Join the next generation of aerospace engineers – gaining the scientific knowledge and practical skills you need to solve challenges at the forefront of air and space transportation with a foundation year to prepare you for the course.
Develop state-of-the-art scientific knowledge in aerospace engineering.
Gain the practical skills to solve complex future aerospace challenges.
Engage in live projects, numerical modelling and experimental techniques.
Address sustainability challenges like decarbonisation and FlyZero-2030.
Develop technology expertise in aviation and next-generation space missions.
Prepare for the full degree with an extra foundation year at the start.

This course prepares you for diverse roles in aerospace research and development, manufacturing, product design, testing, modelling, simulating and other commercial engineering enterprises. You’ll engage in professional practice from day one, working on industry-led projects and addressing complex aerospace problems.

This foundation year course is for those who don't meet the entry requirements for our BEng Hon Aerospace Engineering course, or would like extra preparation before starting degree-level study.

Work placements

You’ll have the opportunity to undertake a year-long work placement between the second and third years of gthe main degree. It's your chance to work as an engineer or designer, applying what you've learned in a commercial environment. You’ll also learn how the industry works and make valuable connections for your future career.

We have a dedicated and experienced team to help you to find a placement. Our strong links with industry and excellent reputation mean companies actively seek our students for employment. Often students return from their industrial placements with sponsorships and job offers. Previous students have worked in a variety of technical roles for companies including Rolls-Royce, Airbus, Boeing, General Electric, Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems and the Ministry of Defence.

Live projects

As well as your placement, you’ll have opportunities throughout your course to gain extracurricular experience on a variety of projects within the aerospace community. Join our student aerospace societies, space academic network or formula team – or become a student ambassador or peer. You may also be able to experience training programmes such as piloting or computer simulations. 

Networking opportunities

Enrolling on the course means joining a leading community of aerospace students and academics. Our students are renowned in the aerospace industry for their dedication, spirit and sense of teamwork.

Competitions

There are also opportunities to take part in national and international engineering competitions, such as

• the Heavy Lift Challenge or UAS competition – which involves designing, building and testing a remote-controlled aerial vehicle
• the SAC (Spaceport America Cup) – a US-based event where universities collaborate to build and fly a rocket
• Formula Student – where you design and build a race car to test in a competition
• Engineering Without Borders – a competition to find an engineering solution to a problem in the developing world

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

The course is suitable if you don’t meet the entry requirements for our BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering course, or you want extra preparation before starting degree-level study. You share the first year with other engineering, maths and physics foundation year students, then move on to the degree.

You’ll experience a variety of learning environments throughout the course. Using a balanced mix of activities, we’ll develop both your knowledge and understanding of complex subjects, helping you develop as a highly-valued aerospace professional.

You learn through

• lectures
• tutorials
• seminars
• laboratory sessions
• computer-based sessions
• activity-based learning
• group work
• an individual project
• field trips
• guest lectures
• extracurricular activities
• acting as mentors or student ambassadors

Examples of cutting-edge companies graduates could work for include

• Rolls-Royce
• Airbus
• QinetiQ
• Ministry of Defence
• RAF
• European Space Agency
• Defence Science and Technology Laboratory

 

UCAS points

• 80

This must include at least 32 points from one A level or equivalent BTEC qualifications. For example:

• CDD at A Level.
• MMP in BTEC Extended Diploma.
• A combination of qualifications, which may include a maximum of one AS level, EPQ and general studies

You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.

GCSE

• English Language at grade C or 4
• Maths at grade C or 4
• Science at grade C or 4

• Access - an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.

We may also accept you, if you have no formal qualifications but can show evidence of ability and a genuine commitment to studying the subject.

Some applicants may be invited to attend an informal interview with the course leader to ensure that the programme is suitable for themselves and their aspirations.

UK students may be able to claim financial support for the course.

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.

Important notice:

The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

 

Year 1 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Engineering And Mathematics In Practice	20	Coursework
Foundation Mathematics, Mechanics And Electronics 1	40	Coursework
Foundation Mathematics, Mechanics And Electronics 2	40	Coursework
Fundamentals Of Materials And Manufacturing	20	Coursework

 

Year 2 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Aerospace Engineering Fundamentals	40	Coursework Exam
Materials, Manufacturing And Design For Transportation	40	Coursework Practical
Maths And Engineering Science For Transportation	20	Coursework
Sustainable Engineering And Interdisciplinary Practice	20	Coursework

 

 

Year 3 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Applied Thermodynamics, Aircraft Systems And Manufacturing	40	Coursework Practical
Numerical Methods And Applications	20	Practical
Structures, Aerodynamics And Flight Mechanics	40	Coursework Practical
Systems Modelling And Simulation	20	Coursework

 

Year 4 Optional modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Placement Year

 

Final Year Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Advanced Aerospace Engineering And Design	40	Coursework Exam
Aircraft Design And Simulation	40	Coursework Practical
Project: Implementation	20	Coursework
Project: Management And Scoping	20	Coursework