fusing technical knowhow with business acumen.

Year 4 of the MEng course includes a multidisciplinary group design project that helps to integrate and apply your academic knowledge, develop your teamworking and communication skills, and increase your understanding of real-world engineering issues. 

Core modules

Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics

15 credits

This module extends your knowledge and skills beyond the basic fluid mechanics methods which are normally introduced at early undergraduate level, and to provide a theoretical and analytical introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). In the lectures, emphasis is placed on the numerical models and analytical techniques in fluid dynamics and heat transfer and some of the more advanced theories behind CFD.

The module also provides you with advanced computational knowledge in fluid dynamics, therefore enhancing your employment potential in a wide range of industries.

Advanced Structural Analysis

15 credits

The finite element analysis is a numerical method for solving problems of engineering and mathematical physics. Currently, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is widely used in engineering design of advanced structures. In FEA, mathematical assumptions are made for solving problems. Advanced structures are also highly prone to vibration due to their flexible nature while experiencing dynamic loads, if undetected can result in catastrophic failures. A structure could have several bending and torsional modes and with every mode there will be a corresponding natural frequency, damping ratio and mode shape. It is therefore important to be able to analytically predict these parameters.

This module covers introduction to FEA and structural dynamics. For FEA basic theory, and analysing stresses, deflections, and temperatures are covered. For structural dynamics, the primary parameters associated with vibration are identified; these include natural frequencies, damping, mode shapes and responses under operating dynamic loads. Examples of good practice for safe and effective application are presented.

This module will be particularly applicable for engineers and scientists who want to understand the fundamental theory of FEA and structural dynamics and gain understanding of underlying theories behind these techniques.

Advanced Engineering Materials

15 credits

The module is structured in a way to develop an in-depth understanding in material science and engineering associated with advance materials, its development techniques and coatings together with materials selection methods employed by engineering consultants. The module is indented to deepen the understanding between relationship of material design, manufacturing processes and material properties by providing examples from various industries.

The module is intended to provide students with intellectual knowledge on advance materials which will allow students to enhance their employability perspectives or to continue their research. The core factual materials are provided via Canvas with keynote lectures used to explain manufacturing techniques, materials development for utilised in various industries.

Advanced CAD/CAM Systems

15 credits

Group Design Project

30 credits

Aerospace Engineering core modules

Aerospace Design and Analysis

30 credits

Computers and software are normally used in modern engineering design and manufacture of advanced products and processes. The designers usually use finite element analysis (FEA) for structural integrity analysis and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for predicting the behaviour of complex fluid flows encountered in typical engineering applications. This module is designed to meet the core requirement for students in the MSc Aerospace Engineering course by introducing FEA and CFD technologies and skills for solving advanced aerospace design and analysis problems, by means of practical workshops using commercial FEA and CFD software.

The first half of the module aims at introducing the principles of the modelling statics and dynamics problems with FEA and to critically assess and evaluate the results. The second half of the module aims to familiar with how to use CFD software to solve flow aerodynamics and heat transfer problems. In the practical sessions, emphasis is placed on the solution of structural and fluids problems in a realistic aerospace engineering context and on giving students the opportunity to develop awareness of the limitations of FEA and CFD software and to develop an understanding of good practice in their applications.

Aerospace Engineering (Space Technology) core modules

Space Mission Analysis and Design

30 credits

This module further equips graduates with a good understanding of the challenges of space engineering, providing a set of tools and references to tackle future design problems, and a set of industrial contact within to help begin their careers. Context will be provided through reference to past UK, European and International space missions.

This module builds upon the knowledge gained from the Level 6 Astro modules this module is intended to provide experience in space mission analysis and design through a range of largely self-taught activities, lectures, seminars, and short written assignments.

The content is reviewed to reflect the current aims and objectives of the space industry through best practices, industrial and cost requirements. The material is updated on a regular basis highlighting the current trends within the sector.

Please note

Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.

Extended degree with a foundation year

If you would like to study one of our engineering degrees at Kingston University but are not yet ready for Year 1 of an undergraduate course, a foundation year is ideal. Please see the engineering foundation year course page for details.

Future Skills

Knowledge to give you the edge

Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.

As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.

At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.

A female engineering student, in the engineering lab.

Entry requirements

Typical offer 2025

BEng: 112-128 UCAS points from three A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications;
With foundation year: 64 UCAS points

  • A-levels to include Mathematics and a science subject. Alternatively, BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering or related subject such as Aerospace/Aeronautical/Electrical/Electronic/Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering will be considered (grades DMM).

MEng: 128-144 UCAS points from three A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications.

  • A-levels to include Mathematics and two science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Further Maths). Alternatively, BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering or related subject such as Aerospace/Aeronautical/Electrical/Electronic/Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering will be considered (grades DDM).

Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language.

Typical offer 2024

BEng: 112-128 UCAS points from three A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications;
With foundation year: 64 UCAS points

  • A-levels to include Mathematics and a science subject. Alternatively, BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering or related subject such as Aerospace/Aeronautical/Electrical/Electronic/Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering will be considered (grades DMM).

MEng: 128-144 UCAS points from three A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications.

  • A-levels to include Mathematics and two science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Further Maths). Alternatively, BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering or related subject such as Aerospace/Aeronautical/Electrical/Electronic/Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering will be considered (grades DDM).

Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language.

Additional requirements

Entry on to this course does not require an interview, entrance test, audition or portfolio.

Alternative routes

We will consider a range of alternative Level 3 qualifications such as an Access Course in a relevant Engineering subject which has been passed with 112 UCAS points and all Maths and Physics units have been undertaken at level 3 and Distinction grades achieved.

Applications from those that have undertaken an Engineering foundation year will also be considered.

International

We welcome applications from International Applicants. View our standard entry requirements from your country.

All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 6.0, with no element below 5.5.

Important: if you are an international student requiring a Student Route Visa to study in the UK, you will need an ATAS certificate if you wish to apply for the Aerospace Engineering MEng course. Read more about ATAS.

Once you have completed the Aerospace Engineering Foundation Year (UCAS code H408), you can transfer to Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons)/BSc (Hons), dependent on satisfactory grades.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Typical offer and UCAS points explained

Like most universities, we use the UCAS Tariff point system for our course entry requirements.

Find out more about UCAS Tariff points and see how A-level, AS level, BTEC Diploma and T-level qualifications translate to the points system.

Teaching and assessment

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for final assignments. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.

Your workload

Type of learning and teaching

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 392 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 808 hours
Year 2
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 452 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 748 hours
Year 3
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 106 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 194 hours

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.

How you will be assessed

Type of assessment

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1
  • Coursework: 50%
  • Practical: 5%
  • Exams: 45%
Year 2
  • Coursework: 45%
  • Practical: 13%
  • Exams: 42%
Year 3
  • Coursework: 50%
  • Exams: 50%

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Class sizes

To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally enrols 115 students and lecture sizes are normally 115 to 140. However this can vary by module and academic year.

Who teaches this course?

The course is taught by the Department of Aerospace and Aircraft Engineering. Staff have a wide range of experience across research and industry and continue to practice and research at the cutting edge of their discipline. This ensures that our courses are current and industry informed ensuring you get the most relevant and up-to-date education possible.

We have a dedicated campus for engineering students at Roehampton Vale, a short journey from Kingston town centre and close to Richmond Park.

We offer a wide range of specialist facilities on site, supported with software technology and laboratory technicians.

Renowned companies are involved in course delivery, placements, final year projects and industry talks. Companies range from global leaders KLM Engineering, Marshall Aerospace and the Defence Group, Airbus UK, Astrium Eads, GE Aircraft and Lockheed, to small and medium enterprises such as Aero Optimal, Aircraft Research Associates and Aim Aviation.

Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Fees for this course

2024/25 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2024/25 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250*
Foundation Year: £9,250
International

Year 1 (2024/25): £17,800
Year 2 (2025/26): £18,500
Year 3 (2026/27): £19,200
Year 4 (2027/28): £20,100

For courses with a sandwich year, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full-time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

2023/24 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2023/24 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250*
Foundation Year: £9,250
International

Year 1 (2023/24): £15,800
Year 2 (2024/25): £16,200
Year 3 (2025/26): £16,600
Year 4 (2026/27): £17,000

For courses with a sandwich year, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full-time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has recently announced that new students from the European Union and Swiss Nationals starting their course after August 2021 will no longer be eligible for a student loan in England for Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies from the 2021/22 academic year. This decision only applies to new EU students starting after 2021/22. If you are an existing/continuing EU student, you will continue to be funded until you graduate or withdraw from your course.

Need to know more?

Our undergraduate fees and funding section provides information and advice on money matters.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks; this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residence. Free WiFi is available on each campus. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost between £100 and £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases, written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Placements

If the placement year option is chosen, during this year travel costs will vary according to the location of the placement, and could be from £0 to £2,000.

3D printing

It is not compulsory as part of your degree to print projects using the 3D printer. However if you wish to, you will need to pay for the material. Printing costs are estimated by weight (cheapest material is 3p per gram and most expensive material is 40p per gram).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year. A £10 voucher will be supplied to help cover the cost of the safety boots when purchasing with our supplier Activity Work Wear. Safety boots can range in cost between £25 and £100.

Facilities

There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Roehampton Vale campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest technology, including: 

  • the rocket propulsion laboratory is a fully equipped rocket propulsion test lab for testing and firing of live rockets for data acquisition. Here you can fire rocket engines you have designed and constructed
  • a fully-equipped manufacturing workshop where you can manufacture your rocket engine designs using the extensive range of equipment – including CNC machines
  • 3D rapid prototype printer allowing you to print off your computer designed models for testing and evaluation
  • industry-standard test and experimental equipment for metrology, robotics, fatigue and quality control
  • state-of-the-art computing facilities for computer aided design (CAD) and other specialist software
  • a mission control room equipped with high-performance PCs with tri-screen setup, for planning and operating space missions
  • a flight simulator where you can programme a mathematical model of your design into the simulator and then monitor the results
  • large-scale wind tunnels that enable testing in winds of up to 90 miles per hour
  • laser doppler anemometry system which allows us to make very accurate velocity measurements in the wind tunnel.

After you graduate

Our graduates have gained jobs with Boeing, BAE Systems, Qinetiq, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, AWE, Rolls-Royce, Thales, General Electric and British Airways. Many graduates go on to study at masters and doctoral level.

Examples of recent graduate destinations

Types of jobs 

  • Production engineer 
  • Repair engineer 
  • Applications engineer 
  • Contract loader 
  • Civil servant 
  • Telemetry and loads analysis engineer 
  • Bid manager 

Employers

  • Tesla Engineering 
  • Ministry of Defence 
  • General Electric Aircraft Engine Services 
  • Virgin Atlantic 
  • Logica 
  • AgustaWestland 
  • Transport for London 

Careers and recruitment advice

The Faculty has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills such as CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques. Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements. 

The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, key speakers from industry and interviews on campus. These events give you the opportunity to hear from, and network with, employers in an informal setting. For example, students can practise their interview skills with real employers at a 'speed interviewing' event on campus. 

Employability preparation at Kingston University

In addition to building expertise in your own discipline, our courses will also help you to develop key transferable skills that you'll need for professional life or further study once you graduate.  

As well as a range of careers and employability activities at Kingston, we also offer you the chance to apply and develop your skills in live contexts as an integral part of your course. Opportunities include: 

  • placements
  • working or studying abroad
  • volunteering
  • peer mentoring roles
  • internship opportunities within and outside the University. 

In your final year, you'll get the opportunity to complete a major 'capstone' project where you can apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired to a range of real issues in different contexts. This is a great way to learn and is a valuable bridge to employment or further research at masters level. 

Courses available after you graduate

If you decide that you would like to go on to postgraduate study after your undergraduate course, we offer a 10% discount on our postgraduate course tuition fees to our alumni. 

Accreditation

The Aerospace Engineering MEng course is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society for 2018 entry and satisfies, in full, the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Incorporated Engineer (IEng) registration. 

The Aerospace Engineering BEng(Hons) course is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society for 2018 entry and satisfies, in part, the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration and in full, Incorporated Engineer (IEng) registration. 

Find out more about the full criteria and validity for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status and Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status. 

This degree has been accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords. 

Please check the Engineering Council website for more information. 

Work placement year

How you can work in industry during your course

Placements:

  • provide work experience that is relevant to your course and future career
  • improve your chances of graduating with a higher-grade degree
  • enhance your CV
  • lead to a graduate job
  • enable you to earn a year's salary whilst studying (the vast majority of placements are paid)
  • help you to select your final-year project.

"To be successful, tomorrow's leaders will need to be far more rounded individuals than ever before. They will collaborate in pursuit of shared goals. They will guide, challenge and support...They will have an appetite for change and a hunger for continuous improvement, and they will have an ethos of learning and development..." Jeremy Darroch, Former Chief Executive, Sky.

"Doing a placement year effectively gives you one foot in the door of a future job and to stand out from the crowd... as well as enhancing my CV... and future interviews. It's a great motivator to be successful in my studies as it only serves to open even more doors and gain more skills." Placement student at Jagex Games Studios Ltd.

There is a lot of support available for students looking to secure a placement (e.g. a jobs board with placement vacancies, help with writing CVs and mock interviews). Getting a placement and passing the placement year are ultimately the student's responsibility.

Examples of placements

Placements can be with large multinational companies, international companies, local companies and small start-ups; offering a diverse range of posts. Here are some examples of employers and roles:

Construction-based placement employersConstruction-based placement roles 
RG Group
Multiplex
Costain
Willmott Dixon
Fluor
Assistant site manager
Assistant trades package manager
Assistant logistics manager
Health and safety officer
Construction engineer
Science-based placement employers Science-based placement roles
Reckitt and Benckiser
GSK
Drug Control Centre
Minton Treharne and Davies Ltd
Various local and international hospitals
Bioanalytical sciences
Lab assistant
Pharmacy assistant
Sports coach
Engineering-based placement employers Engineering-based placement roles
Airbus
BAM Nuttall
Nissan
Bosch
Wozair
Analysis of aircraft structure
Construction resources specialist
Site engineer assistant
Computing and IS-based placement employersComputing and IS-based placement roles
Disney
Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe
IBM
McKinsey
Intel
Database coordinator
Software developer
Website developer
App developer
Mathematics-based placement employersMathematics-based placement roles
Lloyds Banking Group
AXA
Allianz
PAU Education, Spain
Analyst
Investment solutions
Research analyst
Accounts assistant

Student work

"I'm just going into my final year of the MEng. I chose the option to do a sandwich year and did a placement at Airbus. Kingston University stood out for me because of its state-of-the-art facilities. They have a hands-on approach coupled with the theory that engineers must learn to be successful. With flexible machine labs and experienced technicians, I was able to spend all the time I needed working on my dissertation."

"My project was to design, develop and build a micro jet engine using design by analysis techniques. This meant I had to produce a preliminary design using turbine cycle analysis and from there produce a detailed CAD (computer aided design) model. Air flow simulations were then performed using the CFD (computational fluid dynamics) package, ANSYS CFX. The airflow characteristics were observed and from the results each main component was redesigned and optimised before manufacture to ensure the engine would work."

Engine specifications:

  • Thrust: 50 to 75 Newtons
  • Max RPM: 150,000
  • Weight: 2 kg
  • Fuel: Propane gas

"The idea of using design by analysis came from my placement year at Airbus, where I worked within the simulation and modelling team for landing gear systems. Testing of the engine is planned for early next month."

A student working on a micro jet engine design.

Images from Aidan's work

Here is a selection of Aidan's work.

What our students say

"The placement year gave me an insight into industry and made me want to become an engineer even more. The University has such excellent connections that many students get very good placements. My time management skills have improved by working in a real life environment. I feel it has made me a much better student." 

A student's view on why to choose Kingston

My favourite module was design, because you get to build models, which is interesting. If you go and knock on their office doors and ask for help, the staff are always there and they don't turn anyone away. They are really helpful in that sense. Doing an industrial placement gives you that head start when you are searching for jobs

A student's view of our teaching

Key information set

The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.