2024 Top 25 Best Aviation Universities In UK For Aerospace Engineering
Best Universities To Study Aviation In UK (Insights Into Aviation Funding): There have been many changes going on within the framework of aviation and aerospace industry in last few decades. People are increasingly interested in developing their careers in these areas for the value that it provides. Many people would like to pursue education in these fields, but before enrolling for an Aviation course one should keep a few risks and costs at hand.
Best Aviation Universities In UK For Aerospace Engineering:
Are you looking to attend a top university or college in the United Kingdom for your aviation course? Here are 25 of the best universities and colleges that offer aviation courses
1. University of Manchester:
| School Name: | University of Manchester |
| Fees: | UK students: £9,250 International students: £21,000 |
| Degree type: | Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees |
| Duration: | 3-5 years |
The University of Manchester is a public research university in Manchester, England. The main campus is south of Manchester City Centre on Oxford Road. University of Manchester offers several courses and program on aviation.
Here are the list of aviation degrees awarded by University of Manchester:
- Aerospace Engineering BEng,
- Aerospace Engineering MEng,
- Aerospace Engineering with an Integrated Foundation Year,
- Aerospace Engineering with Industrial Experience,
- Aerospace Engineering with Management,
- MSc Aerospace Engineering
Entry Requirements:
Typical A-level offer – A*AA in Mathematics, Physics and one other subject.
- Typical contextual A-level offer
AAA in Mathematics, Physics and one other subject.
Factors contributing to a successful application include:
- Past academic performance
- Predicted academic performance
- Enthusiasm for, and realistic grasp of, chosen degree programme
- Evidence of interpersonal skills and non-academic interests/achievements
Further guidance on how to apply can be found on our How to Apply webpage.
Recommended Article: Top 11 Highly Rated universities to study aviation in Canada
2. Queen Mary University of London
| School Name: | Queen Mary University of London |
| Fees: | UK students: £9,250 International students: £22,500 |
| Degree type: | Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees |
| Duration: | 3-5 years |
Queen Mary University of London is a public research university in London, England. The offers several courses and program on aviation.
Here are the list of aviation degrees they offers:
- Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons),
- Aerospace Engineering MEng (Hons), Aerospace Engineering with Foundation BEng (Hons),
- Aerospace Engineering with Year Abroad BEng (Hons),
- Aerospace Engineering with Year Abroad MEng (Hons),
- Aerospace Engineering with Industrial Experience BEng (Hons),
- Aerospace Engineering with Industrial Experience MEng (Hons)
Queen Mary University of London aviation programs helps students to learn the design, construction and operation of aircraft, spacecrafts, drones, launching systems, green air transport, green energy, sport vehicles or sustainable earth bounded vehicles.
Entry Requirements:
- A-Level: Grades AAB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Mathematics, and Physics or Chemistry. Excludes General Studies and Critical Thinking.
- IB: International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 34 points , including 6,6,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Mathematics at Higher Level, and either Physics or Chemistry, also at Higher Level.
- BTEC
- 4. GCSE: Minimum five GCSE passes including English at grade C or 4. Other requirements could be seen in their website.
3. University of Southampton
| School Name: | University of Southampton |
| Fees: | UK students: £9,250 International students: £22,760 |
| Degree type: | Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees |
| Duration: | 1 to 4 years |
University of Southampton is one of the best aviation universities in UK and they offers several courses and program on aviation.
Here are the list of aviation degrees they offers:
- Aerodynamics and Computation MSc,
- Aeronautics and Astronautics BEng,
- Aeronautics and Astronautics MEng, Aeronautics and Astronautics/Aerodynamics MEng,
- Aeronautics and Astronautics/Airvehicle Systems Design MEng,
- Aeronautics and Astronautics/Computational Engineering and Design MEng,
- Aeronautics and Astronautics/Engineering Management MEng,
- Aeronautics and Astronautics/Materials and Structures MEng,
- Aeronautics and Astronautics/Semester Abroad MEng, Aeronautics and Astronautics/Spacecraft Engineering (MEng),
- Aerospace Electronic Engineering BEng, Aerospace Electronic Engineering MEng,
- Mechanical Engineering/Aerospace Engineering MEng
University of Southampton offers students the opportunity to take their engineering passion to the skies as they learn how to design aircraft and spacecraft of the future.
Entry Requirements:
- A-levels: AAA including mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics or A*AB including grades A*A in mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics.
- BTEC
- GCSE requirements: Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C).
You can find more information about the school and other requirements here,
4. University of Nottingham:
| School Name: | University of Nottingham |
| Fees: | UK students: £9,250 |
| Degree type: | Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees |
| Duration: | 3 to 4 years |
University of Nottingham is one of the best aviation universities in UK and they offers several courses and program on aviation.
Here are the list of aviation degrees they offers:
- Aerospace Engineering BEng,
- Aerospace Engineering MEng
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2023 entry.
5. University of Leeds:
| School Name: | University of Leeds |
| Fees: | UK students: £9,250 international students: £24,500 |
| Degree type: | Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees |
| Duration: | 1 to 4 years |
University of Leeds is one of the best aviation universities in UK and they offers several courses and programs on aviation.
Here are the list of aviation degrees they offers:
- Aviation Technology with Pilot Studies and Management BEng,
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering BEng,
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering MEng,
- Aerospace Engineering MSc
You can find more information about the school and other requirements here.
6. University of Liverpool:
| School Name: | University of Liverpool |
| Fees: | UK students: £9,250 international students: £21,300 |
| Degree type: | Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees |
| Duration: | 3 to 4 years |
University of Liverpool is a public research university in Liverpool, England and the University is regarded as one of the best aviation universities in UK. They offers a lot of aviation programmes for undergraduate and postgraduate students which includes:
- Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons),
- Aerospace Engineering MEng (Hons)
As an aerospace engineering student in the University of Liverpool, you will experience a wide variety of topics and modes of study, whether it be conducting research, analysing reports or designing and building an aircraft.
What you learn as a student of aerospace Engineering in the university of Liverpool:
- Aircraft design and manufacturing
Flight testing - Systems engineering
- How to conduct independent research
Aerodynamics - Flight dynamics and control
- How to deal with complex problems that may require compromise to meet competing requirements.
You can find more information about the school and other requirements Here.
7. University of Sheffield:
| School Name: | University of Sheffield |
| Fees: | UK students: £9,250 international students: £25,670 |
| Degree type: | Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees |
| Duration: | 3 to 4 years |
University of Sheffield is a public research university in the United Kingdom and the University is regarded as one of the best aviation universities in UK. They offers a lot of aviation programmes for undergraduate and postgraduate students which includes:
- Aerospace Engineering BEng,
- Aerospace Engineering MEng,
- Aerospace Engineering with a Foundation Year MEng or BEng,
- Aerospace Engineering with a Year in Industry BEng,
- Aerospace Engineering with a Year in Industry MEng,
- Aerospace Engineering with a Year in North America MEng.
You can find more information about the school and other requirements Here.
8. University of Surrey:
| School Name: | University of Surrey |
| Fees: | UK students: £9,250 international students: £22,400 |
| Degree type: | Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees |
| Duration: | 3 to 5 years |
University of Surrey is a public research university in Guildford, Surrey, England. The University is regarded as one of the best universities to study in the UK. They offers a lot of aviation programmes for undergraduate and postgraduate students which includes:
- Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons),
- Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons) with professional training,
- Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons) with foundation year,
- Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons) with foundation year and professional training,
- Aerospace Engineering MEng,
- Aerospace Engineering MEng with professional training
You can find more information about the school and other requirements here:
9. City University of London:
| School Name: | City University of London |
| Fees: | UK students: starting at £7,000 international students: starting at £7,000 |
| Degree type: | Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees |
| Duration: | 3 to 5 years |
City University of London is a public research university in London, England and the University is regarded as one of the best aviation universities in UK. They offers a lot of aviation programmes for undergraduate and postgraduate students which includes:
- Air Safety Management, Air Transport Management,
- Aircraft Maintenance Management, Airport Management,
- Aeronautical Engineering BEng (Hons),
- Aeronautical Engineering MEng (Hons)
You can find more information about the school and other requirements here:
10. University of Cambridge:
| School Name: | University of Cambridge |
| Fees: | UK students: £9,250 international students: £35,517 |
| Degree type: | Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees |
| Duration: | 4 years |
The University of Cambridge is one of the world’s leading universities, with a strong reputation for teaching and research in both humanities and sciences. It is also home to one of the world’s largest aeronautical engineering faculties.
University of Cambridge offers aviation programmes such as Aerospace and Aerothermal Engineering for both undergraduates and Postgraduates.
You can find more information about the school and other requirements here:
11. Imperial College London:
| School Name: | Imperial College London |
| Fees: | UK students: £9,250 international students: £35,100 |
| Degree type: | Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees |
| Duration: | 4 years |
Imperial College London is one of the world’s leading academic institutions, with more than 30,000 students from over 140 countries studying at its campuses around the world. It has two dedicated departments focused on aviation – Transport and Infrastructure and Air Studies.
The University also offers BEng and MEng in Aeronautical Engineering and other aviation related programmes.
Imperial’s Department of Aeronautics is at the cutting edge of aerospace teaching and research. Throughout the course, you will benefit from access to our first-class facilities, which include:
Minimum entry
Three A-level offer: A* A* A
Four A-level offer:A* A A A
You can find more information about the school and other requirements here:
12. University of Glasgow:
| School Name: | University of Glasgow |
| Fees: | Scottish students: £1,820 per year UK students: £9,250 International student; full year £19,920 |
| Degree type: | Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees |
| Duration: | 4 years |
The University of Glasgow is a public research university in Glasgow, Scotland. As one of Scotland’s oldest universities, University of Glasgow has a long history of excellence in both research and education.
The University of Glasgow has been renowned for its aerospace research for over 60 years. The expertise in our Division of Autonomous Systems and Connectivity is internationally recognised in all areas of aeronautics and aerospace, communication, sensing and imaging systems, and devices.
The school has a strong focus on aviation, with several faculties offering dedicated aspects of the subject – including Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, and Aviation Science.
A-level Standard Entry Requirements BEng:
AAB – BBB MEng: AAA
Additional requirements: A-level Mathematics and Physics (Design & Technology may be accepted in place of Physics, 3D or Product Design options only).
You can find more information about the school and other requirements here:
13. University of Brighton:
| School Name: | University of Brighton |
| Fees: | UK students: £9,250 International student; £14,892 |
| Degree type: | Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees |
| Duration: | 4 years |
University of Brighton is a public research university in Brighton, England and the University is regarded as one of the best aviation universities in UK. They offers a lot of aviation programmes for undergraduate and postgraduate students which includes Aeronautical Engineering and Aerospace engineering.
As a student of Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Brighton, you’ll benefit from the opportunity to participate in a paid placement year to gain industry experience.
You can find more information about the school and other requirements here.
14. University of the West of England:
| School Name: | University of the West of England |
| Fees: | UK students: £9,250 International student; £14,250 |
| Degree type: | Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees |
| Duration: | 4 years |
The University of the West of England, Bristol is a public research university, located in and around Bristol, England, which received university status in 1992. The university is abbreviated as UWE and is ranked 21st in the UK for Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021)
You can find more information about the school and other requirements here.
15. University of Birmingham
| School Name: | University of Birmingham |
| Fees: | UK students: £9,250 International student; £25,860 |
| Degree type: | Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees |
| Duration: | 3 years |
University of Birmingham is a public research university in Birmingham, England and the University is regarded as one of the best aviation universities in UK. The University of Birmingham is ranked 10th in the UK for Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering (QS World University Subject Rankings 2020).
You can find more information about the school and other requirements here.
16. University of Bristol:
| School Name: | University of Bristol |
| Fees: | £25,900 |
| Degree type: | Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees |
| Duration: | 3 years |
University of Bristol is a public research university in Bristol, England and the University is regarded as one of the best aviation universities in UK. The University of Bristol is ranked 4th in the UK for Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021).
You can find more information about the school and other requirements here.
17. Cranfield University:
| School Name: | Cranfield University |
| Fees: | £22,150 |
| Degree type: | Postgraduate degree |
| Duration: | One year |
Cranfield University is one of the best universities to study aviation programmes in the United Kingdom. They offers Msc degree in Safety and Human Factors in Aviation and the school has an aerospace Integration Research Centre that is co-funded by Airbus, Rolls-Royce plc and the Higher Education Funding Council for England.
You can find more information about the school and other requirements here.
18. De Montfort University Leicester.
| School Name: | De Montfort University Leicester |
| Fees: | UK students: £9,250 international students: £15,250 |
| Degree type: | Undergraduate and Postgraduate degree |
| Duration: | 4-5 years |
De Montfort University Leicester is a public university in the city of Leicester, England. They offer several aviation programmes which includes an Aeronautical Engineering BEng/MEng (Hons) which aimed at Mastering the theoretical, experimental and computational skills required for careers in the aeronautical and aerospace industry.
You can find more information about the school and other requirements here.
19. Sheffield Hallam University:
| School Name: | De Montfort University Leicester |
| Fees: | Home: £9,250 per year (£1,200 for placement year) International/EU: £14,415 per year (£1,200 for placement year) |
| Degree type: | Undergraduate and Postgraduate degree |
| Duration: | 3 / 4 Years |
Sheffield Hallam University is a public research university in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England.
Sheffield Hallam University is regarded as one of the best aviation universities in UK. They offers a lot of aviation programmes for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
20. Brunel University London:
| School Name: | Brunel University |
| Fees: | UK students: £9,250 year International/EU: £17,500 |
| Degree type: | Undergraduate and Postgraduate degree |
| Duration: | 4 Years |
Brunel University is regarded as one of the best aviation universities in UK. Brunel University offers an aviation programme Aviation Engineering with Pilot Studies for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
21. Buckinghamshire New University
| School Name: | Buckinghamshire New University |
| Fees: | UK students: £9,250 year International/EU: £10,500 |
| Degree type: | Undergraduate and Postgraduate degree |
| Duration: | 3 Years |
Buckinghamshire New University is regarded as one of the best aviation universities in UK. The University offers an aviation degree known as BSc (Hons) Air Transport with Commercial Pilot Training for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Entry Requirements: 96-112 UCAS Tariff score
22. Kingston University, London
| School Name: | Kingston University London |
| Fees: | UK students: £9,250 year International/EU: £13,400 |
| Degree type: | Undergraduate and Postgraduate degree |
| Duration: | 1/2/3 Years |
Kingston University is regarded as one of the best aviation universities in UK. The University offers an aviation degree known as Aviation Studies for Commercial Pilot Training Foundation Degree FdEng and BSc (Hons).
Entry Requirements:
- 80 UCAS points /
- 2 A-Levels
- Flying: Yes, require 20 hours towards teh PPL to commence the course
23. Staffordshire University:
| School Name: | Staffordshire University |
| Fees: | UK students: £9,250 year International/EU: £10,900 |
| Degree type: | Undergraduate and Postgraduate degree |
| Duration: | 3 Years |
Staffordshire University is regarded as one of the best aviation universities in UK. The University offers an aviation degree known as Aeronautical Technology BSc (Hons).
Entry Requirements:
- A-Level BCC or CCC plus C at AS Level / UCAS 112 points
- Flying: No
24. University of Hertfordshire
| School Name: | University of Hertfordshire |
| Fees: | UK students: £9,250 year International/EU: £11,850 |
| Degree type: | Undergraduate and Postgraduate degree |
| Duration: | 3-4 Years |
University of Hertfordshire is regarded as one of the best aviation universities in UK. The University offers an aviation degree known as Aerospace Systems Engineering with Pilot Studies BEng (Hons).
Students: £11,850 a year
Entry Requirements:
- 104 UCAS Points
- A-Level Maths and either Physics or Technology Subject.
- Flying: Yes
25. University of Salford:
| School Name: | University of Salford |
| Fees: | UK students: £9,250 year International/EU: £13,300 |
| Degree type: | Undergraduate and Postgraduate degree |
| Duration: | 3 Years |
University of Salford is regarded as one of the best aviation universities in UK. The University offers an aviation degree known as Aircraft Engineering with Pilot Studies BEng (Hons).
Entry Requirements:
- 112-120 UCAS /
- A-Level grades C in Maths & PhysicsFlying:
- PPL (45 Hours), at an additional cost of £7,608 Years
What are the Benefits of Studying Aviation Course in University?
Aviation courses are becoming increasingly popular due to the numerous benefits they offer students. These benefits include:
- Developing a strong understanding of different aviation technologies – those studying aviation courses will learn about jet engines, aircraft design, navigation and more. This will equip them with the skills needed for a future in aviation.
- Earning an impressive qualification – an aviation degree from a top university is highly respected and can lead to lucrative career opportunities.
- Building valuable contacts – many employers look for graduates with an undergraduate degree in aviation, so attending a university with a programme in this area is a good way to stand out from the crowd.
Due to these reasons, it’s no wonder that university is one of the best places to study aviation courses. However, not all universities offer programmes in this area; some may have specific focus areas instead. Therefore, it’s worth checking which colleges offer aviation courses before making a decision. There are also many private colleges that offer excellent programmes that often don’t have as strict admissions requirements as universities do.
Choosing the right school is essential if you want to gain the most out of your study experience; make sure you read up on student reviews and head to
Who Can Apply For Aviation Degree Programs?
If you are interested in studying aviation at a university or college in the UK, you need to meet the specific admission requirements.
The Institute of Aviation, which provides training and support for pilots and flight personnel, has outlined the following eligibility criteria for students planning to study aviation:
- You must have completed an A-level in either Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry.
- You must be 18 years or older by the start of your course.
- You must have a valid passport and UK driving licence.
- You should be able to speak, read and write English well.
If you can meet these requirements and are interested in studying aviation at a university or college in the UK, you can check out their website for more information on available degree programs.
Alternatively, you can also search for specific universities and colleges in the UK that offer aviation courses online.
List of aviation programmes and degrees available in UK Universities and colleges:
- B.B.A. in Airport Management.
- B.Sc. Commercial Pilot Training
- Diploma in Aviation Management.
- Diploma in Ground Staff and Cabin Crew Training.
- Diploma in Aviation Hospitality.
- Aeronautical Engineering.
- Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering
- Diploma in Airfare and Ticketing Management.
Requirements of Aviation Degree Program
it is important to know the requirements of a course of study in this field. Here iswhat you need to know about tuition and funding for an aviation degree program:
Air traffic control (ATC) is one of the most common careers in aviation. This means that there are many jobs out there that require someone with a degree in aviation. However, ATC is not the only type of aviation job.
In fact, there are many different types of jobs in the field, including: pilot, mechanic, cargo pilot, aerial photographer, and airline flight manager.
The college you attend will play a big role in your career path. Make sure you research the schools that are available to you and which have training programs that will fit your needs.
Tuition for an associate’s degree usually costs about $8,000 per year. That amount increases for different levels of degrees. For example, a four-year bachelor’s degree in aviation typically costs around $32,000 per year.
And don’t forget about expenses like books and tuition fees associated with specialized programs like aeronautical engineering or business administration in aviation. In some cases these fees can be as
How Much Does it Cost to Attend Aviation College In United Kingdom?
The cost of attending aviation schools and colleges in the United Kingdom vary quite a bit, depending on the program you choose and what city you live in. Generally, programs at private colleges will be more expensive than public universities, although there are some exceptions to this rule.
Calculating costs is a little tricky because tuition and related expenses can vary depending on the type of program you’re enrolling in. For example, if you want to study aviation engineering, your tuition may include books, supplies and equipment rental fees. Additionally, some programs may have additional charges such as meal plans or health insurance premiums.
On average, the cost of attendance at an aviation school or college in the UK is £14,000 per year. That said, the price range can be quite wide, so it’s important to do your research to find the best fit for your budget and needs.
Ministry of Education Recognition
Choosing the right university or college to attend for your aviation course can be challenging. With so many options out there, it’s important to have some insight into the Ministry of Education recognition system.
The Ministry of Education recognises universities and colleges that offer courses in aviation. This means that you’ll be able to get funding from them, which will make your education much more affordable.
The best way to find out if a university or college is eligible is to contact the department that oversees the recognition system. They will be able to provide you with a list of all the accredited colleges and universities that offer aviation courses.
Once you’ve identified a potential institution, it’s important to do your research. Check out their website, look through their programme listings, and read reviews from previous students. You’ll be sure to find the information you need to make an informed decision about where to attend school for your aviation course.
Future careers In Aviation, where can you work After obtaining Aviation degree?
Aviation Industry: Career Options and Job Prospects
The civil aviation industry in UK has emerged as one of the fastest growing industries in the country during the last three years. It is always looking for candidates who are keen to work in the complex and busiest schedule of the aviation sector. Some of the popular job profiles in aviation that candidates can hope to pursue are as mentioned below:
Job Profiles in Aviation
| Pilot | Aircraft Electrical Installer or Technician |
| Aircraft Manufacturing Engineer | Air Traffic Controller |
| Quality Control Personnel | Airport Operations Manager |
| Air Ticketing Staff | Aviation Maintenance Technician |
| Flight Steward/ Stewardess (Air hostess) | Ground Staff |
Examples of some cutting-edge companies graduates could work for include:
- Rolls-Royce
- Airbus
- QinetiQ
- Ministry of Defence
- RAF
- European Space Agency
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.
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