Undergraduate 

Aeronautical Engineering (in partnership with Tianjin University) BEng/MEng

Aeronautical engineering is about how aircraft are designed, constructed and powered, how they are used and how they are controlled for safe operation.

  • September start
  • Session dates
  • Aeronautical Engineering (in partnership with Tianjin University) BEng 4 year degree
  • Aeronautical Engineering (in partnership with Tianjin University) MEng 5 year degree

Programme structure

Years 1 and 2

Students follow years 1 and 2 of compatible Tianjin University programmes in: 

Year 3

In year 3 you will learn about the design of aircraft. You will begin to analyse and understand aircraft behaviour, aircraft performance and propulsion systems, and perform detailed analysis of aircraft structural components.

Years 4 and 5

In year 4 you will begin to deal with some of the advanced concepts in aeronautics, including the study of composite materials, aeroelasticity, high-speed aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, flight dynamics and control theory. You will undertake a project.

In year 5 MEng students learn about aircraft handling qualities, aircraft operations, and advanced structural analysis techniques.

Half of this year is devoted to project work, which can be carried out in industry, within the university or via a placement abroad. A range of optional courses is available in years 4 and 5 to allow you to develop and follow your interests.

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.

Years 1 and 2

Students follow years 1 and 2 of compatible Tianjin University programmes in:

Year 3

Core courses:

In year 3 you will learn about the design of aircraft. You will begin to analyse and understand aircraft behaviour, aircraft performance and propulsion systems, and perform detailed analysis of aircraft structural components.

Years 4 and 5

Core courses:

In year 4 you will begin to deal with some of the advanced concepts in aeronautics, including the study of composite materials, aeroelasticity, high-speed aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, flight dynamics and control theory. You will undertake a project.

In year 5 MEng students learn about aircraft handling qualities, aircraft operations, and advanced structural analysis techniques.

Half of this year is devoted to project work, which can be carried out in industry, within the university or via a placement abroad. A range of optional courses is available in years 4 and 5 to allow you to develop and follow your interests.


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.

Entry requirements

for entry in 2025

Students should consult the Tianjin University website for entry requirements to year 1 of the programme.

For entry to the University of Glasgow in Level 3 Tianjin University students will need to obtain 75% and above in all core subjects their first two years of study. 

There is a maximum of 20 places guaranteed at the University of Glasgow for students from Tianjin University.

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 module (not General Training)

  • 6.5 with no sub-test under 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
  • IELTS One Skill Retake accepted.

Common equivalent English language qualifications

All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:

TOEFL (ib, my best or athome)

  • 90 with minimum R 20, L 19, S 19, W 23.
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.

PTE (Academic)

  • 60 with minimum 59 in all sub-tests.
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.

Glasgow International College English Language (and other foundation providers)

  • 65%.
  • Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

  • Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.

Cambridge English Qualifications

  • Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
  • Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169

School Qualifications

  • iGCSE English or ESOL 0522/0500, 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
  • Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
  • West African Examination Council, Senior Secondary School Certificate, English grade C6

Alternatives to English Language qualification

  • Undergraduate degree from English speaking country (including Canada if taught in English)
  • Undergraduate 2+2 degree from English speaking country
  • Undergraduate 2+2 TNE degree taught in English in non-English speaking country
  • Masters degree from English speaking country
  • Masters degree (equivalent on NARIC to UK masters degree) taught in English in non-English speaking country.

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 an IELTS test (Academic module) from any of the 1000 IELTS test centres from around the world and we do not require a specific UKVI IELTS test for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

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:


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

Our graduates have been employed by:

  • Williams F1
  • Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
  • the RAF
  • Fluid Gravity Engineer
  • Rolls-Royce plc
  • the Met Office.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.

Please consult the Tianjin University website for details on tuition fees for the first two years of the programme.

For fees for the University of Glasgow part of the programme please see: Tuition fees.

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.

Tianjin University

The College of Science and Engineering offer discounts to Tianjin University students who have completed the first 2 or 3 years of their undergraduate degree at Tianjin University and wish to complete their degree at the University of Glasgow.

The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database

How to apply

Students should consult the Tianjin University website for applying to year 1 of the programme.

Students intending to transfer to the University of Glasgow from Tianjin University in Level 3 may apply directly to the University of Glasgow.

You will require copies of:

  • your transcript showing courses already taken and in progress in the first two years of your degree
  • your English language test result
  • the photo page of your passport.

We would encourage students to apply in January/February for September start. 

  • Application form: coming soon
  • Application deadline: 30 June

Students who have yet to complete year 2 of their programme at Tianjin University, or obtained the necessary English language qualification may receive an offer of a place conditional on meeting these two requirements. There is no need to wait to obtain these to submit an application.

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.


UK top 10

Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering]

Times Good university guide

Times Good university guide
UK top 10

Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering]