Aircraft Engineering BEng (Hons)
Subject and course type
- Engineering: Aerospace, Aviation and Aircraft
- Undergraduate
This is the only UK degree that mirrors the requirements of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Part-147-approved courses. It covers all the knowledge requirements specified in the EASA category B1.1 aircraft maintenance engineering licence syllabus (Part 66). This degree is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) as meeting the requirements for IEng registration with the Engineering Council.
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Discover your role in designing, constructing and powering aircraft
Prepare for a future career in aircraft engineering
At Cardiff and Vale College, our Aircraft Engineering BEng (Hons) students benefit from the outstanding facilities provided by our training centre, ICAT (International Centre for Aerospace Training).
ICAT is a purpose-built aerospace campus and a recognised centre of excellence in education and training. It has gained approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as a Part-147 Aircraft Maintenance Training Organisation.
Our ICAT campus is fully equipped with classrooms, laboratories and specialist equipment. It also has an aircraft hangar containing a portable Aero Wind Tunnel, Hydraulic Training rigs and equipment, and two aircraft: A Bulldog TMk1 Basic Flying Trainer and a Jetstream TMk2 multi-engine observer trainer.
You will have the opportunity to train in our Gas Turbines area, which houses a range of Gas Turbine Engines. These include Rolls-Royce RB211 Triple Spool High By-pass ratio, Avon Turbojet and Ardour Twin Spool Low By-pass ration engines.
I found this course very beneficial and it has helped me to build a successful career.
Why choose this course
Are you considering a career in aircraft maintenance? This degree will set you on the path to becoming an aircraft maintenance engineer in the future.
Your studies will include hands-on experience of aircraft component and equipment replacement, inspection, condition monitoring, fault diagnosis and rectification. You'll become familiar with the work environment and the legal requirements relating to commercial aircraft.
You’ll also study aircraft design, materials, manufacturing, vibration theory and thermofluids. And become familiarised with computer-aided design and project management skills, to ensure you graduate with the skills you need to succeed in a demanding and rewarding engineering career.
Accreditation
This is the only UK degree that mirrors the requirements of CAA Part-147 approved courses. As such, it is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society as meeting the requirements for IEng registration with the Engineering Council.
Course content
Alongside academic modules, work-based modules provide you with hands-on experience of aircraft component and equipment replacement, inspection, condition monitoring, and fault diagnosis and rectification. You will gain an understanding of the work environment and legal requirements relating to the operation of commercial aircraft.
The course covers all the knowledge requirements specified in the EASA category B1.1 aircraft maintenance engineering licence syllabus (Part 66). It introduces you to practical and maintenance skills, and provides you with opportunities to practise and develop these skills.
This course is designed specifically to set you on the path for a career as an aircraft maintenance engineer in the aviation industry. It will give you the confidence and skills necessary to become a maintenance manager of the future.
If you would like to study one of our engineering degrees at Kingston University but are not yet ready for Year 1 of an undergraduate course, a foundation year is ideal.
Year 1
In Year 1 you will also gain higher education study skills and other interpersonal skills necessary for completion of the course.
Core modules
30.00 credits
This module comprises both theory and practical. The theory is delivered in a series of lectures and the practical involves the student completing a series of laboratory sessions designed to reinforce the knowledge gained in the lectures.
The module starts by looking at electrical charge and how electricity is created, before moving on to look at passive components such as resistors, capacitors and inductors and how they behave in simple direct current (d.c.) circuits. The study of inductors leads nicely into the topic of magnetism and then onto d.c. generators and motors which starts by exploring the fundamental principles of machines before moving on to look at various basic types.
The second part of the module focuses on alternating current (a.c.). Firstly passive components are revisited, this time in basic a.c. circuits. The relationship between: resistance, reactance and impedance; voltage, current and impedance; and reactive, true and apparent power are examined in the class and tutorial sessions whilst simple circuits containing combinations of resistors, capacitors and inductors are explored in the laboratory. Induction is then revisited for transformers before the final section which covers the theoretical aspects of a.c. generators and motors before looking at typical aircraft a.c. machines.
15 credits
This module will initially establish the need for a standard atmosphere (ISA) and describe the properties of the atmosphere as applicable to aerodynamics. The module will investigate the airflow around a body and the generation of lift and drag. Relevant terminology and formulae will be introduced and calculations performed. The module will go on to discuss lift augmentation and stability; specifying design features affecting these. High speed flight is then discussed, including design features associated with critical Mach number. The module will conclude with a look at the characteristics of aerofoils at all speeds of flight.
15 credits
This module introduces and provides an opportunity for students to develop the academic skills needed to successfully complete a Higher Education (HE) programme and the basic communication skills needed to become an aircraft maintenance engineer.
The academic element of the module will cover basic research techniques, report writing, referencing, use of IT, maintaining digital records, the fundamentals of working in teams, maintaining a study journal, understanding and using feedback, reflection and personal development through a series of scheduled learning sessions that will comprise a mixture of presentation, lecture, discussion, workshop and tutorial. Students will maintain a study journal a portfolio of evidence that will be used for both formative and summative assessment purposes. The majority of the material needed for these two documents will be derived from work completed for the other modules in the year.
Students are introduced to their course learning aims and consider their anticipated learning targets from induction to graduation. 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. Students are tutored in a range of learning to learn techniques 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 develop a design thinking approach to Future Skills.
30.00 credits
This module covers all of the topics in the EASA part-66 Mathematics and Physics syllabuses, and provides the knowledge and understanding sufficient for the students to take the associated EASA category B licence examinations that must be passed in order to become an aircraft maintenance engineer.
It also extends the mathematics knowledge to a level sufficient to underpin key engineering principles and prepare students for the mathematics in the level 6 modules of the programme and further study. Additional topics beyond EASA Mathematics and Physics syllabuses include but not limited to: probability, statistical methods and applications, matrix algebra, vectors, applications of calculus and elementary differential equations.
To become a design engineer a student would need to complete some additional mathematics and science study at level 5.
15 credits
This module is a combination of electronics, digital techniques and aircraft digital systems. The electronics section starts by looking at the building block of semiconductor components: the P-N junction, this is followed by a look at the characteristics, uses, and basic testing of diodes and transistors.
Basic logic gates are then introduced, and combinational and sequential logic circuits examined. Op amps are studied and basic A to D and D to A conversion techniques investigated. The section concludes with look at the transducers and synchronous data transmission systems found on aircraft.
In digital techniques, computer terminology and the basic layout and operation of computers is studied before looking at the use of computer technology in aircraft. Aircraft specific databus systems and displays techniques are also studied prior to moving onto the final section of the module: digital systems.
The last section involves investigating the layout, operation and built-in-test equipment (BITE) of a selection of electronic and digital aircraft systems including: Electronic Flight Instrument systems (EFIS), Electronic Centralised Aircraft Monitor system (ECAM), Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System (EICAS), Fly-by-Wire (FBW), Inertial Reference Systems (IRS), and the Flight Management System (FMS)
15 credits
The aircraft element of the module will give students an opportunity to develop basic hand and aircraft maintenance skills. This is a Level 4 module for the School of Engineering and the Environment (SEE) students. The module will explore the environmental, economic, and social problems that society faces and encourage students to find their own sustainable innovative solutions.
Focusing on the 21st-century environmental and climate change challenges, the students will learn, explore, debate, and work in teams and will be challenged to:
- unleash the interconnectedness among topics such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Net Zero Carbon, and Circular Economy
- identify approaches to problem-solving in real-world scenarios
Year 2
In Years 2 and 3, you will develop these skills to improve your career prospects and enable you to complete further study.
Core modules
30.00 credits
This module is designed to introduce students to the wider issues and challenges associated with being an aircraft engineer in the 21st century. Specifically, the social, environmental and sustainability issues that are shaping our approach to our work. This module also introduces students to the engineering design process: to manage the design process from initial idea generation to the delivery of fully formed product or process to meet customer needs, while taking account of constraints.
A number of scheduled sessions will be used to introduce students to various topics in the module such as research, data collection, academic writing, project planning and network analysis. The engineering design process is introduced through a number of case study tasks. A small group design task will be used to provide students with an opportunity to test their ability to develop a systematic approach to solve an engineering problem, taking into consideration social, economic, environmental and legislative constraints. There will be further sessions to introduce students to the use of statistical methods to maximise reliability in Engineering Design.
However, the majority of this module is delivered as an independent study with tutor support. As with AE4004, students are expected to maintain a study journal and produce a portfolio of evidence that will be used for both the summative and formative assessment of the module. The journal and portfolio will be reviewed regularly by members of the teaching team and personal tutors who will provide guidance, advice and feedback on the contents; although in this module, students will be expected to be more proactive in maintaining the study journal and sourcing material for the portfolio.
15 credits
Students will demonstrate a developing awareness of the skills required to operate as a professional in their subject area. These skills will include the development of teamworking, interpersonal and interdisciplinary skills, critical self-reflection, communication and presentation, time management, and the ability to organise, strategise and prioritise.
Students will develop their personal development plan (via their digital skills portfolio) and begin to explore and evidence how these acquired skills are applied across the portfolio of modules at Level 5.
A key element of this module will be the participation in an inter-disciplinary design thinking project. Students will contextualise their subject-specific knowledge, skills and behaviours as an interdisciplinary team member charged with developing a solution to a designated sustainability challenge.
30 credits
This module introduces and provides an opportunity for students to develop the hand skills and basic maintenance skills needed to an aircraft maintenance engineer. The module is not intended to turn the student into skilled experts; rather it is designed to provide a thorough introduction and solid grounding for further training, practice and development.
The hand-skills experience will include: reading engineering drawings, marking out, cutting, filing, drilling, and thread cutting etc. Initially students will be closely supported and guided; however, as the module progresses, the students' dependence on staff is expected to decrease and the tolerances to which they work increase. The maintenance skills will include: using maintenance manuals, following procedures, completing documentation and fundamental maintenance activities such as: identifying parts, wire-locking, panel removal and refitment, torque loading, assembly and disassembly. At all times throughout the module, students will be expected to display maturity, integrity, good work practices and have a responsible attitude towards safety.
This module also gives students an opportunity to practice and demonstrate that they are capable of independent learning. Students will be given access to a CAD package and expected to learn how to use it by reviewing and completing tutorials; and using help pages and any other resources they are able to locate. Students will be expected to maintain a log book of their experience and complete a CAD-based assignment that will form part of the module assessment strategy. The experience gained and feedback received from maintaining the log book will be beneficial to the students when completing projects in the third year of the programme.
15 credits
This module first discusses the operation of the electrical systems and avionics systems including but not limited to: electrical power generation and management, lighting. In each case, the depth of study will be sufficient to enable the student to describe the layout of each system, explain its operation and interaction with other aircraft systems and, given a period of time to gain some practical experience, determine the serviceability of the system and investigate and identify basic faults in it.
Practical maintenance experience, fault-finding techniques and an understanding of maintenance procedures and the appropriate action to be taken in the event of finding defects will be gained from other modules in the programme The module also examines aircraft instrument systems including: pitot-static for measuring airspeed and altitude, remote and direct reading compasses, gyroscopic flight instruments; and a number of avionic systems including: on-board maintenance, integrated modular avionics, cabin and information.
15 credits
30 credits
This module comprises two parts; the first looks at aircraft materials and hardware and the second covers the theoretical aspects of aircraft maintenance practices. The practical work associated with this module takes place in other modules in the programme.
Part one of this module starts by exploring the characteristics, properties, applications and typical heat treatments of aircraft ferrous and non-ferrous metals before looking at the properties, characteristics and how to repair typical aircraft composite and non-metallic materials. The content of this element extends beyond the EASA syllabus and there will be a greater emphasis on the mechanical and physical characteristics of material, their time dependent behaviour, behaviour under various loading conditions and features related to the service environment. The module also looks at the selection and application of different types of materials in engineering applications. Where appropriate, state-of-the-art problems will be discussed to illustrate the structure-property relationship in materials. The final topic of this part covers aircraft hardware, here the properties, characteristics, uses and identification of fasteners, pipes, bearings, transmission systems, flying controls, and aircraft electrical cables and connectors are examined.
Part two provides students with the knowledge required to select and use the tools, materials, drawings and equipment necessary to perform aircraft maintenance tasks. It also provides them with the knowledge needed to enable them to work effectively and safely in an aircraft maintenance environment. Topics covered include: tools and equipment and their use, aircraft drawings and manuals, inspection and tolerance checking, electrical measurements, disassembly and reassembly, aircraft weighing and weight and balance calculations, aircraft handling; corrosion prevention removal, assessment and re-protection, non-destructive testing, aircraft storage and preservation and finally aircraft maintenance procedures.
Year 3
In Years 2 and 3, you will develop these skills to improve your career prospects and enable you to complete further study.
Core modules
15 credits
15 credits
Students will demonstrate the ability to apply their developing professional skills competencies in their chosen area and will ensure they have a broad understanding of the business environment in which professional activities are undertaken. The module will develop the student's technical, management and interpersonal skills required to perform in a team environment and prepare the students for employment and entrepreneurship.
Students will participate in Kingston University's Bright Ideas competition where they will work together as a team to develop a business idea of their choice. To do this they will need to interact with relevant stakeholders outside the University.
Students will be guided to interact with professional and learning communities beyond the University and reflect on these interactions. This may include participation in co-curricular events such as subject-specific and career development events (e.g. talks, workshops, speed interviews), networking opportunities offered by the subject-specific professional bodies, exploring pathways to professional chartership/membership, leveraging interactions with professionals in the development of the final year research project and, reflecting on the co-benefits of these interactions.
15 credits
The module looks at the aerodynamics principles of propellers, their construction and performance, before looking at propeller assemblies and associated control and monitoring systems. Topics covered include: propeller pitch control, over-speed mechanisms, protection devices, synchronising and synchrophasing.
30 credits
The overarching aim of this individual project module is to provide each student with the opportunity to impress. Working on a topic of their own choosing, the student, with minimal guidance from their supervisor, should apply approximately 300 hours of individual effort into the analysis of a problem and determination of the best solution and/or course of action. The analysis can take a variety of forms ranging from an in-depth comparison of a number of already documented potential solutions to the collection and comparison of experimental and theoretical data. The topic investigated should ideally be of an aircraft maintenance or engineering nature, though other topics may be permitted with the agreement of the module leader.
By completing a capstone project of this type, each student is able to demonstrate that they can draw together the information from all the other teaching and learning on the course and past learning and experience; and through innovation and analysis, demonstrate that they truly are independent learners.
15 credits
The principles of operation of gas turbine engines are examined using fundamental laws of physics and the performance of a range of aircraft propulsion systems are assessed. The module also looks at the construction of typical engines by examining the various component parts (stages) of engines in detail. The layout and operation of engine systems (fuel, lubrication, air distribution, anti-icing, starting, ignition, power augmentation and fire systems) are also studied followed by engine monitoring, ground operation and storage. The engines element of the module concludes by examining the construction and operation of typical engine measuring and indication systems.
30 credits
Students will be given a group exercise in which they work together to produce a realistic and cost effective maintenance solution for an airline operation. The details of which (routes, flight schedule, aircraft details etc.) are provided by the course team. 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. 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.
During the module students will be expected to display maturity, integrity and responsibility, and will need to demonstrate key skills such as: problem-solving; time management and planning; interpersonal communication; and the ability to work as an individual or as a member of a team. By the end of the module, students will be expected to have demonstrated that they are capable of performing maintenance tasks confidently, correctly and safely with minimal supervision, whilst still appreciating and understanding that they still have a lot to learn.
Future Skills and career opportunities
Graduates from this course go on to work as aircraft maintenance engineers, aircraft maintenance supervisors, air service people and programme managers. Employers include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, KLM UK Engineering and Monarch Airlines.
The forerunner to this course, the Aircraft Engineering Foundation Degree, plus the BSc (Hons) top-up, was delivered for 13 years (2001 to 2013). During that time, many hundreds of students achieved the foundation award and went on to careers in the aircraft maintenance industry. In addition, several hundred practising licensed engineers completed the honours top-up to complement their vocational licence.
Therefore, you will most likely find an ex-Kingston aircraft engineering student in almost every maintenance organisation in the UK, as well as in many organisations overseas.
How to become a licensed aircraft engineer
Categories of licence and the routes to gaining them
Category B is the mainstay licence qualification for aircraft maintenance staff under EASA. Category B Licences are available in two main categories:
- B1 – mechanical (aircraft structure, power plant and mechanical and electrical systems) which is divided into four sub-categories.
- B2 – avionics (communications, navigation, radar, instrument and electrical systems).
How do I get a licence?
There are two basic routes to an EASA licence: the self-starter route and the EASA Part-147 approved course route:
- Self-starter route: You need to study for the EASA examinations associated with the category of licence you are seeking and then sit the exams at an approved EASA examination centre. To gain the knowledge needed to take the examinations, you can self-study or complete short courses or distance learning courses. A lot of providers are available and these can be found on the internet. If you follow this route, you will need to gain five years of maintenance experience on the appropriate category of aircraft in addition to passing all of the examinations before you can apply for a licence.
- The EASA Part-147 approved course route: Part-147 approved courses are typically two to three years in duration. However, once you have completed this course, you only need to obtain two years' maintenance experience before applying to the CAA for your B Licence. Another benefit of this route is that the EASA assessment will normally be part of the course and based on the material you are taught. This means, when you are trying to get a job to obtain the required work experience, you are applying from a position of strength, having completed a worldwide, industry-recognised course.
For more detailed information on how to obtain a Part 66 Licence please visit the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (see Implementing Rules – Part 66) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) websites.
Embedded within the Aircraft 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. You’ll also learn how to articulate to employers how being able to do so gives you the edge.
At Kingston University, 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
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for final assignments. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
Our academic support team here at Kingston University 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 Kingston University.
Type of learning and teaching
Year 1
- Scheduled learning and teaching: 420 hours
- Guided independent study (self-managed time): 780 hours
Year 2
- Scheduled learning and teaching: 480 hours
- Guided independent study (self-managed time): 720 hours
Year 3
- Scheduled learning and teaching: 354 hours
- Guided independent study (self-managed time): 846 hours
Type of assessment
Year 1
- Coursework: 40%
- Exams: 60%
Year 2
- Coursework: 40%
- Practical: 20%
- Exams: 40%
Year 3
- Coursework: 53%
- Practical: 5%
- Exams: 42%
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 20 students and lecture sizes are normally 20-30. However this can vary by module and academic year.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | £9,535* |
| International | |
| Year 1 (2025/26): | £18,500 |
| Year 2 (2026/27): | £19,200 |
| Year 3 (2027/28): | £19,900 |
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.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll 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 £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £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 £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t 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. Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year.
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
Programme Specifications 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
The teaching here is really very good. We get on very well with the lecturers – they care about us and have an interest in their subject because they have worked as engineers for ages. We also do lots of practical work. If you are just sitting in a classroom all day long, you do learn, but it's not the same as getting to go out there and actually using your knowledge. It's much more interesting that way.
My learning experiences at Kingston were very pleasant and the lecturers were very knowledgeable and easy to work with. Since my first day on the course, until I graduated, my learning curve has never showed any sign of slowing down. After I completed the Foundation Degree and EASA B1 Theoretical, I was offered a job at KLM UK Engineering as a graduate certifying mechanic. I then took another job in Munich International Airport Germany in an MRO as a certifying technician.
