MEng Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace Engineering is at the cutting edge of technology, understanding and applying scientific principles to the design, development, and service of some of the most technologically advanced engineering products in the world, ranging from commercial airplanes and helicopters to spacecraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Aerospace engineers will be pivotal in addressing the future challenges of the aerospace industry related to the environment (e.g. minimizing noise and pollution) and sustainability. With the ability to succeed in diverse and challenging situations, aerospace engineers are naturally versatile, opening up a wide range of career opportunities, and our graduates can be found in leading private and public sector companies worldwide.

The School has an international reputation for its contributions to the development of engineering education by playing a leading role in the Conceive, Design, Implement Operate (CDIO) initiative.

All staff are internationally renowned experts in their field of research enabling students to learn about state-of-the-art developments in topics such as composites, simulation, renewable energy, biomaterials, and manufacturing.

Northern Ireland has a vibrant Aerospace industry, and as part of the MEng Aerospace Engineering degree program, students will undertake several visits to Aerospace companies across Northern Ireland to understand what the role of a practicing Aerospace Engineer is in the industry, and to relate module content to a real-life work environment.

Course Structure

The MEng degree extends study to in-depth specialist topics, to produce future engineering leaders.

Stage 1

Students are introduced to core engineering principles and mathematics, and they undertake a team-based project, designed to introduce them to the concept of professional engineering practice. This is supported by a module in engineering design where students are introduced to Engineering CAD software.

Stage 2

Stage 2 builds on the knowledge already gained with a series of more advanced engineering science subjects including dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and strength of materials.

The group design exercises allow students to demonstrate their technical ability in a team environment.

A dedicated laboratory program enables students to conduct practical experiments to reinforce the theoretical knowledge developed in the engineering science modules.

Stage 3

Students expand their engineering knowledge through a range of core courses in engineering science and professional studies along with chosen optional modules. They also undertake a major group design project, working within teams to conceive, design, build, and fly an aircraft, enhancing aerospace engineering design and engineering skills, and developing professional presentational and team-working skills.

Stage 4

Students extend their knowledge of engineering applications through optional modules, and in advanced core skills and professional studies. The other major focus is the individual project, where students also apply their engineering skills to an area of cutting-edge technology. These projects are closely associated with industry and with the School's current research interests.

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

The comfort and security of our modern world are provided by amazing advances in science and technology, focused on improving our lives.

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences spans disciplines that impact lives today and will shape our future. Our international mix of staff and students make up a vibrant community that is home to some of the most innovative and globally significant research and teaching. It works where industry and research meet, providing the platform to spin out research into commercial opportunities and engage with industry on cutting-edge research with real-world projects such as the work with Wrightbus to produce the cleanest hybrid bus technology that powers the London Routemaster, or the pioneering work in The Institute of Electronics, Communications and Information Technology, securing our digital future through their Centre for Secure Information Technologies.

With strength in traditional engineering disciplines, the Faculty brings together diverse topics, such as carbon dating and astrophysics, to create a dynamic multidisciplinary setting for students and academics to thrive. Underpinning our research is the drive to solve the big challenges that society faces, whether it is understanding the human brain’s perception to aid Parkinson’s sufferers, or clean energy production through CenTACat, our research is leading the world in an environment rooted in the ideals of Athena SWAN where we actively promote Women in Science and Engineering.

The leadership provided by our academics creates opportunities for all students to satisfy their ambitions through taught and research programmes. Come and join us, and help change the world!

Professor Mark Price

Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellor

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

A World Class Education and Student Experience

Our inspiring alumni comprises outstanding scholars, Nobel Prize winners - such as Seamus Heaney and David Trimble - and influential leaders who are making an impact in Northern Ireland and across the globe.

Our students enjoy being educated by world-leading academics working at the forefront of their disciplines and a significant investment in the student experience has resulted in high levels of student satisfaction.

Over 94% of Queen’s graduates are in employment or further study six months after graduation; our graduates are dominating senior leadership positions in 80 of Northern Ireland's top 100 companies and making a difference in over 120 countries.

At the Forefront of Tackling Global Challenges

Together, we are changing lives across Northern Ireland and further afield: our discovery of a new molecule has the potential to prolong the life of people living with cystic fibrosis; we are at the forefront of a major breakthrough in the fight against bowel cancer, and we’re striving to help people with MS recover nerve function.

We are at the forefront of developing new thinking and technologies in key areas such as Health, Reconciliation, Peace and Justice, Information Technology, Food Security, and Energy.

Northern Ireland's Legendary Beauty

A city with innovation at its heart, technological advances infiltrate every sector helping to build our competitiveness on the global stage. There are almost 900 international companies located in Northern Ireland, making Belfast the second most successful city in the UK (after London) for attracting US trade.

There’s plenty happening outside the city, including the famous filming locations for the HBO series Game of Thrones, the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, voted the UK’s best Heritage Attraction, and the Mourne Mountains, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty canonised as CS Lewis’ Narnia.

*Lonely Planet, 2017