Aerospace Technology BEng (Hons) with foundation year

Study level: Undergraduate
Students working on the harrier jet

Designed to provide you with the opportunity to acquire the vital technical and management skills required to join and support the engineering teams, to solve these multi-disciplinary problems in the aerospace industry.

Year of entry

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry) and
Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

H4DF

Start date

November 2024


Course overview

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course.

Foundation year 

This foundation year aims to provide you with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed in mathematics, as well as the theories and concepts of electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering.

Degree

This course gives you the opportunity to develop a thorough understanding of the principles of mechanical, electrical and aerospace engineering, and how this knowledge is applied in the development of projects for aerospace systems and their management. 

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Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

Five stars in a speech bubble.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

City buildings next to a tree.

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Foundation year

  • Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study.
  • Provides a grounding in key areas of engineering and mathematics.

Degree

  • This course offers a variety of curriculum and learning opportunities, industry insight and a range of technical facilities4.
  • This course aims to enable you to develop and critically analyse engineering technologies, components and processes utilised in the aerospace industry. 
  • The course is designed for engineering students that are interested in working in the global aerospace sector. You can expect to learn how to apply your engineering knowledge to address the rapid development of technology and the requirement for cost-effective carbon-reduction solutions.
  • This course aims to meet the demand for skilled engineers and upon successful completion, graduate career prospects could be wide-ranging and possibly include design, manufacturing, MRO engineering and management.
  • The highly practical and technical focus of the programme concentrates on engineering mathematics, aircraft systems, control systems, aerodynamics, aircraft structures and manufacturing, mechanical engineering and engineering management - all of which aim to give you the opportunity to build a strong base from which to start professional work in aerospace design, using the latest software tools4.
9th

for Aerospace Engineering

Guardian University Guide 2023

Accreditation and professional recognition

The degree is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

Royal Aeronautical Society

Royal Aeronautical Society

Aerospace Technology BEng (Hons) is accredited1 by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) , as fully meeting the educational requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) registration and partially satisfying the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration.


More than just a degree

Three years at Coventry University has completely changed my life. I came to university knowing almost nothing, but I will be leaving equipped with all I need for the rest of my life.

Lord Koomson, Aerospace Technology BEng (Hons), December 2020
Student using aerospace equipment with the harrier jet in the background

What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.  

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).   

Common first-year courses 

  • Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons)
  • Aerospace Engineering MEng

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.  

Modules

The second year builds on the foundations of the first year to enhance your specialist knowledge of the analysis and design aspects of individual aerospace systems, along with aircraft maintenance management, aerodynamics and structures. The majority of the modules include teaching of industry standard specialist computer aided analysis tools to support your studies and future employability. 

Modules

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2  can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3  of £1250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement. 

Modules

Year three aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from year one and two. You could also work on a large final project in an area of your interest, with the support of a mentor.  

Modules

The foundation year offers an introduction to your chosen subject and supports you to develop the skills required for degree-level study.

Modules

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.


How you'll learn

The foundation year programme is focused on applied learning geared to high-intensity teaching and study throughout the programme, requiring full commitment from students. The delivery of course content is a blend of lectures, tutorials and online learning.

There are no end of year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of a working environment. The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.


Teaching contact hours

You can expect up 20 hours of learning activities per week, made up of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, online classes and independent learning.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 30 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.


Assessment

Assessment methods vary and may include practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which generally take place at the end of each six-week block.

Your course will incorporate a range of learning and teaching methods as part of our innovative activity-led learning.

We encourage you to learn through stimulating activities, such as a projects, problems, scenarios, case studies or enquiries in a classroom, laboratory or work setting. 

We aim to present knowledge in an integrated way to reflect the multiplicity and interaction between many types of scientific, commercial, manufacturing and managerial skills and knowledge, necessary to produce a successful engineering product or system.

The course aims to give you the opportunity to work with current staff on real-world problems from industry, commerce and research groups, as you would in professional practice; this means that you can develop all the professional skills at the same time as learning the technical content of your degree.  


Teaching contact hours

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

  • On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
  • Group work
  • Self-directed learning
  • Work placement opportunities2.

The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 16 contact hours per week in the first year, reducing to around 15 contact hours per week in the second and third year as you become a more independent learner. In addition, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study approximately 16-20 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods. 

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • Formal examinations
  • Phase tests
  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Exams
  • Individual assignments

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.  


International experience opportunities

Most work placements have been within the UK, but previous students have been placed in GKN Aerospace (Munich, Germany), Bertrandt (Hamburg, Germany) and Airbus (Toulouse, France). The majority of study abroad students have studied at high education institutions within Europe, including Aerospace Engineering at UPM, Spain.

Previous students on the programme have had the opportunity to gain experience of the industry first-hand through our exciting industry-focused field trips, which have previously included the Emirates Aviation University and Emirates Engine Test Centre in Dubai, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre in the US and Airbus (Toulouse), Airbus (Marseille) and Finmeccanica in Europe. 


Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

72 UCAS tariff points. All foundation courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C/4-9 including Maths and English, and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you don’t fulfil the entry criteria your application may be considered on an individual basis, taking into account any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed. Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Got higher grades? Have you considered direct entry to the degree without foundation year?


Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Foundation year

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £7,950 Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

Degree

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,250 per year Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

Please note: UK (home) tuition fees for the degree course years will be charged at the current Coventry University UK (home) degree fee level. This was set at £9,250 for the 23/24 academic year.

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Foundation year funding

In order to receive funding for degree with foundation year courses, you will need to complete a four-year degree programme which includes the integrated foundation year, otherwise you may be responsible for your foundation year fees. For further information, please refer to the 'Tuition Fee Loan' details in the 'Funding your undergraduate course' section of our 'Fees and finance' page.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.


Facilities

Our foundation years are taught at CU Coventry’s Mile Lane building, a short walk from the city centre. You’re part of the university from day one, so during your foundation year you’ll have access to the wider facilities at Coventry University. Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you'll transfer over to studying your chosen degree at Coventry University, where you'll be taught on campus in the relevant academic buildings.

Located on our Mile Lane campus, you will have access to our Library and Learning Services (LLS), fully equipped seminar rooms and IT suites4. You can also take advantage of reading rights in Coventry University’s Lanchester Library, make use of sport centre facilities and receive full membership to Your Students' Union.

Two students walking outside with the CU Coventry building behind them.

Mile Lane

The campus is home to an on-site library with bookable one-to-one academic writing service and library support sessions, fully equipped seminar rooms, open-access study areas, a café and an IT suite. Our labs contain industry-standard equipment so that you learn using the same equipment as many industry professionals.

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The Hub

At The Hub you'll find the Health and Wellbeing Centre, the Students’ Union and Square One (which provides entertainment from quiz nights to live music), the Spirituality and Faith Centre, Tank Studio, Careers Office, Enterprise Hub and a fantastic food court.

External view of the Lanchester Library.

Lanchester Library

Coventry University’s Lanchester Library is open 24/7, 364 days a year and has 1,400 study spaces, including group and silent areas. It also currently offers more than 550 computers and an additional 120 free-to-loan laptops.

 

All students both on and off-site have access to, and receive training on, commercial engineering software, including 3D CAD, Finite Element Analysis, Computational Fluid Dynamics and Multibody Dynamic Systems for design, simulation and analysis. 

Our excellent practical facilities include a full-size Harrier Jet (used for teaching), five full-scale flight simulators, wind tunnels, UAV workshop, flow and heat transfer labs, composites lab, metrology lab, electrical/electronics lab, fatigue and tensile testing (Instron), a range of CNC machinery, banks of 3D printers and a laser workshop4

Flight Simulators

Flight Simulators

Our simulators create an exciting way to learn, with 61 channels of flight data which can be analysed to assess the accuracy of a student's own design. The simulators are incorporated into an air traffic control environment.

Harrier Jet

Harrier Jet

Our Harrier T4 allows students to gain hands-on experience with the parts, tools and mechanical aspects of a real aircraft. It is used by many engineering disciplines to learn how an aircraft works and how to maintain it.

Model Making Shop

Model Making Shop

Used by our aerospace students to build model aircrafts. The workshop includes laser cutting, wood working and foam cutting technology to help bring our students' designs into the real world.


Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of the course a student will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific and mathematical principles to solve application problems in the aerospace industry.
  • Using quantitative and computational methods, interpret the results of analysis and modelling of an aerospace application problem to recommend an appropriate action using relevant technology.
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of design, design processes and limitations, and life cycle management in developing solutions.
    Clearly and appropriately communicate complete solutions using both written and oral formats.
  • Understand the need for professional and ethical conduct in a commercial, economic and social context, by appraising the sustainable development and the regulations governing engineering activities in order to critique the risk, legal and contractual issues and intellectual property.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a range of aerospace products, processes, materials and standards, including an awareness of quality issues and their application to continuous improvement.
  • Evaluate uncertain and incomplete technical data/information and perform practical laboratory work in order to identify the impact on design.
  • Develop independent learning and problem-solving skills appropriate to current and future study and employment.
  • Apply management techniques by contributing to a team with the necessary planning, monitoring, adaptability, drive and leadership to achieve the required objectives of an aerospace-related project.

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates have obtained jobs as systems design engineers for large aircraft and propulsion manufacturers, e.g. Airbus, BAE Systems, GE Aviation and Rolls Royce, as well as systems suppliers to the aviation industry including Meggitt, Goodrich, Moog and Collins Aerospace. 

Further study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the Aerospace Engineering MSc. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

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