Aircraft Engineering BEng (Hons)
Course code H414
What is special about this course?
The BEng (Hons) Aircraft Engineering course is an exciting degree that will equip you with an in-depth engineering knowledge across a broad range of modern aeronautical technologies.
If you have decided on an exhilarating career as an aeronautical engineer, this course will provide the knowledge and skills you need to analyse complex aircraft engineering situations and solve aeronautical engineering problems.
If you would like to specifically become a licenced aircraft engineer, you may wish to apply to our BSc (Hons) Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and Management instead as it is tailored for this specific job role.
The degree is IEng accredited with the Royal Aeronautical Society.
Special features
- The degree is highly relevant to modern aircraft industries and we have good links with the aviation industry
- Features optional modules in years 3 and 4. The optional modules both vary in content and aim at diversifying your knowledge and skills. There is also potential to actively engage with the industry through a work placement module
Entry requirements
- For September 2023, entry to this course is only available into year 3, via an HND Aircraft Engineering (with a grade B in the Graded Unit 2) OR
- An HND/DipHE award in another engineering discipline
- Applicants who are currently (or were very recently) working within the aircraft maintenance industry, with a minimum of two years' experience as a certifying Licenced Aircraft Engineer, may be considered for level 9 entry on a case by case basis
Direct entry to year 4:
- In certain circumstances, entry to the honours year may be possible with a BEng/BSc in an engineering-related discipline. This will be subject to normal university regulations for Recognition of Prior Learning and will be considered on a case-by-case basis
Year 1 - HNC
Please apply to the HNC Aircraft Engineering if you wish to study the first year of this course.
Year 2 - HND
Please apply to the HND Aircraft Engineering if you wish to study the second year of this course.
Year 3 - BEng
Core modules are:
- Aircraft and engine performance
- Aircraft design
- Aircraft reliability and fault diagnosis
- Avionics
Optional modules include:
- Work placement (subject to availability)
- Group project
- Renewable energy generation
Year 4 - BEng (Hons)
Core modules are:
- Engineering project and project management
- Advanced aircraft and engine performance
- Advanced aircraft design
Optional modules include:
- Aviation crisis management
- Sustainable aviation
- Future energy systems
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- You will learn through a combination of face-to-face lectures and tutorials, laboratory and simulation exercises, practical workshops, and online study via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors
- You will also undertake case studies and individual assignments, group work, project work and directed study
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 4 years @ 40 hours per week (including Year 1 HNC Aircraft Engineering and year 2 HND Aircraft Engineering)
Number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent in lectures and your own time spent on individual study and research.
Where can I study my course?
- Perth
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Study Mode | 2022-23 | 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £1,820 | £1,820 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £645 | £915 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £215 | £305 |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term-time address in Scotland, studying full time, the following fees apply:
| Year | Level | 2022-23 Full-time | 2023-24 Full-time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CertHE | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 4 | Honours | free | free |
4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,542.
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK and EU students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. Students will get an automatic scholarship of £4,000 per annum and the 4th year of study will be free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Year | Level | 2022-23 Full-time | With scholarship | 2023-24 Full-time | With scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CertHE | £14,310 | £10,310 | £15,360 | £11,360 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £14,310 | £10,310 | £15,360 | £11,360 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £14,310 | £10,310 | £15,360 | £11,360 |
| Year 4 | Honours | Free | Free | Free | Free |
Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| Study Mode | 2022-23 | 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year (120 credit modules) per year | £14,310 | £15,360 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £7,155 | £7,680 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £2,385 | £2,560 |
Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
Further information on international course fees.
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Once you have successfully completed your BEng (Hons) Aircraft Engineering course, you might like to consider the following careers or sectors:
- Engineering management
- Aircraft design engineer
- Aircraft stress engineer
- Performance engineer
- Engineering procurement and asset management
- Technical services or support engineer
- Reliability and planning engineer
- Propulsion engineer
- Quality and safety engineer
- Aircraft systems engineer
- Aircraft maintenance engineer
- Aircraft and equipment sales
- Operations and logistics manager
Can I progress into further study?
On successful completion of the BEng (Hons) Aircraft Engineering you may progress to the MBA Business Administration (Aviation).
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
I chose this course as I have a passion for aviation and I want to become a commercial pilot. What I like most about my course is the range of subjects and the content within them.
My qualification will provide me with a stepping stone for my future ambitions – expanding my knowledge to enter the aviation industry. After university, I plan to do a masters and then work for a year gaining industrial experience before I commence pilot training.
If you have an ambition, and passion for the aviation industry, then I would definitely recommend that people study here.
Nurina Sharmin studied on the BEng (Hons) Aircraft Engineering at Perth College UHI.
I was top of the class, with the highest grade point average, and was also presented with both the UHI Student Research of the Year, and the Aircraft Engineering Best Operational Research Project awards. In May 2016, I was offered the Carnegie Trust Postgraduate Scholarship and I'm now undertaking my MSc in Air Transport Operations and Management while working at Glasgow Airport as a flight dispatcher and gate coordinator. I am an ambassador for women in aviation and STEM, and have given numerous careers' events presentations and talks, promoting aviation, further education, and women in engineering.
Rebekah Watson, graduated with a first class honours in Aircraft Engineering from Perth College UHI. She is now studying on the university's MSc in Air Transport Operations and Management.
The Aircraft Engineering degree allows you to study a broad range of subjects and gain an understanding of specialist topics. Anyone with an interest in aircraft engineering should seriously consider this course at Perth College UHI - it's an excellent place to study your degree.
Jennifer Insley, 2017 BEng (Hons) Aircraft Engineering graduate, Perth College UHI campus.
Apply for Aircraft Engineering BEng (Hons)
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