Aerospace Engineering

Our programmes in Aerospace Engineering bring together the core disciplines of mechanical engineering with the application and focus of the aeronautical industry. With recent changes in the aerospace industry there are a now a whole host of traditional and advanced engineering careers that are available to students who will graduate from this programme. Commercial space exploration, drones, low carbon technologies and changes in aerospace commerce are all now serviced by aerospace engineers. This is in addition to many more ‘traditional’ careers in aircraft technologies, vehicle dynamics and propulsion (to name but a few). This programme mirrors the need to consider both technical and business aspects of engineering. As a result, our graduates will be well rounded industry-focussed engineers prepared to tackle the challenges of the next generation of aerospace technologies.

The programme will start with the core foundation studies that are similar to the mechanical engineering programmes. This builds up the capacity to solve problems, analyse engineering components and design/manufacture solutions to challenges. The programme then takes on progressively aerospace focussed subjects in third year and beyond, through a combination of new courses that include basic electronics, structures, wind tunnel testing, supersonic aerodynamics, flight dynamics, aviation design and manufacture.

Please visit our website for further information on our 3 year honours degrees

Heriot-Watt is 2nd in the UK for positive graduate outcomes (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2025). As Scotland’s top producer of CEOs (Novuna, 2025), their programmes focus on giving you real-world experience and strong industry links to help you kick-start your career success story. You'll have lifelong access to their award-winning Careers Service with guidance on CV tailoring, careers fairs and job applications.

They guarantee accommodation for students on their safe, green parkland campus, with all energy and Wi-Fi bills included. For students coming from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Heriot-Watt provides a free semester of accommodation to help you with the costs of starting university.

You’ll also be living and studying in a top 2 UK student-friendly city (QS Best Cities, 2026) – Edinburgh. With a vibrant nightlife, eclectic food scene and plenty of shops and green spaces, it's a great city to be a student.

At Heriot-Watt University, you can choose to study flexibly with a 3-year honours degree, allowing you to complete the typical four-year Scottish Bachelor Honours degree in just three years while still enjoying the full student experience, including Welcome Week, Freshers’ events, and support from your Personal Tutor. This can save you both time and tuition fees while allowing you to graduate at the same time as students across the rest of the UK.

Register for your Heriot-Watt Priority Pass to make sure you are first in line when Clearing opens, or to chat with their friendly team