Aviation Engineering BEng (Hons)
Subject and course type
- Engineering: Aerospace, Aviation and Aircraft
- Undergraduate
Prepare for a future career in aviation engineering with the Aviation Engineering BEng (Hons) degree course from Kingston University. This course aligns with the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) and meets the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineering (IEng) Membership of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS).
You are reading:
Gain the skills to design, manufacture and maintain aircraft
You’ll benefit from our successful history working alongside the aviation industry to successfully place Kingston graduates.
For example, around Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
At our Penrhyn Road campus, you will have access to a modern environment with the latest technology and industry-standard equipment, including:
- extensive materials and structures facility for concrete, masonry, steel and timber
- geotechnical and hydraulics testing facilities
- surveying equipment, such as satellite global-positioning systems
- dedicated computer-aided design facilities, such as:
- a range of CAD/CAM packages, such as Ideas, SolidWorks and AutoCAD
- finite element analysis
- computational fluid dynamics
- virtual instrumentation
Soon after starting my final year, I applied and received conditional job offers from Thales UK, Airbus UK and Shell. I'm now currently working as a systems engineer within flight simulation. I write software for flight simulators which often involves travelling across the UK and the world, most notably northern England, Scotland and Dubai.
Why choose this course
If you’re considering an engineering career in aviation, this is the ideal degree course for you.
Throughout the course, you will learn via a combination of theory and practical skills. You’ll study aerodynamics, propulsion, structures and materials, analysis of structures using FEA & CAD, as well as the science and performance of aircraft. Through practical work in laboratories and workshops, you will apply the engineering principles you learn and refine your skills.
As a result, this course will prepare you to work in a range of areas. For example, aircraft maintenance, airworthiness, aviation management, logistics, systems integration, design, support, manufacturing, and air transport economics.
This degree will also equip you with valuable skills for your future career, such as effective communication, presenting, team-working, planning and project management.
Students on this course can study the first two years at the Asian Aviation Centre in Sri Lanka, and then transfer to study the final year of their degree at Kingston University London. Find out more in the Sri Lanka section on our page for country-specific information.
Accreditations
The course is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society and aligns with the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) and meets the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineering (IEng) Membership of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS).
This course is undergoing routine renewal in 2024/25 academic year.
Course content
Year 1
In Year 1, you will acquire the fundamental engineering knowledge and skills building a solid foundation for students to undertake a deeper study in Year 2. You will have the opportunity to carry out hands-on practical work in laboratories and workshops throughout the programme. Most modules are designed to develop key employability skills such as communication, presentation, team-working, planning and project management.
In Year 1, there is a clear structure and guidance for your learning, with an emphasis on the acquisition of fundamental engineering knowledge and skills (e.g. Mathematics and IT), practical skills, design skills and the initial development of Future Skills.
Core modules
15 credits
This module introduces the students to the basic knowledge of the aviation industry and the options for various career opportunities. The module is mainly delivered through face-to-face lectures and some tutorials. The module also introduces students to the challenges the industry may face in the future.
15 credits
This module introduces mechanical engineering students to the fundamentals of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. The fluid mechanics section covers the fundamental properties of fluids along with the main basic conservation equations and their engineering applications. It also introduces the concept of dimensions and the SI units of measurement.
Thermodynamics section deals with the relationship between heat and other forms of energy. A variety of topics of engineering and science are dependent on various thermodynamics concepts. You can find applications of thermodynamics everywhere, such as in internal combustion engine or sitting in a room with the air conditioning. The thermodynamics laws that govern the behaviour of various systems will be discussed in depth as they find applications in a variety of disciplines.
The module is primarily delivered through lectures supported by tutorial sessions and laboratory-based practical sessions.
15 credits
The aim of this module is to provide a thorough background in engineering mathematics and equip students with the mathematical skills essential for solving engineering problems. The topics introduced will serve as basic tools for studies in many engineering subjects. This comprises algebra, functions, statistics and probability, trigonometry, calculus, differential equations and vectors.
Students will be empowered to understand and be able to use the language and methods of mathematics in the description, analysis and design of engineering systems. The emphasis is on using mathematical tools to solve engineering problems. The computing software used will typically include MATLAB and Excel.
15 credits
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-specific professional body learning outcomes.
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 begin to develop a design thinking approach to Future Skills development.
30 credits
The principal aim of this module is to provide students with a flavour of what is involved in engineering design and to develop the good academic and professional practice needed to succeed during the course and attain professional status.
The module introduces the key aspects involved in planning a project from start to finish, design processes incorporating a sustainability agenda, building an awareness of the interactions across various disciplines, regulatory frameworks and Health and Safety procedures.
The module develops good academic and professional practice by developing skills in self-reflection and recording professional development.
The basic principles of measurement and manufacturing processes in a workshop and testing environment are also addressed in the module.
The module also involves the IMechE Design Challenge as a part of the curriculum, to provide the students with a flavour of how to work in teams to produce engineering artefacts that are capable of accomplishing tasks, as well as developing interpersonal skills in order to enhance the student's employability.
30 credits
The module introduces students to the fundamentals of structural analysis (statics and dynamics) and the mechanical behaviour of a broad range of engineering materials. The mechanics part provides an understanding of the behaviour of particles and rigid bodies whilst stationary and in motion. Bodies such as trusses in equilibrium are studied and the external and internal parameters including force, moment, stress, or strain are defined and calculated.
The analysis of structural components will be developed with theoretical and numerical skills that are necessary in the design of real structures. This section also introduces the dynamics of particles and rigid bodies with their engineering applications. Material test methods will be used to determine the deformations and failures of the various engineering materials.
A selection of materials for engineering applications, such as metals, alloys, polymers, and composites, will be studied including their carbon footprint and their impact on the environment. The module is primarily delivered through lectures supported by tutorial sessions and laboratory-based practical sessions.
Year 2
In Year 2, there will be an increased expectation of independent study, supported by a reduced emphasis on the use of traditional lectures. You will study the engineering principles underpinning aircraft technologies such as aerodynamics, propulsion, structures and materials science and performance of aircraft. You will study aircraft maintenance operations, aircraft systems, airworthiness, and air transport economics. You will also learn to design and make aircraft structures using computational skills such as CAD and FEA. You will have problems based learning and interdisciplinary group work to tackle a live, real-world problem supplied by a well-known company or organisation.
Core modules
30 credits
This module is designed to give students a broad understanding of the operation of the major systems typically found on an aircraft. It will use a systems engineering perspective to look at the interaction of the systems. It will also review the maintenance requirements of these systems and more generally how aircraft maintenance is planned, delivered and regulated.
30 credits
This module covers aerodynamics, propulsion, the application of advanced engineering materials in the design of aerospace components, and introduction to virtual design methods (CAD,FEM and FEA). It considers low speed aerodynamics of aircraft.
The module starts with low-speed aerodynamics, discussing the fundamental principles of fluid flow and aerofoil properties. Then it introduces the concept of steady level flight performance, aerodynamic principles and boundary layer flows. The approach to design and materials selection are demonstrated and areas of the design process are methodically examined. Aspects of the design process that are particular to aerospace components and assemblies are emphasised, along with the terminology associated with typical engineering design tools.
The module is primarily delivered through interactive lectures, tutorials, and problem-solving classes, flipped classes. The laboratories include a large wind tunnel, composite manufacturing and testing and FEA/CAD computing laboratories.
15 credits
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the applied mathematical techniques that enable operational organisations to achieve efficiency and productivity. The focus of the teaching is on airline operations, but the techniques taught are equally applicable to other transport industries which share similar operational challenges. It is also used to reinforce the applied statistics that have been taught earlier in the module.
15 credits
This module presents that mathematical techniques used to evaluate the response of an aircraft to control inputs. It will deal with the concepts from classical control theory, including feedback control systems and analysis of their response and the effects of the feedback loop. In order to improve students' employability, a range of engineering programming tools are used to model and analyse the performance of engineering systems, enabling learning of the functionality of control analysis and design software.
15 credits
The module aims to familiarise students with the knowledge of basic theories and methodologies for safety analysis and risk assessment in different aviation environments and with the concept and practicality of a ‘Safety Management System'. It also used to reinforce the applied statistics that has been taught earlier in the module.
15 credits
This module considers the principles and practices for the design and management of engineering projects. The nature of engineering project management is discussed in the context of constraints on quality, time, risk, and sustainability. The module broadens the student's knowledge of how organisations undertake and monitor projects.
The module is skills-rich, including the development of teamworking, interpersonal and interdisciplinary skills, critical self-reflection, communication and presentation, time management, and the ability to organise, strategize and prioritise.
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. The teamwork project enables students to demonstrate their ability to explore and contextualise their subject specific knowledge and helps prepare them for their individual project in Level 6.
Year 3
In Year 3, you will study advanced materials and structures, propulsion and performance, aircraft maintenance, airworthiness and air transport economics. The assessment tasks in Year 3 focus on the real world-engineering activities that enhance students' employability. In Year 3, you will also learn about maintenance logistics, maintenance cost drivers and the key aspects of project planning. You will apply business methods to assess the economic and financial aspects of air transport and/or engineering projects. In this final year, you will be expected to select and apply requisite practical skills in your own independent research work in the Individual Project module.
Core modules
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 students' 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.
30 credits
Working on a topic of their own choosing, the student, with minimal guidance from their supervisor, should apply approximately 285 hours of individual time into the analysis of the problem and determination of the best solution or course of action. That 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 operational or engineering nature.
15 credits
Throughout their studies, students have studied material that has been focused on a specific role or roles within the air transport industry whether it be aircraft design, maintenance, operations or repair and overhaul. The aim of this module is to take a step back and explore how employers within the various sectors of the air transport industry combine all these functions in order to make a profit.
15 credits
This module provides an understanding of the fundamentals and the application of advanced engineering materials for aerospace applications. This module also covers an introduction to aircraft structures and engineering beam theory. The module covers approach to design components based on materials properties are demonstrated and areas of the design process are methodically examined. The module is primarily delivered through interactive lectures, tutorials, and problem-solving, flipped classes.
15 credits
This module is designed for students from a range of aerospace related programmes. It provides understanding of the principles of aerodynamics and thermodynamics and how these can be used to perform propulsion calculation and performance analysis. Performance of both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft configurations are studies in this module.
30 credits
This module is designed to encourage independent learning and develop the skills required of those holding senior posts in the aviation industry; particularly in the field of aircraft maintenance. It therefore provides an ideal opportunity for the student to develop and demonstrate a number of intellectual, practical and transferable skills.
The module starts by briefly examining maintenance cost drivers, airline logistic support processes and cooperative logistic support strategies before moving onto project planning. In project planning, the basic processes of determining tasks, writing aims and objectives and estimating time are considered before looking at the planning and mapping of projects using network diagrams and finally network analysis.
Extended degree with foundation year
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.
Future Skills and career opportunities
Graduates from this course go on to pursue career opportunities in maintenance and licensed aircraft engineering, certification, quality assurance, logistics, planning, design, technical services, production and control engineering. Graduate employers include the military as well as civil aviation and aerospace companies.
Embedded within the Aviation 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.
I started working with Starling Aerospace in 2016, before even completing my MSc and in October 2018 I joined Pall Corporation as a certification engineer. I believe that I am made in Kingston.
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
Scheduled learning and teaching on this course includes timetabled activities including lectures, seminars and small group tutorials. It may also include placements, project work, workshops, workshops in computer labs, and laboratory workshops.
Outside the scheduled learning and teaching hours, you will learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, preparing for and completing your work for assessments. Some independent study work may need to be completed on-campus, as you may need to access campus-based facilities such as studios and labs.
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.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 120 credits across a year (typical for an undergraduate course) would equate to 1,200 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below for each year of study. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- Year 1: 31% scheduled learning and teaching
- Year 2: 32% scheduled learning and teaching
- Year 3: 21% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Types of assessment
- Year 1: Coursework 50%; exams 45%; practical 5%
- Year 2: Coursework 50%; exams 40%; practical 10%
- Year 3: Coursework 60%; exams 30%; practical 10%
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.
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 15 students and lecture sizes are normally 15–140. However, this can vary by module and academic year.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | £9,535* |
| International | |
| Year 1 (2026/27): | £19,600 |
| Year 2 (2027/28): | £20,400 |
| Year 3 (2028/29): | £21,200 |
| Year 4 (2029/30): | £22,100 |
The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2026/27 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.
I decided to enrol at Kingston University as it was one of a select few universities that had a wide range of aerospace courses in both aeronautic and astronautic fields.
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.
Aerospace engineering at Kingston University has truly contributed most significantly to where I'm currently at, where I attained a first class in my final year dissertation.
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
In my final year I was able to join the international society, getting to know individuals of different faiths, origins and interests. I also won a runner-up cash prize and an award on my graduation day for the individual engineering poster competition.
I come from a small town in India with big dreams to achieve. From a very young age, I wanted to go to London to further my studies. There is a profound heritage about aerospace in Kingston University and therefore I chose to study here. I will be always grateful to the support I received from Kingston University and especially to the course director, Dr Sing Lo. The University helped me to grow both academically and professionally.
In my spare time I fly light aircraft, after carrying out flying lessons, most notably in Cessna 152s and Piper 28s. I've also supported Thales with flying drones during open days, and am now taking my drone licence.
Key information
The scrolling banner below displays some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
