Aerospace Systems Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
Person holding up a model aeroplane in silhouette

Our Aerospace Systems Engineering courses develop the skills and knowledge required by graduate engineers to join the teams of aerospace systems engineers worldwide, designing and developing systems for the next generation of aircraft.

Course option

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

BEng:
3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
MEng:
4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

H410 / H411

Start date

September 2024


Course overview

The programme aims to enable you to develop a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of systems engineering and how this knowledge is applied in the Aerospace Industry.

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Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022

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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

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Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

Why you should study this course

  • The course helps you develop a thorough, integrated understanding of mechanical, electrical and systems engineering and how this knowledge is applied in the aerospace industry. and you will have the opportunity to learn to apply your knowledge using industry standard tools and practices.
  • You will be taught by staff with industrial experience, having worked extensively in the sector (staff may be subject to change). Their research expertise ranges from aerodynamics, flight dynamics, aircraft structural analysis, crashworthiness modelling and avionics to human factors in aviation and is utilised both within the research-informed teaching on the course, and in the final year project.
  • The combined theoretical and practical focus of the programme concentrates on engineering mathematics, mechanical, electrical and thermodynamic design, system simulation and modelling, control systems, aerodynamics, aircraft structures and manufacturing - all of which gives successful graduates a strong base from which to start your professional work in aerospace design.
9th

Coventry University ranked 9th for Aerospace Engineering

Guardian University Guide 2023

Accreditation and professional recognition

The degree is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

Royal Aeronautical Society

Royal Aeronautical Society

Aerospace Systems Engineering BEng (Hons) is accredited1 by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), as fully meeting the educational requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) registration (subject to additional costs) and partially satisfying the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration (subject to additional costs).


More than just a degree

During my time at Coventry University my life has changed in countless positive ways and I feel like my course has enhanced me with enough experiences to make a difference in the future. As far as engineering goes, the university has done an admirable job of preparing us for the highly competitive market awaiting us.

Marius Dorobantu, Aerospace Systems Engineering BEng (Hons), December 2020
Male student in front of a jet plane using a measurement tool

What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.

We want your degree to fit around you, so upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first-year courses

  • Aerospace Technology BEng (Hons)

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.

Modules

In year two, you will develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with aerospace systems engineering and avionics systems, amongst others.

Modules

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

In year three, you will develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with propulsion systems design and supersonic aerodynamics, amongst others.

Modules

If you meet the criteria, you could choose to take an additional fourth-year master's option, which will deepen your knowledge and expertise.

Modules

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.


How you'll learn

We encourage you to learn through stimulating activity, such as a project, problem, scenario, case study or enquiry in a classroom, laboratory or work setting. When considering avionic systems, for example, we study a number of real-life case studies, including the design and development of hands-on Arduino based projects for aircraft data logging and control.

We aim to present aerospace systems engineering knowledge in an integrated way to reflect the multiplicity and interaction between many types of scientific, commercial, manufacturing and managerial skills and knowledge, necessary to produce a successful engineering product or system.

You will have the opportunity to work with current staff on real-world problems from industry, commerce and research groups, as you would in professional practice; this means that you can develop all of the professional skills at the same time as learning the technical content of your degree.


Teaching contact hours

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

  • On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
  • Group work
  • Self-directed learning
  • Work placement opportunities2.

The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 16 contact hours per week in the first year, reducing to around 15 contact hours per week in the second, third and MEng year as you become a more independent learner. In addition, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study approximately 16-20 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • Formal examinations
  • Phase tests
  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Exams
  • Individual Assignments
  • Laboratories

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


International experience opportunities

The university is committed to providing a global educational experience and we encourage you to undertake a placement year or study year abroad after your second year of study. We will endeavour to support you in finding a placement anywhere in the world and in seeking financing for that experience.

The majority of work placements have been within the UK, but previous students have been placed in GKN Aerospace (Munich, Germany), Bertrandt (Hamburg, Germany) and Airbus (Toulouse, France). The majority of study abroad students have studied at high education institutions within Europe, including Aerospace Engineering at UPM, Spain.

Previous students on the programme have had the opportunity to gain experience of the industry first-hand through our exciting industry-focused field trips, which have previously included the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre in the US and Airbus (Toulouse), Airbus (Marseille) and Finmeccanica in Europe.

Please note that all UK and international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability, and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements are therefore not guaranteed2.


Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Requirement BEng (Hons) - What we're looking for
UCAS points 120
A Level BBB to include Mathematics and one from Physics, Chemistry, Design Technology, Biology, Further Maths, Electronics, Engineering or BTec Certificate in Engineering: Excludes General Studies.
BTEC DDM BTEC in Engineering or Aerospace Engineering or similar, to include a Distinction in the 'Further Engineering Mathematics' unit 28 or 8 Or Calculus To Solve Engineering Problems Unit 7 does not include BTecs with maintenance or technology in the title.
or
DM in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Engineering plus Grade B from one A levels from Mathematics and Physics.
IB Diploma Overall pass in IB including at least 15 points from three HL subjects one of which must be Maths with a minimum of 5 points.
GCSE requirement 5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English and Mathematics
Access to HE The Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 Level 3 credits at Merit all to be in Mathematics or Physical Science units. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

Requirement MEng - What we're looking for
UCAS points 128
A Level ABB to include Mathematics and one from Physics, Chemistry, Design Technology, Biology, Further Maths, Electronics, Engineering or BTec Certificate in Engineering: Excludes General Studies.
BTEC D*DD BTEC in Engineering or Aerospace Engineering or similar, to include a Distinction in the 'Further Engineering Mathematics' unit 28 or 8 Or Calculus To Solve Engineering Problems Unit 7 does not include BTecs with maintenance or technology in the title.
or
DM in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Engineering plus Grade B from one A levels from Mathematics and Physics.
IB Diploma Overall pass in IB including at least 16 points from three HL subjects one of which must be Maths with a minimum of 5 points.
GCSE requirement 5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English and Mathematics.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background. Find out more about our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international foundation year. Upon successful completion our International Foundation Year - Engineering will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.


Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,250 per year Not available
EU £9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary**
£19,850 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International £19,850 per year Not available

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Optional international field trips: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

All students have on and off-site access to, and receive training on, commercial engineering software, including 3D CAD, Finite Element Analysis, Computational Fluid Dynamics and Multibody Dynamic Systems for design, simulation and analysis.

Our excellent practical facilities include a full-size Harrier Jet (used for teaching), five full-scale flight simulators, wind tunnels, UAV workshop, flow and heat transfer labs, composites lab, metrology lab, electrical/electronics lab, fatigue and tensile testing (Instron), a range of CNC machinery, banks of 3D printers and a laser workshop4.

Flight Simulators

Flight Simulators

Our excellent practical facilities include a full-size Harrier Jet (used for teaching), six full-scale flight simulators, wind tunnels, UAV workshop, flow and heat transfer labs, composites lab, metrology lab, electrical/electronics lab, fatigue and tensile testing (Instron), a range of CNC machinery, banks of 3D printers and a laser workshop.

Harrier Jet

Harrier Jet

Our simulators create an exciting way to learn, with 61 channels of flight data which can be analysed to assess the accuracy of a student's own design. The simulators are incorporated into an air traffic control environment.

Model Making Shop

Model Making Shop

Used by our aerospace students to build model aircrafts. The workshop includes laser cutting, wood working and foam cutting technology to help bring our students designs into the real world.


Careers and opportunities

The MEng and BEng Aerospace Systems Engineering courses are designed to provide students with the opportunity to acquire the vital skills required to join the teams of engineers designing and developing systems for the next generation of aircraft.

The course is centred upon systems for aerospace vehicles and the requirement to design total system solutions including both practical and virtual design skills. Previous graduates have obtained jobs as systems design engineers for large aircraft and propulsion manufacturers as well as systems suppliers to the aviation industry.

Aerospace Systems Engineering graduates seek not only employment within the aerospace industry, but their problem-solving skill sets can make them highly employable within a variety of industries.

This course aims to produce graduates with the skills to become successful system-design engineers and engineering managers, both in aerospace and the wider engineering context, in fields such as aircraft and components design and manufacture, maintenance and testing, propulsion systems, flight simulation, aviation, avionics, patent engineering, financial services and many more.

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates have obtained jobs as systems design engineers for large aircraft and propulsion manufacturers e.g. Airbus, BAE Systems, GE Aviation and Rolls Royce, as well as systems suppliers to the aviation industry including Meggitt, Goodrich, Moog and Collins Aerospace.

Further study

For those on the BEng course, a transfer to the MEng course may be possible after the second year of study subject to meeting the entry requirements.

Graduate Immigration Route visa

Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.


How to apply

Full-time students applying to start in September 2024 can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

Part-time students should apply directly to the university.


If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

International codes:
BEng: EECU159
MEng: EECU163

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.

This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.


Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.


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