Aerospace Engineering

It is more than a century since Bristol produced its first aircraft and today the South West is one of the largest centres for aerospace in Europe. The department has close links with major industrial companies, including AgustaWestland, Airbus and Rolls-Royce. Our curriculum is tightly linked to our research and our academics are world leaders in aerodynamics, composites, control, vibrations and systems. Specialising in aerospace from the start, you will study a wide range of subjects, all contributing to the design of future aircraft and spacecraft.

Aerospace Engineering courses

Why study Aerospace Engineering at Bristol?

This degree combines theory with practical experience. You will write software for a navigation system; design an undercarriage; design, build and test a wing structure; and measure flows and forces on aerofoils. In the major group design project, you could work on the concept for a new commercial aircraft, presenting your design to Airbus for assessment. In your research project, you will tackle a more specific problem in much greater detail, such as automated landing of an Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) or design of a hypersonic engine intake.

Students initially apply to MEng courses, but the department also offers a three-year BEng, with transfer at the end of year two.

Engineering students at Bristol also benefit from a dedicated Industrial Liaison Office, which develops engineering-specific industrial links for students.

What kind of student would this course suit?

Our degree course is especially suited to students who possess a strong motivation to learn about aerospace, with an interest in aviation, space or a related area, or perhaps a desire for a varied and interesting degree course. You enjoy learning the details of how things work and the innovation required to make them better. You have strong mathematics and physics skills and are especially confident in using maths as a tool to model the physical world. You are hard-working and like a challenge.

How is this course taught and assessed?

Teaching is primarily lecture-based throughout the course, complemented by laboratory exercises to aid understanding. Independent study is also expected, combining lecture notes with textbooks and other materials. Assessment in the first two years is approximately 75% examinations and 25% coursework. Later years include a greater coursework element including group and individual project work.

What are my career prospects?

Our graduate employment record is excellent. Our links to industry and Royal Aeronautical Society accreditation ensure that our graduates are highly regarded in the commercial sector. With so many aerospace companies nearby, many of which are involved in our courses, there are plenty of opportunities to gain contacts and experience during your degree. Many of our graduates enter careers in other high-technology sectors, such as Formula 1, wind and marine power generation and defence contracting. A significant number of our graduates also go into further research, including PhD study.

Why did you choose Bristol?

The University has very strong links with top aero companies like Rolls-Royce and Airbus and conducts plenty of research projects with different companies, giving us vast opportunities to gain practical experience.

Sheik Abdul Malik
Meng Aerospace Engineering