Skip navigation

Aerospace Engineering

Course details
  • Master of Engineering (with Honours)
  • 5 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 13 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Edinburgh Campus

Course summary

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.

Eligible applicants may be able to commence their studies from year 2 of the 5 year program. Please visit our website for further information.

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
H3A2
Institution code:
H24
Campus name:
Edinburgh Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
BBB

including Mathematics and Physics for entry to Year 1.
For Year 2 entry: ABB including Physics and Maths.

T Level

We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish HNC
Pass

For entry to Year 1: HNC in relevant subject with A in graded unit to include SQA Engineering Maths 1 and one of Engineering Maths 2 or 3 and sufficient Maths & Physics content.

Scottish HND
Pass

For entry to Year 1: HND in relevant subject with AB/BA in graded units to include SQA Engineering Maths 1 and one of Engineering Maths 2 or 3 and sufficient Maths & Physics content.
For entry to Year 2: HND in relevant subject with AA in graded units to include SQA Engineering Mathematics 1, 2, 3 & 4 and sufficient Maths & Physics content.

Scottish Higher
AAAB

including Mathematics and Physics/Engineering Science, with one at A.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)

Scottish Advanced Higher
AB

in Maths and Physics/Engineering Science plus AAAB at Higher for entry to Year 2.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 30

including Mathematics and Physics at Higher Level 5 for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: 34 points including Mathematics and Physics at Higher Level 6.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDM

in Engineering (including sufficient Maths and Physics) for entry to Year 1.

Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)
P

We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.

We accept a wide range of other qualifications from the UK, Europe and International countries. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information on the entry requirements for these.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level BCC

including Mathematics and Physics for entry to Year 1.
For Year 2 entry: ABB including Physics and Maths.

Scottish HNC Pass

For entry to Year 1: HNC in relevant subject with A in graded unit to include SQA Engineering Maths 1 and one of Engineering Maths 2 or 3 and sufficient Maths & Physics content.

Scottish HND Pass

For entry to Year 1: HND in relevant subject with AB/BA in graded units to include SQA Engineering Maths 1 and one of Engineering Maths 2 or 3 and sufficient Maths & Physics content.
For entry to Year 2: HND in relevant subject with AA in graded units to include SQA Engineering Mathematics 1, 2, 3 & 4 and sufficient Maths & Physics content.

Scottish Higher BBBC

including Mathematics and Physics/Engineering Science, with one at A.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) DMM

in Engineering (including sufficient Maths and Physics) for entry to Year 1.

Additional entry requirements

ATAS Certificate
If you are an international student, you may require an ATAS certificate to be able to study this programme at Heriot-Watt University. You should check the gov.uk website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme) to confirm whether you will need to apply for ATAS clearance before enrolling with us. If you become Conditional Firm or Unconditional Firm with us, we will send you further information about the ATAS application process by email.

English language requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not previously been educated in English must provide evidence of their English language ability to ensure they can cope with the demands of a Heriot-Watt programme taught and assessed in English. Further information about the English language tests, school-level qualifications and Heriot-Watt English language programmes currently accepted as proof of English proficiency can be found on our website.https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We realise that not everyone has an equal opportunity to evidence their full potential from school or college qualifications alone, so we use all the information you provide on your application form to assess both your current achievements and potential to thrive at university. Our minimum entry levels apply to MD20, POLAR 4 Q1 and care experienced students. Students from other widening access backgrounds may get an adjusted offer which is slightly lower than our standard entry requirements.

Learn more on the Heriot-Watt University website

International entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from the UK, Europe, and countries worldwide. If your qualification is not listed on https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/international-students/study-in-the-uk/information-for-your-country, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information about entry requirements.

Some qualifications may be suitable for direct entry to Year 2, allowing you to complete your degree in three years. If your qualifications are not suitable for direct entry to one of our undergraduate programmes, we may be able to offer you a place on one of our Foundation programmes.

As an international student, you are likely to require a Student Visa to study in the UK. Please see the FAQ section on our website at https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/international-students for further information about the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) process required for a Student Visa application. https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/international-students/study-in-the-uk/information-for-your-country

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not available

Historical entry grades data is not currently available for Heriot-Watt University - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£9790
Scotland£1820
EU & International£25808

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Subject to confirmation

Like this page