Aeronautical Engineering

Aeronautical and aerospace engineering is one of the fastest-growing industries in the UK, with extensive career opportunities in research and development, testing, and maintenance.

This course covers the basic principles of aeronautical engineering, including experimental and theoretical aerodynamics, aircraft design, flight dynamics and control, aircraft propulsion, flight simulation technologies, aircraft structures and computational aerodynamics.

Employment opportunities include careers in aeronautics and aerospace, namely aircraft aerodynamics, wind turbine design and maintenance, aviation management, defense sector, aircraft maintenance, repair and operation services (MRO).

You can study Aeronautical Engineering either as a three-year BEng (Hons) programme, or as a four-year integrated master’s. At the end of year three, you have the option of graduating with a BEng or continuing your studies for a further year for a MEng, subject to meeting the progression requirements.

Key features

Accreditation from the Institute of Engineering and Technology will help you start your journey towards Chartered Engineer status.
We are ranked in the Top 20 UK Universities for Aerospace Engineering in the Guardian University Guide 2025, highlighting our dedication to cutting-edge research, hands-on learning, and industry-focused education.

Study a range of specialist modules including Aircraft Structures and Flight Dynamics, Propulsion Systems and Manned and Unmanned Aircraft Design and Maintenance.

Benefit from the academic expertise of researchers who have experience of collaborating with international institutions such as the National Aerospace Laboratories India, Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute Russia and AMST-Systemtechnik GmbH Austria.

Our AIRFOX DISO simulator is integrated to the programme providing a first-hand experience in flight simulator technologies.

Use our instrumented low speed wind tunnel facility to understand the fundamentals of aerodynamics, test prototype aircraft models and acquire experimental skills relevant to aeronautics and wind tunnel testing.

Access industry-standard software packages used in aeronautical engineering applications and research, such as MATLAB, ANSYS and OpenFOAM, which will give you the ability to work confidently in industry.

Meet like-minded people and gain hands-on practical skills by joining our student societies, such as DMU Flyers.

Benefit from block teaching, where most students study one subject at a time. A simple timetable will allow you to really engage with your learning, receive regular feedback and assessments, get to know your course mates and enjoy a better study-life balance.

Year one

Block 1: General Engineering Tools and Principles 1

Block 2: General Engineering Tools and Principles 2

Block 3: Fundamentals of Aeronautical Design 1

Block 4: Fundamentals of Aeronautical Design 2

Year two

Block 1: Mechanical, Energy and Aeronautical Tools and Principles

Block 2: Dynamics, Instrumentation and Control

Block 3: Aircraft Structures and Flight Dynamics

Block 4: Design and Project Management

Year three

Block 1: Human Factors and Aviation Management

Block 2: Propulsion Systems

Blocks 3 and 4 Choose one of:

Modelling and Simulation for Aeronautical Projects 1 and 2

Analysis, Programming and Simulation for Aeronautical Projects 1 and 2

Materials and Design for Aeronautical Projects 1 and 2

Teaching and learning

Aeronautical Engineering is taught by knowledgeable and professionally experienced staff giving you the opportunity to gain a sound understanding of the aeronautical engineering fundamentals along with the personal skills that will enable you to study successfully and embark on a rewarding career.

A combination of different forms of teaching is used throughout Aeronautical Engineering, with an emphasis on lectures, supporting tutorials, seminars, workshops and laboratory classes.

Student-centred learning takes place through research and presentation of findings, report writing, individual and group assignments and practical-work-based exercises for the development of required skills and through understanding of delivered material.

Assessment

Assessment includes exams (unseen and open book), phase tests including multiple choice test where appropriate, group presentations, case study analysis, individual lab exercises as well as report portfolios, report and essay writing.

Contact hours

Course delivery is in block mode, which means each 30-credit module consists of a seven week teaching block. Each 30-credit module usually involves 16 hours of contact per week and we expect you to undertake at least 19 hours of independent study per module.

You can expect final year and MEng modules to require more independent study.

You deserve a positive teaching and learning experience, where you feel part of a supportive and nurturing community. That’s why most students will enjoy an innovative approach to learning using block teaching, where you will study one module at a time. You’ll benefit from regular assessments - rather than lots of exams at the end of the year - and a simple timetable that allows you to engage with your subject and enjoy other aspects of university life such as sports, societies, meeting friends and discovering your new city. By studying with the same peers and tutor for each block, you’ll build friendships and a sense of belonging.