Aeronautical Engineering (with a Foundation Year)

Whether you want to become a pilot or design and test the next generation of aircraft, we’ll give you the hands-on experience and skills to succeed.

Graduates from our BEng (Hons) Aeronautical Engineering degree have gained jobs with the RAF, British Airways and other major airlines, and the likes of Rolls-Royce, Boeing and Airbus. It reflects the excellent career opportunities open to our students within aviation, engineering and beyond.

The course covers everything from the design and aerodynamics of commercial and military aircraft to drones and space rockets. There is a focus on flight deck design and the relationship between pilot and modern fly-by-wire computer interfaces.

You will also learn about the fundamentals of aeronautics, propulsion systems, and subsonic and supersonic aerodynamics. We explore crash investigations too, so you can see how design, construction or pilot error were important factors in what went wrong.

Our students apply their skills and knowledge to real engineering briefs, going from concept to final design. It means you’ll be getting to grips with computer-aided design (CAD) techniques used by industry professionals, such as finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics software. Other specialist equipment includes a computerised wind tunnel and 3D printers to help bring designs to life.

We also have two advanced flight simulators which can replicate Boeing and Airbus systems – features include a professional PFC flight console and radio stack. These are used extensively to help students simulate the effects of different advanced procedures and aircraft controls. They can also be used to modify and test aircraft designs.

We organise visits to a commercial 737 simulator as well as aviation museums and companies. There are many exciting opportunities that go beyond the classroom.

There are good links with a Staffordshire gliding club, where you will have the chance to pay for glider flights. Every year, some of our students also apply to join the regional RAF University Air Squadron, where they receive flight training.

The course covers a wide range of aeronautical and aerospace applications, with the chance to look at helicopters, rockets and spacecraft. You’ll also learn about the design of drones and legislation surrounding unmanned craft. All students are registered as drone operators with the CAA in order to fly these devices on the campus.

Throughout your studies, you’ll benefit from our academic team’s wealth of industry and research expertise. Our industry connections include excellent placement opportunities too.

You will round off the course by completing your own research project on a topic of your choice. It could range from exploring pilot fatigue through to designing an app for a plane or using a rocket engine.

Your work will then be exhibited at our GradEX show – the perfect opportunity to get noticed by industry experts and employers.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BEng (Hons) Aeronautical Engineering

From your first day to your graduation day and beyond, University of Staffordshire will help you build your future career.

Recently named University of the Year (Academic Employability Awards 2026, Graduate Futures Institute), employability is embedded across the student experience. You’ll be involved in real-world projects and activities that develop your professional practice. You’ll also make connections that open doors through employer partnerships and industry mentoring opportunities.

Expect lots of hands-on learning too. You can travel from crime scene to courtroom in simulation spaces – and bring topics to life with AI and VR-powered technology.

You’ll also get personalised support, with your own academic mentor. Staffordshire prides itself on offering an inclusive, welcoming environment. With more than 70 clubs and societies, and a brand new Student Village, there’s a community waiting for you. Click Call University to secure your place at University of Staffordshire today.