Programme Overview
The Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Aerospace Engineering covers the multi-disciplinary design, development, and operation of advanced aerial and space vehicles. Combining core engineering principles with sophisticated computational tools, the course prepares students to transform conceptual designs into flight-ready technologies. Students apply mathematical modelling, aerodynamic analysis, and structural design frameworks to evaluate aircraft performance across commercial aviation, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and space technologies.
Practical Learning & Special Features
The programme provides an immersive learning environment supported by specialized facilities, industry software, and structured exit awards:
- Centre for Aerospace Engineering Facilities: Students train in specialized campus facilities featuring an active fleet of fixed and rotary wing aircraft, a modern avionics/UAS laboratory, a Garmin-equipped Cessna 172 flight simulator, and an operational wind tunnel for aerofoil testing.
- Industry-Standard Design Tools: Hands-on integration of professional software platforms, including SOLIDWORKS for mechanical design, ANSYS for computational fluid dynamics and structural analysis, and MATLAB for flight dynamics simulation.
- Integrated Work Placement: Includes a mandatory industrial work placement module in Year 3, providing direct professional exposure within the aerospace and engineering sectors.
- Flexible Exit Awards: Embedded qualification milestones allow students to graduate with a Higher Certificate in Aircraft Systems (NFQ Level 6) after Year 2 or a Bachelor of Engineering in Aircraft Systems (NFQ Level 7) after Year 3.
Coursework
The engineering curriculum progresses from core mechanical principles to specialized aerospace systems design and analysis:
- Aerodynamics & Aerofoil Design: Airflow mechanics, lift and drag analysis, subsonic/supersonic flow, and wind tunnel experimental testing.
- Flight Dynamics & Control Systems: Aircraft stability, trajectory performance, flight control laws, and automated avionics systems.
- Propulsion & Aircraft Structures: Thermal power plants, jet and propeller engines, lightweight composite materials, and structural stress analysis.
- Aircraft Computer Networks & Embedded Systems: Onboard communications, unmanned aerial system (UAS) electronics, software integration, and aviation electronics (avionics).
- Aircraft Leasing & Industry Operations: Commercial aviation economics, fleet management, regulatory compliance, and airworthiness standards.
Career Opportunities
Graduates earn a specialized engineering degree that prepares them for technical and design roles across the global aerospace, aviation leasing, defense, and advanced manufacturing industries:
- Aerospace / Aeronautical Engineer
- Aerodynamics & Structural Analysis Engineer
- Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) & Drone Systems Specialist
- Avionics & Flight Control Systems Engineer
- Technical Technical Asset Manager / Aircraft Leasing Engineer
- Direct Academic Progression to Level 8 Honours Degree (BEng Hons) in Aerospace Engineering or Specialist Master’s (MSc / MEng) Programmes
Upon completion of the BEng degree, graduates possess the analytical rigor, practical simulation capabilities, and flight-system expertise required to design, test, and maintain modern aerospace technologies.
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Avionics Fundamentals 1 (M) | Avionics Fundamentals 2 (M) |
| Aircraft Anatomy and Design 1 (M) | Aircraft Anatomy and Design 2 (M) |
| Engineering Mathematics 1 (M) | Engineering Mathematics 2 (M) |
| Management Fundamentals and Communications (M) | Aviation Engineering Practice (M) |
| Aviation Science 1 (M) | Aviation Science 2 (M) |
M is a mandatory subject - E is an elective subject
Year 2
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| Human Factors in Aviation (M) | Aviation Maintenance Practices (M) |
| Avionics 1 (M) | Aviation Construction Materials and Hardware (M) |
| Propulsion Systems 1 (M) | Engineering Mathematics 4 (M) |
| Engineering Mathematics 3 (M) | Mechanics of Materials 1 (M) |
| Project 1 (Mechanical) (M) | Project 2 (Avionic) (M) |
M is a mandatory subject - E is an elective subject
Year 3
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| Electrical Propulsion (M) | Aircraft Structures (E) |
| Introduction to Space Engineering (M) | Aircraft Systems (E) |
| Engineering Mathematics 5 (M) | Industrial Studies (E) |
| Mechanics of Materials 2 (M) | Development Project (Engineering) (E) |
| UAS Technology (M) | Work Placement (E) |
M is a mandatory subject - E is an elective subject
Year 4
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
|---|---|
| Flight Mechanics (M) | Aircraft Structural Mechanics and Analysis (M) |
| Aerodynamics and Computational Analysis (M) | Aircraft Stability and Control (M) |
| Conceptual Design (M) | Technical Aircraft Leasing and Management (M) |
| Embedded Systems (M) | Computer Networks for Aircraft (M) |
| Research Project (Engineering) (M) |
M is a mandatory subject - E is an elective subject
What are the minimum entry requirements?
- 2 subjects: H5
- 4 subjects: O6/H7
- English or Irish: O6/H7
- Mathematics: O6/H7
What follow-on study opportunities are available?
Graduates may apply to undertake either the taught Masters in Flight Test Engineering (MEng) or the research masters at SETU Carlow or another third-level institution.
What exemptions will I receive?
-Notes
-What will I be able to do when I finish the course?
Aerospace engineers work in many different aspects of the aerospace industry which can involve air vehicle design, engineering analysis, flight testing and software development of avionic and flight systems.
CourseCast Podcast
Listen to our CourseCast Aerospace Engineering episode to hear real insights from students and lecturers about this course, what you’ll learn, and where it can lead.
Aerospace Engineering
The Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering is structured to provide students with a real-world aviation work environment. In this episode, we hear about the programme and the state-of-the-art facilities that are available to students, preparing for them for the wide array of careers available to graduates of this course.We also find out about modules, projects, placement opportunities and lots more from Class Tutor Dr Edmond Tobin; fourth year student of Aerospace Engineering Ben Fitzpatrick; Kumbirai Chibanda who is doing a Masters in Flight Test Engineering at SETU and Luke Connolly, a PhD student who did the undergrad course and is working on an exciting aerospace project involving drones.
Listen on podcasts.setu.ieStories
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