Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering
The Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering is a specialist centre for teaching and research. By joining our department, you will be part of one of the top-ranked Aeronautical Engineering and Automotive Engineering departments in the world.
Aeronautical Engineering and Automotive Engineering at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ
º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is regarded as one of the best institutions in the UK to study Aeronautical Engineering and Automotive Engineering. Our reputation for pioneering and topical research is built on a rich and successful history which as a postgraduate, you can draw upon the wealth and expertise of our School.
There are many exciting challenges facing the transport industries and our postgraduate degrees will prepare you for a career tackling these well into the future, with a focus on electrification, increasing automation and sustainability. Taught by expert academics in a leading research environment, we'll equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in an exciting yet challenging sector.
Our thriving community includes postgraduate students, research associates and world-class academics from all over the world. Our ground-breaking research feeds directly into our teaching by our academics who are at the forefront of their disciplines. Many of whom are linked to industry, working on innovative projects in transport to transform the technological landscape.
Master's degrees
Research degrees
Research and teaching
In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), 100% of our engineering research is 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'. Our staff are internationally recognised for their research and conduct research in collaboration with major companies. This research feeds directly into our teaching, meaning that your education will involve some of the latest innovations and practices, and will cover the latest industry knowledge.
Our research provision is centred on four major research groups that cover a broad range of research areas, from the development of new low emissions combustion systems for gas turbine engines to fundamental investigations into the operation of hydrogen-powered fuel cells. Find out more about studying for a research degree with us.
Links with industry
Our highly-sought after students and researchers work with some of the world's leading motor and aerospace companies on research projects. Through these strategic partnerships, our students gain insight into the latest technologies and business thinking.
Bridging the gap between academia and industry, the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Combustion System Aerothermal Processes and the Caterpillar Innovation and Research Centre in Engine Systems are both situated within the department and have become training grounds for current and future engineers.
We also have links with other top engineering companies, including:
- BAE Systems,
- Bentley,
- Caterpillar,
- Ford Motor Company,
- Jaguar Land Rover,
- Mercedes,
- MIRA and Nissan.
Facilities
Our extensive range of first-class facilities are designed to help our students throughout their studies and fully equip them for their future endeavours. We have invested £17 million into the STEMLab which offers first-class engineering, science and materials laboratories, forming a truly cutting-edge learning facility.
Accreditation
Our master’s programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS). Accreditation facilitates progression towards professional chartered status (CEng) after a period of relevant graduate-level employment.
Career opportunities
There’s high demand for graduate engineers who are ready to tackle the transport challenges of the future, from finding ways to design and build vehicles that are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective, to working in motor racing.
Postgraduates go on to further their studies with a PhD, follow a career in teaching, lecturing and research or join various positions in industry. Recent graduate destinations include:
- Key Account Manager, Beijing Foton Cummins Engine Co.
- Automotive Instructor, Bahrain Training Institute
- Software Engineer, Changan UK R&D Center
- Structural Dynamics Engineer, European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company - Astrium (France)
- Estimator, Galliford Try
- Purchase Engineer, J J Electric (Thailand)
- Graduate Production Engineering, Shell
- Testing Engineer, TVS Motor Company (India)
We have close links with Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Bentley, Ford Motor Company, Group Lotus, Jaguar Land Rover, JCB, MIRA, Perkins Caterpillar and many tier one automotive suppliers.
Our students
Beyond your studies
We're proud to offer a wide range of activities for you to get involved in outside your studies. These include:
Engineering Without Borders Society
The Engineering Without Borders Society is a movement that inspires globally responsible engineers; promoting their initiatives through outreach, events and fundraising. This is a great way to meet like-minded people who are interested in engineering, international development, technology or if you want to try something new.
Women's Engineering Society (WES)
The Women’s Engineering Society (WES) is a strong and proactive group driving opportunities for female students across the engineering departments. The society membership has a full inclusion policy for all engineers regardless of gender.
Volunteering projects
We also have a variety of volunteering projects, including the STEM project where you can become a Science and Engineering Ambassador and encourage younger people to engage in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics activities.