Aircraft Engineering BEng (Hons)
Course code H414
What is special about this course?
The BEng (Hons) Aircraft Engineering course is an exciting degree that will equip you with an in-depth engineering knowledge across a broad range of modern aeronautical technologies.
If you have decided on an exhilarating career as an aeronautical engineer, this course will provide the knowledge and skills you need to analyse complex aircraft engineering situations and solve aeronautical engineering problems.
If you would like to specifically become a licenced aircraft engineer, you may wish to apply to our BSc (Hons) Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and Management instead as it is tailored for this specific job role.
Special features
- The degree is highly relevant to modern aircraft industries and we have good links with the aviation industry
- Features optional modules in years 3 and 4. The optional modules both vary in content and aim at diversifying your knowledge and skills. There is also potential to actively engage with the industry through a work placement module
Entry requirements
- For September 2025, entry to this course is only available into year 4, and only in certain circumstances, with a BEng/BSc in an engineering-related discipline. This will be subject to normal university regulations for Recognition of Prior Learning and will be considered on a case-by-case basis
Year 1 - HNC
Please apply to the HNC Aircraft Engineering if you wish to study the first year of this course.
Year 2 - HND
Please apply to the HND Aircraft Engineering if you wish to study the second year of this course.
Year 3 - BEng
Entry to year 3 of this course is not possible for 2025/26.
Year 4 - BEng (Hons)
Core modules are:
- Engineering project and project management
- Advanced aircraft and engine performance
- Advanced aircraft design
Optional modules include:
- Aviation crisis management
- Sustainable aviation
- Future energy systems
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- You will mainly study in-person, on campus via a combination of face-to-face lectures and tutorials, laboratory and simulation exercises, and practical workshops
- You will undertake case studies and individual assignments, group work, project work and directed study
- Online study will be done via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 1 year @ approx 14 hours per week across 3 days (BEng (Hons) only)
Number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent in lectures and your own time spent on individual study and research.
Where can I study my course?
- Perth
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Study Mode | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £1,820 | £1,820 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £915 | £915 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £305 | £305 |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term-time address in Scotland, studying full time, the following fees apply:
| Year | Level | 2024-25 Full-time | 2025-26 Full-time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CertHE | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 4 | Honours | free | free |
4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,542.
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK and EU students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying (see the Funding section opposite).
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. Students will get an automatic scholarship of £4,000 per annum and the 4th year of study will be free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Year | Level | 2024-25 Full-time | With scholarship | 2025-26 Full-time | With scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CertHE | £15,996 | £11,996 | £16,950 | £12,950 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £15,996 | £11,996 | £16,950 | £12,950 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £15,996 | £11,996 | £16,950 | £12,950 |
| Year 4 | Honours | £15,996 | Free | £16,950 | Free |
Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| Study Mode | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year (120 credit modules) per year | £15,996 | £16,950 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £7,998 | £8,475 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £2,666 | £2,825 |
Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
Further information on international course fees.
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Once you have successfully completed your BEng (Hons) Aircraft Engineering course, you might like to consider the following careers or sectors:
- Engineering management
- Aircraft design engineer
- Aircraft stress engineer
- Performance engineer
- Engineering procurement and asset management
- Technical services or support engineer
- Reliability and planning engineer
- Propulsion engineer
- Quality and safety engineer
- Aircraft systems engineer
- Aircraft maintenance engineer
- Aircraft and equipment sales
- Operations and logistics manager
Can I progress into further study?
On successful completion of the BEng (Hons) Aircraft Engineering you may progress to the MBA Business Administration (Aviation).
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
I moved to Scotland from Bulgaria to study, and UHI was my first choice for university. I love having smaller class sizes, this means we get personal support from lecturers. The skills gained at UHI Perth have immensely increased my employability and allowed for personal growth. My studies helped me secure a remote placement at the Clean Combustion Research Center at KAUST in Saudi Arabia.
While studying, I was part of the Adventurous Activities Club at UHI Perth, and I am obsessed with the beauty of the Highlands- my favourite thing to do in my free time is going hiking with my classmates and spending time in nature.
Iliana studied the BEng (Hons) Aircraft Engineering at UHI Perth.
I chose this course as I have a passion for aviation and I want to become a commercial pilot. What I like most about my course is the range of subjects and the content within them. My qualification will provide me with a stepping stone for my future ambitions – expanding my knowledge to enter the aviation industry. After university, I plan to do a masters and then work for a year gaining industrial experience before I commence pilot training.
If you have an ambition, and passion for the aviation industry, then I would definitely recommend that people study here.
Nurina studied the BEng (Hons) Aircraft Engineering at UHI Perth.
This was the right course for me because I knew I wanted to be an engineer, and I love aircraft and spacecraft. I also liked that the Perth campus was close to Edinburgh. I am very grateful for all the support I found at UHI. The lecturers always make the best out of every class, and we’ve often been asked for feedback to tailor the classes to our needs. I feel supported by the staff at UHI.
As part of my work placement, I worked with an aviation company. This course has opened the door to the future I want, and given me the skills to pursue a career in engineering. The facilities here are very good, and I can for sure say that my favourite places in the campus are the Aviation Hub, where I spend a lot of times due to my studies, and the climbing wall, where some of my classmates and I have been going for a while to relax and distract ourselves from the course.
Scotland has among the best natural sceneries I have ever seen. When the sun shines it feels unreal how beautiful it is. I love driving north and enjoying the Highlands and Islands, it really makes my time here special. I often think about my future, and I know I will miss these times.
Erica studies BEng (Hons) Aircraft Engineering at UHI Perth.
Apply for Aircraft Engineering BEng (Hons)
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.