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
- 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
Mandatory September
- Mechanics, Fields and Forces
- Introduction to Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Engineering in Context 1
- Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 1
Mandatory January
- Engineering in Context 2
- Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
- Introduction to Aerospace Engineering
- Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 2
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
See moreIt’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.
Fees and funding
| Status | Fee |
|---|---|
| Scotland | Paid 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)
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Standard entry requirements
- Highers AAAB (over two sittings). Must include Maths and one of Physics or Engineering Science, with one required subject achieved at A.
- A-Levels BBB. Must include Maths and Physics, with both achieved at B.
- International Baccalaureate 30 points. Must include Maths and Physics, with both achieved at Higher Level 5.
- BTEC Extended Diploma DDM. Must be in a relevant Engineering subject including sufficient Maths and Physics.
- HNC A in graded unit. Must be in a relevant Engineering subject including sufficient Maths and Physics. All HNCs must include Engineering Maths 1 and one of Engineering Maths 2 or 3.
- HND AB / BA in graded units. Must be in a relevant Engineering subject including sufficient Maths and Physics. All HNDs must include Engineering Maths 1 and one of Engineering Maths 2 or 3.
- Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.
Minimum entry requirements*
- Highers BBBC (over two sittings). Must include Maths and one of Physics or Engineering Science, with both required subjects achieved at B.
- A-Levels BCC. Must include Maths and Physics, with one required subject achieved at B.
- International Baccalaureate 29 points. Must include Maths and Physics, with both achieved at Higher Level 5.
- BTEC Extended Diploma DMM. Must be in a relevant Engineering subject including sufficient Maths and Physics.
- HNC B in graded unit. Must be in a relevant Engineering subject including sufficient Maths and Physics. All HNCs must include Engineering Maths 1 and one of Engineering Maths 2 or 3.
- HND BB in graded units. Must be in a relevant Engineering subject including sufficient Maths and Physics. All HNDs must include Engineering Maths 1 and one of Engineering Maths 2 or 3.
*Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish and Rest of UK status students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:
- live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20) or POLAR4 Quintile 1 regions (RUK)
- or are care experienced.
We can also make exceptions for some Scottish students with grades above minimum but below standard. Read more about our Minimum and standard entry requirements.
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
Salary
Potential career paths
- Engineering professionals
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
Student life
Explore facilities, and chat to staff and students
Discover Uni course data
Discover Uni provides data on each university's degree courses across a range of measures including student satisfaction, graduate jobs and salaries.