Aviation Engineering BEng (Hons)
Subject and course type
- Engineering: Aerospace, Aviation and Aircraft
- Undergraduate
Prepare for a future career in aviation engineering with the Aviation Engineering BEng (Hons) degree course from Ji8腦瞳厙. This course aligns with the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) and meets the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineering (IEng) Membership of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS).
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Gain the skills to design, manufacture and maintain aircraft
Youll benefit from our successful history working alongside the aviation industry to successfully place Kingston graduates.
Our Aerospace and Aviation Engineering courses equip you with the essential skills to design, manufacture and maintain aircraft. You'll graduate prepared for a successful career in the aviation industry. With strong industry connections, Kingston graduates have secured roles at major aerospace companies, including Virgin Atlantic, EasyJet, Thales, and in key hubs like Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
At our Roehampton Vale campus, you'll train in a cutting-edge learning environment with composite manufacturing labs, 3D printing, flight simulators and advanced CAD/CAM facilities. Youll gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software, including SolidWorks, AutoCAD, ANSYS and computational fluid dynamics tools. This means you'll develop future-ready skills in aircraft design and analysis.
Through real-world flight simulator training, you'll tackle real-life aviation challenges, enhancing your problem-solving and technical expertise. Our strong industry partnerships offer professional networking opportunities, industrial placements and career pathways, ensuring you're well-prepared for a dynamic career in aerospace and aviation engineering.
Soon after starting my final year, I applied and received conditional job offers from Thales UK, Airbus UK and Shell. I'm now currently working as a systems engineer within flight simulation. I write software for flight simulators which often involves travelling across the UK and the world, most notably northern England, Scotland and Dubai.
Why choose this course
If youre considering an engineering career in aviation, this is the ideal degree course for you.
Throughout the course, you will learn via a combination of theory and practical skills. Youll study aerodynamics, propulsion, structures and materials, analysis of structures using FEA & CAD, as well as the science and performance of aircraft. Through practical work in laboratories and workshops, you will apply the engineering principles you learn and refine your skills.
As a result, this course will prepare you to work in a range of areas. For example, aircraft maintenance, airworthiness, aviation management, logistics, systems integration, design, support, manufacturing, and air transport economics.
This degree will also equip you with valuable skills for your future career, such as effective communication, presenting, team-working, planning and project management.
Students on this course can study the first two years at the Asian Aviation Centre in Sri Lanka, and then transfer to study the final year of their degree at Kingston University London. Find out more in the Sri Lanka section on our page for country-specific information.
Accreditations
The course is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society and aligns with the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) and meets the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineering (IEng) Membership of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS).
This course is undergoing routine renewal in 2024/25 academic year.
Course content
Year 1
In Year 1, you will acquire the fundamental engineering knowledge and skills building a solid foundation for students to undertake a deeper study in Year 2. You will have the opportunity to carry out hands-on practical work in laboratories and workshops throughout the programme. Most modules are designed to develop key employability skills such as communication, presentation, team-working, planning and project management.
In Year 1, there is a clear structure and guidance for your learning, with an emphasis on the acquisition of fundamental engineering knowledge and skills (e.g. Mathematics and IT), practical skills, design skills and the initial development of Future Skills.
Core modules
30 credits
The module introduces students to the fundamental scientific principles that underly aviation. In particular aerodynamics, thermodynamics, mechanics of materials, structural analysis and mechanics of flight. This module has some elements common with the engineering programme, but it does not go to the same depth. The module is primarily delivered through lectures supported by tutorial sessions and laboratory-based practical sessions.
The aerodynamics section will cover the fundamental properties of fluids and the main basic conservation equations used and their engineering applications. It also introduces the concept of dimensions and the SI units of measurement.
Thermodynamics section deals with the relationship between heat and various other forms of energy. The emphasis will be on the impact of these relationships on the performance of aircraft propulsion systems.
The flight mechanics section will cover the main forces keeping the aircraft airborne and the balance of forces in different flight attitude. Topics of aircraft performance and flight stability will be discussed.
30 credits
The aim of this module is to provide students with a solid foundation in engineering mathematics and computational tools essential for solving engineering problems. The mathematics component covers key topics including algebra, functions, logarithms, trigonometry, calculus, differential equations, vectors, and statistics. These topics are designed to equip students with the analytical skills required to tackle complex engineering challenges.
The computing component introduces students to modern engineering software and programming techniques. Students will develop proficiency in SolidWorks for computer-aided design (CAD) and Python for problem-solving, data representation, and visualisation. Emphasis is placed on applying mathematical and computational tools to model, analyse, and solve real-world engineering problems.
By the end of this module, students will be able to confidently integrate mathematical principles with computational methods, forming a critical foundation for advanced engineering study and practice.
30 credits
This module aims to provide students with a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of statics, dynamics, and materials. It covers the analysis of forces on beam structures and trusses in static equilibrium and understanding equivalent force systems, friction, centroids, and moments of inertia. A vector-based approach to particle and rigid body dynamics is presented in this module, covering both kinematics and kinetics for particles as well as for rigid bodies. Core topics include Newtons second law, principles of linear and angular momentum, and conservation laws. The module also explores the classification of materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. It emphasizes the study of mechanical properties of metals, covering key concepts such as engineering stress and strain, Poissons ratio, modulus of elasticity, material performance relationships, and the failure characteristics of both ductile and brittle materials. Lectures are complemented by hands-on laboratories and tutorials in statics, dynamics, and materials.
30 credits
This module will introduce students to Future Skills through engagement with Navigate. Students are guided to identify and take ownership of their personal academic journey through the development and application of academic skills aligned to KU Graduate Attributes and their discipline-specific professional body learning outcomes. Students are tutored in a range of learning-to-learn techniques and are introduced to assessment for learning and the role of feedback, reflection and feedforward as an integrated part of their learning journey. This will be supported through active engagement in the KU Navigate Programme, enabling students to understand and begin to develop a design thinking approach to Future Skills development.
The Level 4 Personal Tutorial System (PTS) is integrated within this module and timetabled tutorial sessions provide an opportunity for regular discipline-focused small-group discussion and debate to reinforce the key themes and practices of the taught programme. Professional and personal development skills are reflected throughout the module and the authentic application of the methods developed are highlighted in the taught curriculum. Employability skills are explored in the PTS and students are challenged to consider the development of these skills between their Level 4 modules to graduation.
Year 2
In Year 2, there will be an increased expectation of independent study, supported by a reduced emphasis on the use of traditional lectures. You will study the engineering principles underpinning aircraft technologies such as aerodynamics, propulsion, structures and materials science and performance of aircraft. You will study aircraft maintenance operations, aircraft systems, airworthiness, and air transport economics. You will also learn to design and make aircraft structures using computational skills such as CAD and FEA. You will have problems based learning and interdisciplinary group work to tackle a live, real-world problem supplied by a well-known company or organisation.
Core modules
30 credits
This second-year BSc Aerospace Engineering module provides students with a solid foundation in aerodynamics, and the application of advanced engineering materials for designing aerospace components. The curriculum includes an introduction to virtual design techniques, such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD), emphasising their role in analysing aerospace structures. The module covers both low-speed and high-speed aerodynamics, beginning with the fundamental principles of fluid flow and aerofoil properties, and boundary layer behaviour, and high-speed compressible flow dynamics. It highlights key design processes and material selection specific to aerospace components, incorporating essential terminology and practical applications. The learning experience is enriched through interactive lectures, flipped classroom tutorials, and problem-solving activities. Laboratory work includes wind tunnel testing, composite material manufacturing and analysis, flight simulation, and FEA/CAD computing exercises.
30 credits
This second-year BSc Aerospace Engineering module equips students with a fundamental understanding of the essential systems present in civilian aircraft, utilizing a Systems Engineering approach. Participants will investigate the functions, interactions, and maintenance of key systems such as electrical, hydraulic, propulsion, air conditioning, and control systems. The course emphasizes the importance of maintaining airworthiness and the regulatory framework that governs the licensing of maintenance personnel. Through a combination of interactive lectures and laboratory sessions, students will gain the skills to sketch and interpret system schematics, comprehend maintenance schedules, and effectively evaluate aircraft systems operations. Core topics include the basics of Systems Engineering, the operation of major aircraft systems, and the principles that support ongoing airworthiness. By the end of the module, students will possess the knowledge and practical skills required to assess and implement maintenance practices within the aerospace sector.
30 credits
This module aims to equip students with applied mathematical techniques essential for operational organisations to establish high safety standards that comply with Civil Aviation Authority requirements, while also enhancing efficiency and productivity. Although the primary focus is on airline operations, the methodologies presented are relevant to various sectors within aviation, such as maintenance and Air Traffic Management, as well as other industries facing similar operational challenges. The topic of flight safety serves to reinforce previously taught applied statistics. Specifically, the module seeks to familiarise students with fundamental theories and methodologies for safety analysis and risk assessment across diverse aviation environments, alongside the concept and practical implementation of a Safety Management System (SMS).
30 credits
This module will scaffold Future Skills from Level 4 Navigate to Level 6 Apply.
This module is designed to support students in identifying the range of skills they have acquired over the course of their integrated pilot licence training and the first levels of their degree. The module is designed to prepare students for Level 6 study and group projects.
The module develops teamworking, interpersonal and interdisciplinary skills, critical self-reflection, communication and presentation, time management, and the ability to organise, strategise and prioritise.
A key element of this module will be the participation in solving problems in flight using a flight simulator and cockpit workload mitigation. Students will contextualise their subject-specific knowledge, skills and behaviours as an interdisciplinary team member charged with exploring and developing solutions to various flying tasks and emergencies using flight simulation. The teamwork project enables students to demonstrate their ability to explore and contextualise their subject-specific knowledge and helps prepare them for their work-based project element of the End Point Assessment.
The Level 5 Personal Tutorial System (PTS) is integrated within this module and provide an opportunity for regular discipline-focused small-group discussion and debate and reinforces the key themes and practices of the taught programme.
Optional modules
120 credits
This module provides engineering students with the opportunity to undertake an industrial placement for the whole academic year. Designed for programmes that include "with Professional Placement" in their title, the module allows students to gain hands-on experience as a trainee professional engineer. Each placement is individually arranged and tailored, with objectives agreed upon by the student, the employer, and the Industrial Placement Tutor. Throughout the year, students will develop practical skills, enhance their understanding of professional work environments, and improve their employability in the global job market. Assessment is on a pass/fail basis, requiring satisfactory completion of the placement and submission of interim and final reports.
Year 3
In Year 3, you will study advanced materials and structures, propulsion and performance, aircraft maintenance, airworthiness and air transport economics. The assessment tasks in Year 3 focus on the real world-engineering activities that enhance students' employability. In Year 3, you will also learn about maintenance logistics, maintenance cost drivers and the key aspects of project planning. You will apply business methods to assess the economic and financial aspects of air transport and/or engineering projects. In this final year, you will be expected to select and apply requisite practical skills in your own independent research work in the Individual Project module.
Core modules
30 credits
Throughout the remainder of their studies, students have studied material that has been focused on a specific role or roles within the air transport industry whether it be aircraft design, maintenance, operations or repair and overhaul. The aim of this module is to take a step back and explore how employers within the various sectors of the air transport industry combine all these functions in order to make a profit.
The module also compares the operation of the air transport market with that in other sectors and, in more general terms, looks at what makes industry tick. It also looks at the standard methods of recording and reporting financial performance.
On successful completion of this module, students should not only understand how their future role will contribute to their employers success but, should they decide to move away from the air transport sector, they should have a firm grounding in the general economic principles by which all industries operate.
15 credits
The project involves reviewing the scenario to determine the exact requirements, planning for successful completion of the project, identifying options and determining costs through research, analysing data collected and formulating an evidence-based solution and presenting the findings. Student are expected to work together as a group to produce a realistic and cost effective maintenance solution for an airline. As part of the project, students will produce a project plan, do a group presentation, produce a substantial written report, and maintain a project log book.
Airline logistic support processes and cooperative logistic support strategies before moving and project planning using appropriate tools like network diagram should have covered in the Apply module before starting the group project. In project planning, the basic processes of determining tasks, writing aims and objectives and estimating time are considered.
30 credits
This module is designed for students from a range of aerospace related programmes with the knowledge and skills needed to analyse and optimise aircraft performance and propulsion systems. It covers a range of propulsion technologies, enabling students to assess their operational efficiency and impact on overall aircraft performance. The module encompasses both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, teaching students to estimate performance metrics, interpret flight data, and identify conditions for optimal efficiency.
A significant component focuses on structural analysis, where students will use idealised models of aircraft structures to simulate operational scenarios and predict structural behaviour. This hands-on approach, combining analytical and computational methods, deepens their understanding of how design variations affect aircraft integrity under different conditions.
Additionally, students will develop expertise in selecting materials for aerospace components by evaluating factors such as strength-to-weight ratios, temperature resilience, and fatigue resistance. These skills will prepare them to make informed decisions that enhance safety and efficiency in aircraft design.
Integrating theoretical instruction with practical applications, the module includes case studies and project-based learning. By its conclusion, students will be proficient in using advanced analytical tools, interpreting complex datasets, and devising strategies to optimise aircraft systems, preparing them for impactful careers in aerospace engineering.
15 credits
Students will demonstrate the ability to apply their developing professional skills required of those holding strategic posts in the aviation industry, particularly in the field of aircraft maintenance. This module aims to provide a solid foundation for becoming an aircraft maintenance engineer in the airline industry with a focus on transferable skills, teamwork, leadership, project management understanding processes involved and specialist aviation maintenance knowledge. The module forms part of the Ji8腦瞳厙 Future Skills program and delivers the strategy in line with the skills and knowledge content required by the Aviation and Aircraft maintenance sector. The module is part of a series of modules that develop on each other, delivering the University Navigate, Explore and Apply strategy.
30 credits
The individual project module is a core module for all programmes within the School of Engineering and the Environment.
A MEng project should result in a project with a deeper and broader understanding of technical or research topics when compared to a L6 BEng project. This deeper and broader understanding should be demonstrated by comprehensive critical thinking, acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge, analysis of tasks and a clear methodology applied to research activities. This should be achieved through the use and application of higher fidelity methods such as higher order software, and its application, and in the development of robust experimental and research techniques. A MEng project should result in a greater range of depth of specialist knowledge within a research and/or industrial environment. Understanding of the results obtained from the work and their implication on their project or area of research should be clearly demonstrated.
Extended degree with foundation year
If you would like to study one of our engineering degrees at Ji8腦瞳厙 but are not yet ready for Year 1 of an undergraduate course, a foundation year is ideal.

Future Skills and career opportunities
Graduates from this course go on to pursue career opportunities in maintenance and licensed aircraft engineering, certification, quality assurance, logistics, planning, design, technical services, production and control engineering. Graduate employers include the military as well as civil aviation and aerospace companies.
Embedded within the Aviation Engineering BEng (Hons) course and throughout the whole Kingston experience is our Future Skills programme. The Future Skills programme was developed to respond to the ever-evolving demands from modern day employment.
It will help you obtain the skills most valued by employers, such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability, and learn how to apply these skills in different scenarios. Youll also learn how to articulate to employers how being able to do so gives you the edge.
I started working with Starling Aerospace in 2016, before even completing my MSc and in October 2018 I joined Pall Corporation as a certification engineer. I believe that I am made in Kingston.
At Ji8腦瞳厙, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it
For more information on how Kingston prepares you for the future job market, visit our Future Skills page.

Teaching and assessment
Scheduled learning and teaching on this course includes timetabled activities including lectures, seminars and small group tutorials. It may also include placements, project work, workshops, workshops in computer labs, and laboratory workshops.
Outside the scheduled learning and teaching hours, you will learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, preparing for and completing your work for assessments. Some independent study work may need to be completed on-campus, as you may need to access campus-based facilities such as studios and labs.
Our academic support team here at Ji8腦瞳厙 provides help in a range of areas.
When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Ji8腦瞳厙.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 120 credits across a year (typical for an undergraduate course) would equate to 1,200 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below for each year of study. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- Year 1: 31% scheduled learning and teaching
- Year 2: 32% scheduled learning and teaching
- Year 3: 21% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Types of assessment
- Year 1: Coursework 50%; exams 45%; practical 5%
- Year 2: Coursework 50%; exams 40%; practical 10%
- Year 3: Coursework 60%; exams 30%; practical 10%
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.
To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally enrols 15 students and lecture sizes are normally 15140. However, this can vary by module and academic year.
Fees and funding
Fee category | Fee |
---|---|
Home (UK students) | 瞿9,535* |
International | |
Year 1 (2026/27): | 瞿19,600 |
Year 2 (2027/28): | 瞿20,400 |
Year 3 (2028/29): | 瞿21,200 |
Year 4 (2029/30): | 瞿22,100 |
The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2026/27 the fees for this course are above.
For courses with Professional Placement, the fee for the placement year can be viewed in our Fees and Funding section. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.
* For full-time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.
Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.
Fee category | Fee |
---|---|
Home (UK students) | 瞿9,535* |
International | |
Year 1 (2025/26): | 瞿18,500 |
Year 2 (2026/27): | 瞿19,200 |
Year 3 (2027/28): | 瞿19,900 |
Year 4 (2028/29): | 瞿20,700 |
The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2025/26 the fees for this course are above.
For courses with Professional Placement, the fee for the placement year can be viewed in our Fees and Funding section. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.
* For full-time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.
Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying this course at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support.

I decided to enrol at Ji8腦瞳厙 as it was one of a select few universities that had a wide range of aerospace courses in both aeronautic and astronautic fields.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, youll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from 瞿50 to 瞿250 per year. And a personal computer can range from 瞿100 to 瞿3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to 瞿100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. Its worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, youll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Ji8腦瞳厙 will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from 瞿30 to 瞿350 per trip.
Your tuition fees dont cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
Courses involving placements or direct work with vulnerable groups may require a DBS check or other security checks.
Specific courses may require uniforms, specialty clothing, or specific equipment like lab coats and safety shoes. Ji8腦瞳厙 will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year.
Aerospace engineering at Ji8腦瞳厙 has truly contributed most significantly to where I'm currently at, where I attained a first class in my final year dissertation.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
What our students and graduates say
In my final year I was able to join the international society, getting to know individuals of different faiths, origins and interests. I also won a runner-up cash prize and an award on my graduation day for the individual engineering poster competition.
I come from a small town in India with big dreams to achieve. From a very young age, I wanted to go to London to further my studies. There is a profound heritage about aerospace in Ji8腦瞳厙 and therefore I chose to study here. I will be always grateful to the support I received from Ji8腦瞳厙 and especially to the course director, Dr Sing Lo. The University helped me to grow both academically and professionally.
In my spare time I fly light aircraft, after carrying out flying lessons, most notably in Cessna 152s and Piper 28s. I've also supported Thales with flying drones during open days, and am now taking my drone licence.
Key information
The scrolling banner below displays some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).