In 2016, civil aviation was responsible for transporting 3.8 billion travellers worldwide. The number of passengers is expected to grow at a rate of 3.7% every year, doubling by 2035. Space transport is also becoming increasingly important: an ever larger number of companies is specialising in cheaper sub-orbital and orbital flights, both for leisure and to deliver state of the art satellites. This growing industry will require skilled graduates who will be centre stage in solving important technological challenges.

With this in mind, the University of Birmingham has decided to launch new undergraduate programmes for 2018 entry, based on our extensive experience on the wider field of aerospace engineering. Researchers, lecturers and professors at the University of Birmingham have been leading progress in a number of areas, from the LISA Pathfinder mission to higher-performing jet engines. This, alongside strong collaborations with Rolls-Royce, Airbus, and many other leading companies, will give our graduates a great start towards successful careers.

Graduates will be gaining skills required to successfully join the wider aerospace industry. In particular, our graduates will be prepared to transform the emerging fields of satellite, deep space missions and unmanned aerial vehicles, where remote control and communications are required. This is achieved by a common first two years where all aspects of aerospace engineering are covered before the students specialise in Materials or Engineering (structures and avionics) for their final year. Aspects of space missions continue through years 2 and 3 for both specialisms. Graduates could also pursue careers and research opportunities in non-aerospace areas where expertise in advanced materials, manufacturing, structures, aggressive environments and remote communication and control are important.