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School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering

BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering with Pilot Studies with Foundation Year

BEng (Hons) Full-time 4 years

Not quite meeting the direct entry grades? Spend a year building your maths, science and engineering skills, then join a degree that combines full aerospace engineering training with pilot-centred study — built around the University's own training aircraft and flight school partners at Wolverhampton Airport.

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Not quite meeting the direct entry grades? Spend a year building your maths, science and engineering skills, then join a degree that combines full aerospace engineering training with pilot-centred study — built around the University's own training aircraft and flight school partners at Wolverhampton Airport.

Award
BEng (Hons)
Start date(s)
14 September 2026
UCAS Code
H45F
Course specifications
View course spec
Course length
Full-time (4 years)
Campus location
University: Springfield Campus
School
School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering
UCAS points calculator
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Why choose this course?

Rated #1 in the UK for Aerospace Engineering (NSS 2026).

9th in the UK for Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering (Daily Mail University Guide 2027)

Your first year is about getting you ready, not getting you flying — that comes later. You'll build your maths and physics from the ground up, get hands-on with the computing tools engineers use every day, and sharpen your professional writing and communication skills, alongside a dedicated engineering module that brings the theory together with practical experience.

Most aerospace-and-pilot-studies degrees treat flying as something you bolt on yourself: external flying hours, arranged and funded separately, often putting your 'Pilot Studies' award at risk if you don't complete them. This course is different from the ground up — and this route also removes the second common barrier, needing the grades to get started at all.

Your Private Pilot Licence theory is aligned directly with your engineering modules once you reach Year One, so the two strands reinforce each other rather than competing for your time and budget. You'll get hands-on with real aircraft systems and cockpit layout using the University's own training aircraft, use professional flight simulation environments that mirror real cockpit operations, and benefit from our flight school partnership at Wolverhampton Airport, with the opportunity for real flying hours as part of that relationship.

The academic core matches our standard aerospace degree in ambition: you'll use industry-standard CFD and FEA tools for airframe design, aerodynamic optimisation and structural analysis, in labs backed by over £7m of investment at our Springfield Campus. Our relationships with RAF Cosford, MOOG and Collins Aerospace bring live industry projects into your degree, and you'll have access to Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) engagement and student membership opportunities.

This route keeps two genuine career pathways open from day one: graduates go on to aerospace engineering roles with employers including Airbus, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and Leonardo, or continue toward commercial pilot training — you don't need to choose between the two, and you don't need to already have the grades to start.

Foundation Year modules include:

  • Communication and Study Skills
  • Foundation Mathematics I and II
  • Fundamentals of Computing
  • Practical Engineering Science for Electro-Mechanical Design
  • Problem Solving in Science and Technology

Once you move into Year One, you'll focus on building a solid understanding of fundamental engineering concepts, alongside your first introduction to airframes and aircraft propulsion — exactly the same starting point as students who met the direct-entry grades.

This route is built for students who don't yet hold the direct-entry qualifications, including a dedicated Prepare for Foundation pathway for those without formal Level 3 qualifications but with a genuine interest in or experience of the subject, assessed through a one-day Prepare for Foundation event rather than grades alone.

What's unique about this course?

What sets this route apart from other aerospace-with-pilot-studies foundation pathways:

  • A genuine route in, not a lesser one. Complete your Foundation Year and you join exactly the same engineering-plus-pilot-studies degree as direct-entry students, not a separate or reduced version of it.
  • PPL theory built into the degree, not bolted on. PPL theoretical content is aligned with your engineering modules from Year One, rather than sitting alongside them as a separate, self-funded add-on.
  • Access to our own training aircraft. Explore real aircraft systems and cockpit layout using the University's own training aircraft — most competitor courses rely entirely on external flight schools.
  • An active airport environment on your doorstep. Springfield sits close to Wolverhampton Airport, giving you visits, networking and observational learning inside an active aviation environment, plus a flight school partnership with the opportunity for real flying hours.
  • Professional flight simulation. Get practical insight into cockpit workload, situational awareness and operational decision-making using flight simulation environments that mirror real-world scenarios.
  • A pilot-informed curriculum. Engineering content is shaped with input from practising pilots and instructors, so what you learn reflects current operational practice, not textbook theory alone.
  • Genuinely accessible routes into aviation. No Level 3 qualifications? A dedicated Prepare for Foundation pathway assesses genuine interest and relevant experience through a one-day event rather than grades alone, alongside active links to the RAeS Women in Aviation and Aerospace network, Aviation Inspires and Air League scholarships.
  • Two career pathways from one degree. Graduate ready for aerospace engineering roles with employers including Airbus, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and Leonardo, or progress toward commercial pilot training — the choice stays open.

What happens on the course?

Across four years, you'll build your core skills, then a full aerospace engineering foundation, with your pilot-centred knowledge developing alongside it rather than as a separate track.

Foundation Year: Getting you ready

You'll build your maths, physics and computing skills from the ground up, alongside practical electro-mechanical design work and a dedicated focus on communication and study skills — putting you on level footing with direct-entry students by the time Year One begins.

Year One: Building your engineering foundations

You'll master the fundamental engineering concepts the rest of the degree builds on — statics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials, electronics — alongside your first introduction to airframes and aircraft propulsion, and the core analytical tools used across aerospace and aviation:

  • Work with Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) from your first year.
  • Collaborate on industry-led projects addressing genuine aerospace and aviation challenges.
  • Study alongside students from across our engineering disciplines, widening your network from the outset.

Year Two: Where engineering meets the cockpit

This is where the two strands of the course come together directly. You'll deepen your understanding of aircraft systems and control, apply CFD and FEA to aerospace-specific problems, and work in multidisciplinary teams on a Design Project that integrates engineering principles with pilot-centred considerations such as workload, situational awareness and operational safety.

Your Pilot Operations Studies module explores flight operations from a pilot's perspective — aircraft general knowledge, navigation and flight planning using the CRP-5 flight computer, flight performance calculations, and air law, weather and pilot responsibilities — aligned with PPL theory and informed by our Wolverhampton Airport flight school partners. On-campus flight simulator time and aviation case studies connect the theory to real cockpit procedure, with the opportunity for actual flight time through this partnership.

Year Three: Specialising and showcasing your work

You'll further specialise and develop the skills that set you apart, working on new models and parts for our industrial partners. Two major projects define the year:

  • Group Aircraft Design and Enterprise: Design and build a complete aircraft system with your team, taking on the responsibilities of a professional design environment, and present your work at our annual Innovations Unleashed event alongside industry leaders.
  • Individual Innovation Project: Plan, execute and report on an original engineering project of your own choosing, working with academic or industry supervisors wherever possible, and put both your engineering and pilot-centred knowledge to work on a genuine problem.

Employability on the course

This course gives you a competitive edge that pure engineering graduates can't offer: a strong technical foundation combined with pilot-centred operational awareness — understanding how engineering decisions actually affect pilots, aircraft performance and flight safety, whichever entry route you took.

You'll build practical skills through flight simulation, real aircraft systems and industry-aligned engineering tools, and strengthen the problem-solving, teamwork, communication and situational awareness that both engineering and aviation employers look for. Our relationships with RAF Cosford, MOOG and Collins Aerospace bring live projects and networking into your degree from Year One, alongside access to professional aviation networks including the RAeS Women in Aviation and Aerospace network, Aviation Inspires and Air League scholarships.

This course prepares you for:

  • Industry-shaped curriculum. A curriculum shaped by aircraft manufacturers, operators and approved flight training organisations, so it reflects what the sector actually needs.
  • Dual-relevant technical skills. Confidence using professional tools including CFD, FEA and flight simulation platforms — skills valued by engineers and aspiring pilots alike.
  • Real industry and aviation contact. Regular engagement with aviation specialists, aerospace engineers and flight-operations professionals throughout your degree.

Where graduates go:

  • Aerospace engineering roles with employers including Airbus, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and Leonardo.
  • Progression toward professional pilot training.
  • Aircraft design and manufacturing.
  • Aircraft maintenance and operational analysis.
  • Flight operations and aviation support roles.
  • Aerospace systems engineering.
  • High-performance technical consultancy, research and development.

Course Modules

Module: 3PY002
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core

The aim of this module is for students to be able to develop and effectively use the necessary range of appropriate skills in reading, study, written and oral communication and research required for their future career development.

Module: 3MM003
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core

A basic level of numeracy and mathematical competence is needed for every course at University and this module will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. You will have weekly lectures as well as team based learning sessions which have been specially designed to help you to overcome any difficulties that you might encounter.

Module: 3MM004
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core

This module is designed to give you some more advanced mathematical skills and tools which are needed in courses with a stronger maths focus such as computer science or engineering. You will have weekly lectures as well as team based learning sessions which have been specially designed to help you to overcome any difficulties that you might encounter.

Module: 3CS001
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core

In this module you will be introduced to the fundamental concepts and principles common to modern computer systems, including the underpinning mathematics where required. This will enable you to develop an understanding of abstraction, data and number representation. You will use a programming language to develop solutions to problems using algorithms and applying computer logic. For the practical work you will use a simple, inexpensive computer that you will study from both software and hardware perspectives. This will culminate in you developing and testing a complete system to meet the requirements specified.

Module: 3ET007
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core

To introduce applications of science of engineering within the mechanical and electronic / electrical sector. To give an applied overview with in the subject using practical based themes, such as "how do you make a headphones amplifier?", "why does a bridge not collapse?", "can I design an LED torch?", " what happens when I stand on a cardboard tube?"

Module: 3CC004
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core

This module introduces the fundamental principles of problem solving. It focuses on practical problems from within the disciplines of Science and Engineering, and the identification of potential solutions. The implementation of solutions is supported through the use of suitable IT applications. Indicatively, the practical examples used follow a set number of themes reflecting the multi-disciplinary nature of the Faculty of Science and Engineering

Module: 4MA032
Credits: 40
Period: 2
Type: Core

Engineering analysis is the cornerstone of understanding and solving complex real-world problems. You will be introduced to industrial-leading engineering analysis software packages in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) offering insights into numerical methods used in engineering design and analysis. Through theoretical learning and practical exercises, you will develop the mathematical and analytical skills necessary to tackle complex engineering problems and gain valuable insights into computer-aided engineering techniques.

Module: 4MA033
Credits: 40
Period: 2
Type: Core

This module aims to develop your practical skillset practical on various engineering aspects in our state-of-the-art laboratories. You will build your expertise in computer aided design and practice this in an industry-linked group activity offered by our partners . This group activity will offer you the opportunity to interact with industrial partners and build highly sought skills including risk, stakeholder and security analysis, communication, teamwork and project management skills. At the end of the module, you will be versed in the entire engineering process of analysing a brief, designing a solution, testing and reporting, all key milestones in the engineering profession.

Module: 4MA031
Credits: 40
Period: 2
Type: Core

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to key engineering principles essential for understanding engineering systems. You will explore a range of topics such as statics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, kinematics, electronics, and materials science. You will develop a solid foundation in fundamental engineering concepts, which will allow you to achieve broad understanding.

Module: 5MA046
Credits: 40
Period: 3
Type: Core

Applied computational analysis provides students with a comprehensive understanding of structural and fluid behaviour. This module applies cutting-edge engineering knowledge to advanced topics such as deformation, failure analysis, and fluid flow. Through practical application using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), students will develop applied computational skills essential for engineering design, analysis and validation employed in mechanical engineering industries from automotive, to motorsport and aerospace.

Module: 5MA047
Credits: 20
Period: 3
Type: Core

In this module, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of control systems. You will focus on the control principles including components, circuit design, and system control. You will gain hands-on experience in designing, operating, and troubleshooting control and instrumentation systems via rigorous hands-on laboratory activities, which will prepare you for a career in various engineering sectors, from automotive to aviation and signal analysis to name a few.

Module: 5MA055
Credits: 20
Period: 3
Type: Core

This module gives you the chance to work on real‑world innovation challenges from across the aerospace and aviation sectors, combining core engineering knowledge with pilot‑centred thinking. Working in multidisciplinary teams, you will explore how engineering and flight operations interact, using insights from pilot studies to shape practical, operationally informed solutions. Your projects will focus on areas such as aircraft performance, flight operations, human factors, avionics, sustainability and emerging aerospace technologies, with particular attention to how engineering decisions influence pilot workload, situational awareness and overall flight safety. You will also get the opportunity to collaborate with industry partners and aviation specialists, gaining valuable insight into how aircraft systems are designed, tested and operated in practice. This collaboration will help you understand the expectations of today’s aerospace sector and the growing importance of pilot perspectives in engineering design. By the end of the module, you will have developed innovative solutions and gained experience that supports your future career across aerospace engineering, aviation operations and wider flight‑related roles.

Module: 5MA056
Credits: 20
Period: 3
Type: Core

Where Engineering Meets the Cockpit This is where aerospace engineering aligns with the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) theory. Aircraft General Knowledge You’ll explore how aircraft systems operate, how they are designed, and why they behave the way they do in flight — mirroring the technical understanding assessed in PPL theory. Navigation and Flight Planning You’ll tackle the same navigation principles tested in the PPL, working hands‑on with the CRP‑5 flight computer to solve real planning and calculation tasks. Guidance from our flight school partner at Wolverhampton Airport shows how these skills are applied in real flight training. Flight Performance and Operational Decision‑Making From performance calculations to safe operating techniques, you’ll develop the analytical skills that underpin confident flying and are central to PPL performance exams. Air Law, Weather and Pilot Responsibilities Independent study in Air Law, Meteorology and pilot responsibilities helps you build the knowledge and judgement assessed throughout PPL theory. From Theory to Practice Aviation case studies, teaching from our Wolverhampton Airport partners, and time in our on‑campus flight simulator help you connect PPL theory to real cockpit procedures. Through this partnership, there may also be opportunities to experience actual flight time.

Module: 5MA051
Credits: 20
Period: 3
Type: Core

In this module, you will investigate the underlying principles of thermodynamic cycles and fluids analysis exhibited by a range of aerospace engine types and fuel systems. You will conduct detailed analysis on heat transfer mechanics within propulsion systems including electrical and hydrogen powered transportation systems.

Module: 6MA055
Credits: 40
Period: 4
Type: Core

In this module students will advance their study in digital design and manufacturing, focusing on key aspects of engineering analysis and high-level understanding of how objects move through our atmosphere. Students will explore advanced topics such as stress analysis and failure, vibration, advanced finite element analysis (FEA), and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for supersonic and subsonic aerodynamics. Machine Design and toolpath generation also play a part in this module as do the selection of materials such as aerospace composites. Through theoretical learning and practical exercises, students will develop advanced skills using digital design tools and manufacturing processes, preparing them for the challenges of the modern engineering industry.

Module: 6MA056
Credits: 40
Period: 4
Type: Core

This module empowers students to take part in a sustained practical project centred on aircraft design to demonstrate their skills, knowledge, and design sensibilities. Furthermore, students will deepen their understanding and enhance their skills to mirror professional practices in aircraft design environments and the team scenario. Moreover, you will showcase high levels of creativity, assess project management and risk mitigation, whilst considering environmental impact.

Module: 6MA054
Credits: 40
Period: 4
Type: Core

In this module you will undertake an innovative engineering project encompassing all your acquired engineering skills, knowledge and creativity. Your project can involve design, research, experimentation or computational solution. You will identify and plan your project following a rigorous assessment of project management, environmental, societal and provide an in-depth analysis of the commercial context of your solution. You will then execute the project under the supervision of academics or industrial partners, wherever possible, and provide a new solution to a real-world problem embedding risk and security management and strong communication skills. Upon completion, you will be ready for the challenges of the engineering industry or further academic pursuits.

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

Our engineering courses are built around problem- and activity-based learning and live industrial project work, not lectures alone. This course follows the Engineering Council's AHEP 4 standards, and is currently under review for re-accreditation by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), meeting the requirements in part for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status and in full for Incorporated Engineering (IEng).

We've invested over £7m in engineering facilities at our Springfield Campus, giving you access to an aerospace laboratory with subsonic and supersonic wind tunnels and aircraft flight demonstrator equipment, industrial CAD design labs, thermo-fluid and propulsion labs, machine workshops and composites labs, electronics, telecommunications, mechatronics and avionics facilities, and engine test equipment and 3D printing — alongside the University's own training aircraft and flight simulation environments specific to this course.

Springfield sits close to Wolverhampton Airport, putting you inside an active aviation operating environment that supports visits, networking and observational learning most campus locations simply can't offer. You'll also have access to the wider University of Wolverhampton Aerospace (UWA) club and its involvement in the IMechE UAS Challenge, alongside active RAeS engagement and student membership opportunities.

Beyond the course itself, we back you with a genuinely accessible learning environment: an inclusive curriculum shaped around a diverse range of engineers, pilots and aviation professionals, accessible learning materials for students with disabilities or specific learning differences, and one-to-one advice where aviation medical or licensing requirements intersect with a student's individual circumstances — so aviation-specific barriers don't become barriers to graduation. That same commitment to accessibility runs right through to entry: our Prepare for Foundation pathway is built for students without a traditional run of qualifications behind them.

It adds up to consistently strong results: the University improved across every theme in the National Student Survey 2026, performing above sector benchmark, and has been recognised in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards among the UK's leading institutions for student experience.

Your Foundation Year builds the base-level skills — solving problems mathematically, applying knowledge across technical subjects, and communicating clearly — that every later outcome builds on. By graduation, you'll have developed the skills expected of a professional aerospace engineer, mapped against the Engineering Council's AHEP 4 standards, with pilot-centred and operational awareness built into every strand:

  • Science & Maths. Apply advanced mathematics, statistics, natural science and aerospace engineering principles — including flight operations considerations — to analyse and solve complex problems in the aerospace and aviation industry.
  • Engineering Analysis. Use computational and analytical techniques, including simulation-based tools such as CFD and FEA, alongside aerospace and aviation technical literature, to model and address complex problems.
  • Design & Innovation. Design integrated aerospace solutions that consider health, safety, environmental and commercial factors, including pilot workload and operational constraints.
  • The Engineer & Society. Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of aerospace and aviation engineering solutions, and make ethical, informed decisions grounded in equality, diversity and inclusion.
  • Engineering Practice. Develop and apply practical skills, materials and technologies — including flight simulation tools — while managing risk, ensuring quality, and communicating effectively.
  • Research & Development. Conceptualise, design and solve a complex aerospace or aviation-focused project, supported by technical literature review and critical milestones, and report on it to a professional standard.

Location Mode Foundation Year Fee Sep intake Fee Year
Home Full-time £9790 £9790 per year 2026-27
International Full-time £17600 £17600 per year 2026-27

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed.


If a tuition fee is not showing, we may not offer this intake for this course. Please check the start date information on the course finder for start dates.

Academic Pathway:-

Typical entry requirement: 48 UCAS points

  • A Levels - grades DD / EEE
  • BTEC L3 Extended Diploma or OCR Cambridge L3 Technical Extended Diploma - grades PPP
  • BTEC L3 Diploma - grades MP
  • Access to HE Diploma (60 credits) of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3 (48 UCAS point equivalence, minimum 45 credits at merit)
  • T Levels with an overall grade of Pass and a minimum grade of D or E in Core
  • International entry requirements and application guidance can be found here

    • Use the UCAS Tariff calculator to check your qualifications and points

    Prepare for Foundation Pathway: - We will consider applicants who have not achieved level 3 qualifications if you have a keen interest in this subject area or hold relevant experience. To receive an offer through this route you will be required to successfully attend and pass a Prepare for Foundation event. This is a one-day programme which is designed to assess your keen interest or recent experience in the subject, through a written assessment and a variety of activities. During the event you will have the opportunity to ask questions, be introduced to studying a higher education foundation course and meet staff and fellow students. If you would like more advice and guidance about this admissions pathway, please contact Gateway to discuss and support you making an application to us.

    Other Requirements: Applicants must be 18 years old or above at the start of the course.

    Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):

    Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.

    Changes for EU students:

    The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

    EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)


    Self-funding:

    If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.

    For more information please contact the Gateway.


    Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

    If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

    We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


    Financial Hardship:

    Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

    for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


    Bursaries and Scholarships:

    In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

    You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

    Telephone

    01902 32 22 22

    Email

    enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

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