Aerospace Engineering with Placement Year

Aerospace engineering is concerned with the design, development, testing and production of aircraft and spacecraft. It is one of the most technically demanding engineering disciplines, requiring deep knowledge of aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, materials, avionics and the complex systems integration that brings an aircraft together as a coherent, safe and efficient whole. The global aerospace industry, spanning commercial aviation, defence, space and unmanned systems, offers one of the richest environments for engineers who want to work on technically challenging, high-consequence projects.

At Brunel University London, this four-year full-time programme includes a foundation year, which provides an accessible entry point for students who want to develop their mathematical and scientific foundations before progressing to the full degree. It also includes a placement year embedded within the degree structure, giving you sustained professional experience in an aerospace or engineering organisation before you graduate. Brunel has longstanding connections with the aerospace and defence industries, and the programme is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to meet the real needs of the global industry.

You will study aerodynamics, structures and materials, propulsion, flight mechanics, avionics, manufacturing and the mathematical methods that underpin engineering analysis. Design projects and laboratory work are central to the programme, developing your ability to apply theory to real engineering challenges, work in teams and communicate technical ideas clearly.

Graduates go on to careers in commercial aerospace, defence, space, helicopter engineering, unmanned aerial vehicles, systems integration and aerospace research. The programme is designed to support professional qualification with the Royal Aeronautical Society or the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and many graduates pursue chartered engineer status. Postgraduate study in aerospace engineering or related fields is an option for those who want to specialise further.