Aerospace Engineering

At the cutting edge of technology - developing the next generation of aerospace products

Aerospace Engineering is at the cutting edge of technology, understanding and applying scientific principles to the design, development and service of some of the most technologicaly advanced engineering products in the world, ranging from commercial aeroplanes and helicopters to spacecraft and Unmanned Aerial vehicles.

With the ability to succeed in diverse and challenging situations, aerospace engineers are naturally versatile, opening up a wide range of career opportunities, and our graduates can be found in leading private and public sector companies worldwide.

Course Content

Design-Build-Fly

Group Activity Based Learning

Students put into practice their new knowledge and understanding to design, manufacture and fly radio controlled aircraft. The best student made aircraft has the opportunity to participate in a national student model aircraft competition.

The major study themes on our aerospace engineering programmes include;

Aircraft Design

Core to our degrees is the understanding of the aircraft development process, and students are guided through the development of the skills necessary to transform customer requirements into state-of-the-art aerospace technology.

Aerodynamics, Fluid Mechanics and Propulsion

The study of air flow around and through objects is key to understanding how forces such as lift, drag and thrust are generated. Modules in aerodynamics, fluid mechanics and propulsion explore these concepts in detail, developing both fundamental understanding and expertise in state-of-the-art computational simulation.

Flight mechanics and Avionics

The motion of aircraft in 3D space is highly complex, and students are introduced to how aircraft handling and performance are linked to the many systems within an aircraft. Avionics demonstrates how instrumentation can be used for navigation and for understanding concepts such as GPS and communications systems.

Flight Simulator

Practical reinforcement of theory

Practical sessions in our state-of-the-art Merlin Excalibur II flight simulator provides hands-on experience of how an aircraft behaves and the importance of various design features and control mechanisms.

Structural Design, Manufacturing and Materials

Structural strength and rigidity are vitally important for safe flight. Students combine an understanding of material properties and manufacturability with the use of sophisticated computational analysis and design methods to develop high-performance aerospace structures.

Professional Studies

In order to understand the role of an engineer in society, technical modules are accompanied by professional studies such as accounting, economics, law and management.

Students in aircraft during flight laboratory

Flight Test Laboratory

Taking to the air to understand flight

Students participate in a short flight testing course in collaboration with the National Flying Laboratory Centre, experiencing various flight maneuvers and analysing aircraft behaviour in a specially instrumented Jetstream 31 aircraft.

Placement Year

Improve you employability with a year in industry

All of our degree pathways come with the option of a sandwich year in industry. Students spend up to 12 months getting hands on experience of a real engineering environment with a relevant aerospace company.

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Tailored Teaching Facilities

Explore

A sample of our state-of-the-art educational facilities

Learning Environment

"I chose to do Aerospace Engineering as I have always been fascinated by aircraft and loved problem solving. I wanted a job where I didn't have to sit in an office all day! I chose Queen's because it was a Russell group university and the degree was accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society."

Anne McIlveen
MEng Aerospace Engineering

Our Degree Pathways

CLICK THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICATIONS.

We offer both Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) and Master of Engineering (MEng) degree pathways:

BEng in Aerospace Engineering

The 3 year (4 with placement) BEng degree provides a solid foundation in all the basic engineering technologies required by an aerospace engineer in the development of next generation aerospace products.