Ranking
7th
Complete University Guide 2026
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Course overview
Help design the future for air and spacecraft with our BEng Aerospace Engineering programme. Develop expertise to launch your career as an aerospace engineer.
From fundamental maths and mechanics to aerodynamics and systems engineering, our programme will build your knowledge and give you practical experience. Prepare for exciting roles in the aerospace industry.
Accredited degree
Accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society and Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Why Study Aerospace Engineering at Birmingham?
The course is a well-rounded and structured approach to Aerospace Engineering. There is a great continuity between first and second year learnings, with most modules building on first year principles. The academics on the course are very passionate, which helps to make even the more difficult subjects very engaging!
Course structure
Join our three year full-time BEng programme comprising of taught and optional modules including a research project in year 3 on a topic that interests you.
You'll be assessed using a combination of exams, written assignments, oral presentations, computer-based tests, laboratory and project reports, written exams and continually assessed coursework.
Year 1
Year 1
You'll develop the fundamental skills and knowledge needed by all engineers, while also doing aerospace-specific practicals and design work. All students take the same modules in year 1
Year 2
Year 2
You'll continue to develop your engineering skills, but also study aerospace-specific topics in more depth, applying the skills you're learning.
These are split between terrestrial and space areas, including aerodynamics and propulsion, aircraft design, and space systems engineering and design. You also undertake practical workshop training.
All students take the same modules in year 2
Year 3
Year 3
You'll learn more advanced aerospace-specific content, and apply your skills, knowledge and judgement in your individual research project (one third of this year).
Both terrestrial and space content are core here, but you can focus more in these or materials for aerospace through your options.
You also undertake practical flight testing, learning the skills needed to do this in reality.
Course highlights
- 7th
in the UK for Aerospace Engineering
Complete University Guide 2026
Birmingham is ranked 76th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, maintaining our position in the top 100 universities globally and placing us 11th amongst UK universities.
As well as learning the essentials of broad engineering disciplines, you'll tailor your studies by choosing topics that fit your career plans including space missions and high-performance aircraft materials. With our flight simulators you’ll put theory into practice testing aircraft handling.
Build your knowledge of design and operations alongside problem-solving and teamwork skills. Learn from our expert academics who are involved in space missions and jet engine development. You’ll benefit from our links with key industry employers as you get ready for roles in the aerospace and other engineering sectors.
- Enjoy a balance of terrestrial and space flight, with options to tailor your degree in either direction
- Benefit from UK-leading flight simulation facilities supporting your understanding of flight mechanics and your progress to practical flight testing
- Choose from a range of additional years, including transformative industry placements and international study
- Develop hands-on engineering skills in our new teaching laboratory
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Course delivery
Our programme includes lectures, practicals and case studies, group and individual research projects and the development of transferrable skills to give you access to a wide range of careers.
Lecture
Tutorial
Workshop
Projects
Practical assignments
- Learn about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest, with lectures delivered by world-leaders in their fields
- Participate in tutorials that promote independent problem-solving and enquiry-based learning
- Learn collaboratively through group work which will enhance your teamwork skills and your ability to appreciate others perspectives
- Develop a spectrum of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, time management, and communication through project work
- Gain valuable experience by engaging in practical assignments that simulate real-world tasks and cultivate job-ready skills
Assessment
You'll be assessed through a mixture of written exams and continually assessed coursework.
As well as end-of-year exams and written assignments, assessment methods include oral presentations, computer-based tests, laboratory and project reports.
Each module is assessed independently and most contain some components of continuous assessment. Some modules are completely assessed by either examination or coursework.
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Modules are either worth 10 or 20 credits, and you will take modules totalling 120 credits each year. Years 1 and 2 are exclusively compulsory modules. Year 3 is a combination of compulsory and optional modules.
Year 1
Year 1
Year 2
Year 2
2027/28
Year 3
Year 3
2028/29
Core modules
Optional modules
Select 20 credits of options. Examples of optional modules below:
Teaching staff
Dr Mark Ward
Admissions Tutor
Dr Mark Ward's staff profile.
Entry requirements
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
- A Level
AAB to include A-level Mathematics and Physics or Chemistry or Further Maths or Computer Science.
- IB
6,6,5 at Higher Level, including Mathematics and Computer Science or Physics or Chemistry with a minimum of 32 points overall.
- BTEC
BTEC only considered when combined with other qualifications. We would require 2 A-levels (Mathematics and Physics) plus the BTEC.
Number of A-levels required: 3.
Required subjects and grades: A-level Mathematics and Physics or Chemistry or Further Maths or Computer Science.
General Studies not accepted.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
Foundation Year
Would you like to study this course but lack the entry qualifications? You can consider a Foundation Year programme which can lead to entry onto one of our courses. Learn more:
- UK students (not eligible if studying A-level Mathematics)
- international students
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing.
- IELTS*: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills.
- Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015)***: C1 Advanced - Minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component.
- Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 25 in each skill.
- Trinity ISE II: Distinction all skills.
- Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill
Presessional English courses
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Am I likely to receive an offer for 2026?
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Alternative Offers
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer.
Our Contextual Offer scheme
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
- Pathways to Birmingham
BBB to include B Maths or Further Maths and B in either Physics or Chemistry
- Contextual Offer
ABB to include Maths or Further Maths and either Physics or Chemistry
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
- £9,535*
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2026/27
*The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study, normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. The fee for September 2025 entry was £9,535 for UK students. If you are applying for 2026 entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee once it is confirmed by the Government.
Undergraduate loans
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
Scholarships, grants and bursaries
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
Financial support for Home students
If you're a UK student and starting university in September 2026, find out more about what financial support is available to you.
Financial support for International students
We want to help you reach your full potential. Explore our wide variety of scholarships available for international students.
Application process
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
Apply
The UCAS code for this course is H400.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
- 14 January 2026
Application deadline for September 2026 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
Career opportunities
You'll be equipped with a broad skillset and research experience to begin careers in in both terrestrial and space-based aerospace engineering. You could also apply your skills to pursue careers and research opportunities in non-aerospace areas where your expertise in advanced materials, manufacturing, structures, aggressive environments and remote communication and control are vitally important. Our graduates are also primed for higher research degrees in these fields.
Careers Network
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Upcoming events
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Student experience
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Campus life
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Flexible programmes to suit you
Not sure what you want to study?
Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
Student stories
Find new perspectives. Hear first-hand about life at Birmingham from our students, past and present.