Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics BEng/MEng
This degree programme bridges the divide between aeronautics and mechanical engineering and provides its graduates with the cross-disciplinary background needed to flourish in one of the most challenging engineering fields.
You will benefit from our strong links with the aerospace industries. MEng students take part in a flight-testing course in a Saab 340B aircraft.
- September start
- Session dates
- Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics BEng: H3H4 4 year degree
- Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics MEng: H3HK 5 year degree
- Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
- Study abroad available
Programme structure
You will study the same courses in the first three years on both the BEng and MEng degree programmes. Both embed creativity to develop world changing engineers.
Year 1
You will take a wide-ranging curriculum including courses in aeronautics, mathematics, dynamics, electronics, materials, statics, thermodynamics and engineering skills. These courses are supported by individual and group project work and laboratory work. This interdisciplinary approach makes it easy to switch to most other engineering disciplines at the end of year 1 should you wish to do so.
Years 2 and 3
In year 2 you will study applicable mathematics, applied mechanics, design and manufacture, microelectronics, thermodynamics, engineering computing, aerodynamics, mathematics, materials and power electronics.
During year 3 you will visit a number of industries in the UK and study more advanced engineering subjects: aerodynamics and fluid mechanics, aircraft performance, dynamics and control, flight mechanics, materials and manufacture, simulation of engineering systems, mechanics of materials and structures, propulsion and turbomachinery, and heat transfer.
Years 4 and 5
In year 4 you will study a range of core mechanical engineering subjects and core aeronautics subjects, plus a choice of advanced options. You will also undertake a team aerospace design project.
Year 4 MEng students also undertake a multidisciplinary group project. In year 5 of the MEng programme an aerospace-focused individual project forms a major component of the programme, and in addition there are options from advanced engineering subjects.
Course details
You will study the same courses in the first three years whether you are on the BEng or MEng degree programme. Both embed creativity to develop world changing engineers.
Year 1
In your first year, you will take a wide-ranging curriculum which includes courses in aeronautics, mathematics, dynamics, electronics, materials, statics, thermodynamics and engineering skills. These courses are supported by individual and group project work and laboratory work. This interdisciplinary approach, favoured by industry, also makes it possible to switch to most other engineering disciplines at the end of year 1 should you wish to do so.
Core courses:
- Aerospace Engineering 1
- Analogue Electronics 1
- Design and Manufacture 1
- Engineering Skills 1
- Materials 1
- Dynamics 1
- Engineering Mathematics 1
- Statics 1
- Thermodynamics 1
Year 2
You will study applicable mathematics, applied mechanics, design and manufacture, microeconomics, elements of thermodynamics for aerospace propulsion, engineering computing, introduction to aerodynamics, additional mathematics, materials and power electronics.
Core courses:
- Mechanical Design 2
- Introduction to Aerodynamics 2
- Materials 2
- Mathematics AE2X
- Power Electronics 2
- Thermodynamics 2
- Engineering Skills 2
- Mechanics of Structures 2A
- Dynamics 2
- Fluid Mechanics 2
- Engineering Mathematics 2
Year 3
You will visit a number of industries in the UK and study more advanced engineering subjects – aerodynamics and fluid mechanics, aircraft performance, dynamics and control, flight mechanics, materials and manufacture, mathematical modelling and simulation, mechanics of materials and structures, propulsion and turbomachinery, and heat transfer.
Core courses:
- Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 3
- Control 3
- Heat Transfer 3
- Instrumentation and Data Systems 3
- Design and Manufacture 3
- Simulation of Engineering Systems 3
- Mechanics of Solids 3
- Dynamics 3
- Propulsion & Turbomachinery 3
- Aircraft Performance 3
- Flight Mechanics 3
Year 4
In year 4 you will study a range of core mechanical engineering subjects and core aeronautics subjects, plus a choice of advanced options. You will also undertake a team aerospace design project. Year 4 MEng students also undertake a multi-disciplinary group project.
BEng core courses:
MEng core courses:
Year 5
In year 5 of the MEng programme an aerospace-focused individual project forms a major component of the programme, and in addition there are options from advanced engineering subjects.
Core courses:
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional
circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information,
please see: Student contract.
Partnership and industry links
You will benefit from the close ties with industry developed by staff involved in the programme, with industrial case studies focused on the aerospace industries.
Our international links
You can apply to spend one year of your academic studies abroad at an accredited partner university. In year 5 MEng students can work on their project at overseas institutions.
Entry requirements
for entry in 2025
Summary of entry requirements for Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics
SQA Higher entry requirements
- BEng: AABB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer
- Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5
- Typically offers will be made at AAAAA by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher
- Additional requirements: Higher Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science at AA. (AB or BA may be considered).
- MEng: AAAB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer
- Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5
- Typically offers will be made at AAAAAA by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher
- Additional requirements: Higher Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science at AA.
SQA Higher adjusted entry requirements* (by end of S5 or S6)
- BEng: MD20: BBBB (also other target groups*)
- BEng: MD40: AABB*
- Additional requirements: Higher Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.
* See Access Glasgow for eligibility.
Widening Participation Articulation Programmes
The University has bespoke HNC Articulation Programmes running at various colleges, offering direct entry to Year 2 of this degree.
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).
IB standard entry requirements
- BEng: 34 (6,5,5)
- MEng: 38 (6,6,6)
- Additional requirements: HL Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches) and Physics. (SL6 can be accepted for either Mathematics or Physics).
Advanced entry requirements for Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics
SQA Higher advanced entry requirements
- Advanced Highers – AAA including Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science attained in one exam year and at the first attempt.
Applicants must also meet the standard offer threshold with S5 grades to be considered for advanced entry.
A-level advanced entry requirements
- Three A-levels at grades A*A*A which include Mathematics and Physics or Design and Technology (3D or Product Design only) attained in one exam year and at the first attempt.
IB advanced entry requirements
- 38 points with three Higher Level subjects at 6,6,6 including Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches) and Physics attained in one exam year and at the first attempt.
Choose point of entry 2nd year on your UCAS application to indicate you wish to be considered for advanced entry.
Admissions guidance
Glasgow International College
International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation certificates.
English language
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
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Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
- 90 overall with Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford English Test
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Trinity College Tests
- Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
School Qualifications
- IGCSE English First Language, grade C
- IGCSE English Second Language, grade A
- A Level English, grade C
- International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
- International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
- SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
- SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
International School Qualifications
- Brunei: O-Level English Language 1120 grade B and above
- Denmark: Studentereksamen English at 7
- European Baccalaureate: English as Language 1 pass, if taken as Language 2 grade 7, if taken as Language 3 grade 7.5
- Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen English grade C or 4
- France: International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) / Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) grade 12
- Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone: West African Examination Council (WAEC) / Senior Secondary School Certificate English grade C6
- Germany: German Abitur English Grade 11
- Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- India: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) / All India School Certificate (ISC) English at 80%
- Kenya: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) English grade B
- Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) grade 7
- Norway: Vitnemal English grade 4 or above
- Singapore: Cambridge International O Level English Language (1128 Singapore only) at Grace C; Singapore Integrated Programme Secondary 4 English Language at grade B
- South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Independent Exam Board (IEB) Grade 4 (English as Home Language) OR Grade 4 (English as First Additional Language)
- Sweden: Avgangsbetyg / Fullständigt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan English grade VG
- Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at English at Ordinary Level grade C
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Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
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Pre-sessional courses
We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- St Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
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FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact External Relations
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
Further information about English language: School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study
Career prospects
Graduates can expect to be much in demand in the aerospace industry with companies such as BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce, as well as in mainstream mechanical engineering.
Degrees and UCAS codes
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
BEng
MEng
BEng students who perform well may transfer to the MEng programme on completion of years 1, 2 and 3.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
Scholarships
The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.
William Wilson Scott Scholarship
The William Wilson Scott Scholarships in the College of Science and Engineering, will be awarded to two new female Undergraduate students undertaking a degree in either Computing Science or Engineering for 2025 entry. The scholarship aims to support students who could face financial difficulties in taking up their place to study at the University.
The value of each scholarship is typically £1,500 p.a. for each year of the degree programme, subject to satisfactory progress. The scholarships are available to students entering the School of Computing Science or James Watt School of Engineering.
Engineering Leaders Scholarship
The Engineering Leaders Scholarships (ELS) programme provides support for undergraduates in UK Higher Education Institutions, who display the potential to become leaders and innovators in engineering and who want to become leadership role models for the next generation of engineers.
These scholarships help ambitious undergraduates, in engineering and related disciplines, to undertake an accelerated personal development programme, which will help them to gain the necessary skills to become engineering leaders, soon after graduating.
University of Glasgow/Glasgow International College University Degree Progressi
The University of Glasgow has a number of University Degree Progression Scholarships available to international students progressing directly from Glasgow International College (GIC) to register on a full-time Undergraduate degree at the University of Glasgow in Academic Year 2025/26.
World Changers Global Excellence Scholarship
The University of Glasgow has a number of World Changers Global Excellence Scholarships available to new International and EU students for 2025 entry. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount of £7,000 per year of study and is subject to satisfactory progress for consecutive years of study.
World Changers Glasgow Scholarship UG (EU)
The University of Glasgow continues to be committed to ensuring a strong relationship with our existing and future EU students, and supporting EU talent to make their home at the University of Glasgow.
We appreciate the challenging financial implications that have arisen for our European applicants, and are therefore delighted to offer the World Changers Glasgow Scholarship UG (EU) to new incoming EU students starting an undergraduate programme for Academic Session 2025-26. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount of £5,000 for every year of study and is subject to satisfactory progress for consecutive years of study. This discount cannot be combined with another University scholarship.
Applicants that completed a Study Abroad year, Exchange programme or International Summer School at the University of Glasgow and therefore eligible for the Alumni discount could be granted the EU Welcome Award as well.
World Changers RUK Excellence Scholarship
The RUK Excellence Scholarship of £1,000 for each year of study will be awarded to first degree new entrants who have attained academic excellence in one sitting at A Level.
World Changers RUK Access Bursary
The bursary supports talented students who may not be able to take their place at University for reasons of financial hardship. It is available to new entrant full-time, undergraduate students of the University of Glasgow who are fully registered for the up coming academic session, ordinarily domiciled in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and paying annual tuition fees of £9,250 per annum.
James McCune Smith Undergraduate Scholarship
The University of Glasgow has up to 30 undergraduate scholarships available for students of African/African-Caribbean backgrounds. The scholarship supports students who could face financial difficulties taking up their place to study at the university. The value of the scholarship is £2,000, paid in instalments for year one of undergraduate study. The scholarship is open to new applicants to the university for 2025 entry. Current students who have previously been in receipt of the award may reapply, however, preference will be given to applicants entering their first year of study.
Republic of Ireland (RoI) Excellence Scholarship
The RoI Excellence Scholarship of £1,000 for each year of study will be awarded to first degree entrants who have attained at Irish Higher grades H1, H1, H1, H2, H2 from the Irish Leaving Certificate for 2023 entry. Dentistry, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine applicants are not eligible for this award.
Payments
- The RoI Excellence Scholarship will be processed as a cash payment.
- The RoI Excellence Scholarship will be paid in 2 instalments.
- The first payment will be in October and the second payment will be in February.
These payments will be credited to the UK bank account held on your MyCampus profile; therefore, it is vital that this is up to date at the start of the session. By submitting your bank details on the MyCampus system, you are confirming that you agree with the terms and conditions of the award.
Please see here for further information and eligibility criteria for 2024 entry.
Beaconhouse Schools
The University of Glasgow offer a 15% discount on the first year of tuition fee to students from Beaconhouse Schools and who enrol on an undergraduate programme at the University of Glasgow. The discount does not apply to Veterinary Medicine, Medicine and Dentistry programmes.
Undergraduate Talent Scholarships
The University of Glasgow is awarding c.50 undergraduate Talent Scholarships to support students who could face financial difficulties in taking up their place to study at the University for 2025 entry. The value of each scholarship is typically £1,500 p.a. for each year of the degree programme, subject to satisfactory progress. Talent Scholarships are available to students entering any of the University's Colleges.
Dental School students are eligible for a Talent Scholarship in their first year of study only. They are eligible for the NHS Dental Student Support Grant in the following years.
Republic of Ireland (RoI) Access Bursary
Glasgow has a long and proud tradition of providing financial support to talented students who, for reasons of financial hardship, might not be able to take a place at university. Our RoI Access Bursary is part of our commitment to continue to attract and support students from a diverse range of backgrounds.
Payments of the RoI Access Bursary will be detailed in your Award Letter.
- The RoI Access Bursary will be awarded as a cash payment.
- The RoI Access Bursary will be paid in 10 instalments from October until July; this award is based on household income
- The RoI Access Bursary will only be awarded in years where tuition fees of £9,250 apply
Please see here for up to date information and criteria for 2024 entry.
Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
The University of Glasgow and The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation (CSF) will offer a scholarship to support Black African and Caribbean heritage applicants from socio-economically challenged backgrounds. Applicants must be ordinarily resident in the UK and commencing an undergraduate study programme.
The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation wants to fund 100 Black British students through UK universities in the next decade. More information on the Foundation can be found here.
Sanctuary Scholarships
The University of Glasgow is offering up to 30 Sanctuary Scholarships for applicants to the University, who have been forced to travel to the UK for humanitarian reasons and are facing challenges in progressing onto Higher Education. The scholarship is open to prospective undergraduate and postgraduate taught students at the University of Glasgow applying for entry in September 2025/26. Please note that you must have applied to the University before submitting an application for this scholarship.
The scholarship will meet the cost of tuition fees for the duration of your programme, for applicants who are unable to access mainstream funding through Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) or Student Finance. The Sanctuary Scholarship also provides a £5,000 per year stipend, to assist with study costs. In addition, if the eligibility criteria for university accommodation is met, this will also be provided for the duration of your degree, if required. For more information on the accommodation criteria, please see the Accommodation Services section on the website.
Undergraduate students with refugee status (or equivalent) and access to funding, are eligible to apply for the scholarship and would receive the £5,000 stipend towards study costs only, if successful.
Postgraduate Taught Masters students with refugee status (or equivalent) and access to funding, are eligible to apply for the scholarship and would receive the £5,000 stipend towards study costs and a partial tuition fee waiver, to cover any shortfall not met by your Postgraduate Masters tuition fee loan.
The Dima Alhaj Scholarship
The Dima Alhaj Scholarship was set up in 2024 in memory of a University of Glasgow alumna. After graduating, Dima worked in Gaza with the World Health Organization as a patient administrator at the limb reconstruction centre, as part of the trauma and emergency team and was tragically killed in Gaza in November 2023. The Scholarship is open to a Palestinian National who is living in or has been forced to leave the State of Palestine due to humanitarian reasons. The chosen applicant may be domiciled in any country but must be a Palestinian National. The scholarship is open to prospective undergraduate and postgraduate taught applicants to the University of Glasgow applying for entry in September 2025/26.
The Clan Gregor Society Prize
The Clan Gregor Society is offering an award to new entrants to the University of Glasgow who descend from Clan Gregor. Prospective students will be asked to submit an application highlighting areas of consideration such as academic excellence and financial need. The award is open to both Undergraduate and Postgraduate applicants for 2024 entry.
The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 29 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international students.
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
ATAS: Academic Technology Approval Scheme
Please note that this programmes in this subject at Masters level require ATAS. If yours is not one of the exempt nationalities, then you will need to apply for an ATAS certificate before commencing your programme of study and applying for your visa or extension of stay.
Please apply as early as possible as the process can take a number of months to complete.
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) was introduced on 1 November 2007. It is used to help stop the spread of knowledge and skills that could be used in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery. This is in common with other governments around the world.
The ATAS is designed to ensure that people who are applying to study certain sensitive subjects in the UK do not have links to WMD programmes.
- more information about the scheme and ATAS certificate (UK Government website).
How to apply for Advanced Entry
Apply for year 2 (Y2) on your UCAS application. If the specific subject is unavailable for Advanced Entry or your application for year 2 entry is unsuccessful, you will be automatically considered for year 1 entry. You do not have to submit a separate UCAS application.
Subject league tables
Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Mechanical Engineering]
Related programmes
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