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MEng Aerospace Engineering

Key information

Heriot-Watt University's Aerospace Engineering programme was ranked top 10 in the UK and 1st in Scotland by the Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. 

UCAS code
H3A2
Level
Undergraduate
Delivery type
Full Time
Degree qualification
MEng
Mode of delivery
On-Campus
Duration
4-5 years
Location
Edinburgh
Start date
September

Aerospace Engineers design, develop and build aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites. Advancements in commercial space exploration, drone technology, low carbon technologies and aerospace commerce make it one of the fastest growing specialisms in engineering.  

MEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering combines the core disciplines of mechanical engineering with specific application to aerospace engineering, with a strong focus on the current and emerging needs of the aeronautical industry.  

The undergraduate degree will provide you with the core skills and specialist knowledge you need to launch a thriving career as an aerospace engineering. You’ll take courses from across our engineering disciplines to ensure you gain a foundation of essential knowledge. 

In your first two years, you’ll study courses from our established mechanical engineering degree, respected by industry and employers for the way it builds capacity to solve problems, analyse engineering components, and design solutions to real-life challenges. You will also be introduced to key concepts from Aerospace Engineering. 

In years three and four, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your knowledge in Aerospace Engineering with a Group Design Project, whilst learning from specialist optional courses such as Spacecraft Engineering, Industrial and Sustainable Aerodynamics, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Technologies and Aerospace Simulation. 

In Year 5, the courses in Aerospace Engineering become progressively specialised and you will complete a Major Aerospace design project. 

Throughout your studies, you will apply your learned theoretical knowledge to practical work, using state-of-the-art equipment and facilities including wind tunnels, a supersonic test rig, and industry-standard software for computational fluid dynamics, finite element, and computer aided design.  

Your student experience

Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active aerospace engineers and academics.

96% of Heriot-Watt University’s engineering research was classed as world-leading in the REF 2021 review, which ranked us 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for engineering research through a joint submission with the University of Edinburgh. Heriot-Watt has been ranked first in Scotland for General Engineering (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2023).   

We were recently ranked 1st in Scotland for Mechanical Engineering in the Guardian University Guide 2026. Heriot-Watt University also achieved 2nd in Scotland for Mechanical Engineering in the Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, reflecting the exceptional quality of our teaching, research, and industry engagement in the field.

Our MEng Aerospace Engineering is directly informed by the world class research carried out by Heriot-Watt’s Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering (IMPEE) research institute which focuses on promoting excellence across four main research themes: 

  • Biomedical Engineering 
  • Digital Engineering 
  • Energy Harvesting and Conversion 
  • Multiphase Flow 

The research relevance of this undergraduate programme ensures your studies remain cutting-edge and industry focused. 

Course content

September Intake - Edinburgh

Disclaimer

The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.

Programme Video

The Heriot-Watt experience

Student testimonials

It’s been life-changing. I’ve met amazing people, done work that matters, and proved to myself — and to others — that I belong here. I came here to break barriers. And I’m just getting started.

Uriel Rivera

BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering student

See more

Fees and funding

intake tuition fees
StatusFee
ScotlandPaid by SAAS
England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland£9,790
International£25,808
  • Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
  • International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).

Scholarships and bursaries

Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales

In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible undergraduate students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:

  • Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
View details

Entry requirements

We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.

Why Heriot-Watt

We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.

At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).

Employability

Work and study

This is what our MEng Aerospace Engineering students are doing 15 months after graduating:
84%
are working
4%
are studying
6%
are studying and working

Salary

£32,000
The average salary of students 15 months after graduating
£31,500
The average UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course

Potential career paths

  • Engineering professionals
  • Science, engineering and technology associate professionals

Student life

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