Aircraft Engineering BEng (Hons)

Why choose this course?

Are you considering a career in aircraft maintenance? This degree will set you on the path to becoming an aircraft maintenance engineer and a maintenance manager in the future.

Your studies will include hands-on experience of aircraft component and equipment replacement, inspection, condition monitoring, fault diagnosis and rectification. You'll become familiar with the work environment and the legal requirements relating to commercial aircraft.

The skills you gain will improve your career prospects and enable you to complete further study.

Professional accreditation

This is the only UK degree that mirrors the requirements of EASA Part-147 approved courses, and it is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society as meeting the requirements for IEng registration with the Engineering Council. The course is taught at Cardiff and Vale College – and is EASA Part-147 approved. This course is RAeS accredited.

Where taught Attendance UCAS code Year of entry
International Centre for Aerospace Training (ICAT) Cardiff and Vale College - Provider Code C16 3 years full time AG01 2023 (Clearing)
2024

It is possible for you to complete the Engineering Foundation course (H408) at Kingston University and the BEng (Hons) at the International Centre for Aerospace Training (ICAT), Cardiff and Vale College.

Location International Centre for Aerospace Training (ICAT) Cardiff and Vale College

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • This is the only UK degree that mirrors the requirements of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part-147-approved courses. Once you graduate, you'll need just two years of maintenance experience before applying to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for your B Licence (the main licence for aircraft maintenance staff).
  • The course covers all the knowledge requirements specified in the EASA category B1.1 aircraft maintenance engineering licence syllabus (Part 66).
  • This degree is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) as meeting the requirements for IEng registration with the Engineering Council.

What you will study

Alongside academic modules, work-based modules provide you with hands-on experience of aircraft component and equipment replacement, inspection, condition monitoring, and fault diagnosis and rectification. You will gain an understanding of the work environment and legal requirements relating to the operation of commercial aircraft.

The course covers all the knowledge requirements specified in the EASA category B1.1 aircraft maintenance engineering licence syllabus (Part 66). It introduces you to practical and maintenance skills, and provides you with opportunities to practise and develop these skills.

This course is designed specifically to set you on the path for a career as an aircraft maintenance engineer in the aviation industry. It will give you the confidence and skills necessary to become a maintenance manager of the future.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

In Year 1 you will also gain higher education study skills and other interpersonal skills necessary for completion of the course.

Core modules

Mathematics and Physics for Practitioner Engineers

30 credits

This module covers all of the topics in the EASA part-66 Mathematics and Physics syllabuses and provides knowledge and understanding sufficient for you to take the associated EASA category B licence examinations that must be passed in order to become an aircraft maintenance engineer. It also extends the mathematics knowledge to a level sufficient to underpin key engineering principles and prepare students for the mathematics in the level 6 modules of the programme and further study. To become a design engineer you would need to complete some additional mathematics and science study at level 5.

Electrical Engineering Fundamentals

30 credits

This module comprises both theory and practical. The theory is delivered in a series of lectures and the practical involves you completing a series of laboratory sessions designed to reinforce the knowledge gained in the lectures.

The module starts by looking at electrical charge and how electricity is created, before moving on to look at passive components such as resistors, capacitors and inductors and how they behave in simple direct current (d.c.) circuits. The study of inductors leads nicely into the topic of magnetism and then onto d.c. generators and motors which starts by exploring the fundamental principles of machines before moving on to look at various basic types.

The second part of the module focuses on alternating current (a.c.). Firstly passive components are revisited, this time in basic a.c. circuits. The relationship between: resistance, reactance and impedance; voltage, current and impedance; and reactive, true and apparent power are examined in the class and tutorial sessions whilst simple circuits containing combinations of resistors, capacitors and inductors are explored in the laboratory. Induction is then revisited for transformers before the final section which covers the theoretical aspects of a.c. generators and motors before looking at typical aircraft a.c. machines.

Aerodynamics and Aircraft Electronic and Digital Systems

30 credits

This module will initially establish the need for a standard atmosphere (ISA) and describe the properties of the atmosphere as applicable to aerodynamics. The module will investigate the airflow around a body and the generation of lift and drag.  Relevant terminology and formulae will be introduced and calculations performed.  The module will go on to discuss lift augmentation and stability; specifying design features affecting these. High speed flight is then discussed, including design features associated with critical Mach number. The module will conclude with a look at the characteristics of aerofoils at all speeds of flight.

This double module is a combination of electronics, digital techniques and aircraft digital systems. The electronics section starts by looking at the building block of semiconductor components: the P-N junction, this is followed by a look at the characteristics, uses, and basic testing of diodes and transistors. Basic logic gates are then introduced, and combinational and sequential logic circuits examined. Op amps are studied and basic AtoD and DtoA conversion techniques investigated. The section concludes with look at the transducers and synchronous data transmission systems found on aircraft. In digital techniques, computer terminology and the basic layout and operation of computers is studied before looking at the use of computer technology in aircraft.  Aircraft specific databus systems and displays techniques are also studied prior to moving onto the final section of the module: digital systems.  The last section involves investigating the layout, operation and built-in-test equipment (BITE) of a selection of electronic and digital aircraft systems including: Electronic Flight Instrument systems (EFIS), Electronic Centralised Aircraft Monitor system (ECAM), Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System (EICAS), Fly-by-Wire (FBW), Inertial Reference Systems (IRS), and the Flight Management System (FMS).

Higher Education Study Skills and Personal Development

30 credits

This module is designed to help you transition from sixth-form and/or Further Education (FE) study to Higher Education (HE) study and to prepare you for the learning that lies ahead. The two learning environments, and what is expected of you in those two environments, are very different, and this needs to be clearly understood by you if you are to obtain the maximum benefit from your HE course of study.

The module will explore the differences between the two environments, explain the professional skills and personal attributes needed to successfully complete an HE programme and lay foundations for second and third year modules and life after completion of the programme; be that employment or further study. Basic research, report writing, referencing, use of IT, maintaining digital records, the fundamentals of working in teams, maintaining a study journal, understanding and using feedback, reflection and professional development will all be covered in scheduled learning sessions that will comprise a mixture of presentation, lecture, discussion, workshop and tutorial. You will be expected to devote time outside the schedule sessions to prepare for discussions and workshops, to maintain a study journal and to produce a portfolio of evidence. The journal and the portfolio will be used for both summative and formative assessment of the module and will provide a record and examples of work that can be used at personal tutor meetings.

The skills gained in this module will be further developed and extended in AE5004 Professional Practice for Aircraft Engineers which is delivered in the second year of the programme. 

Core modules

Aircraft Material, Hardware and Maintenance

30 credits

This module comprises two parts; the first looks at aircraft materials and hardware and the second covers the theoretical aspects of aircraft maintenance practices. The practical work associated with this module takes place in other modules in the programme.

Part one of this module starts by exploring the characteristics, properties, applications and typical heat treatments of aircraft ferrous and non-ferrous metals before looking at the properties, characteristics and how to repair typical aircraft composite and non-metallic materials. The content of this element extends beyond the EASA syllabus and there will be a greater emphasis on the mechanical and physical characteristics of material, their time dependent behaviour, behaviour under various loading conditions and features related to the service environment. The module also looks at the selection and application of different types of materials in engineering applications. Where appropriate, state-of-the-art problems will be discussed to illustrate the structure-property relationship in materials. The final topic of this part covers aircraft hardware, here the properties, characteristics, uses and identification of fasteners, pipes, bearings, transmission systems, flying controls, and aircraft electrical cables and connectors are examined.

Part two provides students with the knowledge required to select and use the tools, materials, drawings and equipment necessary to perform aircraft maintenance tasks. It also provides them with the knowledge needed to enable them to work effectively and safely in an aircraft maintenance environment. Topics covered include: tools and equipment and their use, aircraft drawings and manuals, inspection and tolerance checking, electrical measurements, disassembly and reassembly, aircraft weighing and weight and balance calculations, aircraft handling; corrosion prevention removal, assessment and re-protection, non-destructive testing, aircraft storage and preservation and finally aircraft maintenance procedures.

Aircraft and their Systems

30 credits

This module first discusses the operation and effect of primary and secondary aircraft flight controls and aerodynamic devices before moving on to an in depth study of the basic construction of airframes which includes a look at the methods employed to check the accuracy of construction. This is followed by a detailed investigation of all of the aircraft mechanical and electrical systems including but not limited to: electrical power generation and management, flight controls, landing gear, fuel, hydraulic, pneumatics, ice and rain protection, pressurisation, air conditioning, fire and smoke, waste and water, and lighting.

In each case, the depth of study will be sufficient to enable you to describe the layout of each system, explain its operation and interaction with other aircraft systems and, given a period of time to gain some practical experience, determine the serviceability of the system and investigate and identify basic faults in it. Practical maintenance experience, fault-finding techniques and an understanding of maintenance procedures and the appropriate action to be taken in the event of finding defects will be gained from other modules in the programme

The module also examines aircraft instrument systems including: pitot-static for measuring airspeed and altitude, remote and direct reading compasses, gyroscopic flight instruments; and a number of avionic systems including: on-board maintenance, integrated modular avionics, cabin and information. 

Practical Engineering Skills and CAD

30 credits

This module introduces and provides an opportunity for you to develop the hand skills and basic maintenance skills needed to be an aircraft maintenance engineer. The module is not intended to turn you into skilled experts; rather it is designed to provide a thorough introduction and solid grounding for further training, practice and development. The hand-skills experience will include: reading engineering drawings, marking out, cutting, filing, drilling, and thread cutting etc. Initially you will be closely supported and guided; however, as the module progresses, your dependence on staff is expected to decrease and the tolerances to which you work increase. The maintenance skills will include: using maintenance manuals, following procedures, completing documentation and fundamental maintenance activities such as: identifying parts, wire-locking, panel removal and refitment, torque loading, assembly and disassembly. At all times throughout the module, you will be expected to display maturity, integrity, good work practices and have a responsible attitude towards safety.

This module also gives you an opportunity to practice and demonstrate that you are capable of independent learning. You will be given access to a CAD package and expected to learn how to use it by reviewing and completing tutorials; and using help pages and any other resources you are able to locate. You will be expected to maintain a log book of your experience and complete a CAD-based assignment that will form part of the module assessment strategy. The experience gained and feedback received from maintaining the log book will be beneficial to you when completing projects in the third year of the programme.

Professional Practice for Aircraft Engineers

30 credits

This module is designed to introduce students to the wider issues and challenges associated with being an aircraft engineer in the 21st century. Specifically, the social, environmental and sustainability issues that are shaping our approach to our work. This module also introduces students to the engineering design process: to manage the design process from initial idea generation to the delivery of fully formed product or process to meet customer needs, while taking account of constraints.

A number of scheduled sessions will be used to introduce students to various topics in the module such as research, data collection, academic writing, project planning and network analysis. The engineering design process is introduced through a number of case study tasks. A small group design task will be used to provide students with an opportunity to test their ability to develop a systematic approach to solve an engineering problem, taking into consideration social, economic, environmental and legislative constraints. There will be further sessions to introduce students to the use of statistical methods to maximise reliability in Engineering Design.

However, the majority of this module is delivered as an independent study with tutor support. As with AE4004, students are expected to maintain a study journal and produce a portfolio of evidence that will be used for both the summative and formative assessment of the module. The journal and portfolio will be reviewed regularly by members of the teaching team and personal tutors who will provide guidance, advice and feedback on the contents; although in this module, students will be expected to be more proactive in maintaining the study journal and sourcing material for the portfolio.

In Years 2 and 3, you will develop these skills to improve your career prospects and enable you to complete further study.

Core modules

Turbine Engines and Thermodynamics

30 credits

The principles of operation of gas turbine engines are examined using fundamental laws of physics and the performance of a range of aircraft propulsion systems are assessed. The module also looks at the construction of typical engines by examining the various component parts (stages) of engines in detail. The layout and operation of engine systems (fuel, lubrication, air distribution, anti-icing, starting, ignition, power augmentation and fire systems) are also studied followed by engine monitoring, ground operation and storage. The engines element of the module concludes by examining the construction and operation of typical engine measuring and indication systems. The material covered should enable the student to inspect the various engine stages and systems and make independent decisions regarding their serviceability.

The module follows with a look at the aerodynamics principles of propellers, their construction and performance, before looking at propeller assemblies and associated control and monitoring systems. Topics covered include: propeller pitch control, over-speed mechanisms, protection devices, synchronising and synchrophasing.

The depth of study is sufficient to enable system serviceability to be confirmed and basic faults to be investigated so that the action necessary to restore the system to a serviceable condition can be taken.

Aircraft Maintenance Practices

30 credits

This module is the culmination of the course. In the practical element of this module, students put into practice the knowledge and experience gained from all of the other modules in the programme. Students will have completed the maintenance practices modules and will therefore be well aware of the standard procedures and practices associated with aircraft maintenance; they will also have had the opportunity to gain some experience of the skills required. During the module students will be expected to display maturity, integrity and responsibility, and will need to demonstrate key skills such as: problem solving; time management and planning; interpersonal communication; and the ability to work as an individual or as a member of a team. By the end of the module, students will be expected to have demonstrated that they are capable of performing maintenance tasks confidently, correctly and safely with minimal supervision, whilst still appreciating and understanding that they still have a lot to learn. 

The group project element of this module is designed to encourage independent learning and develop the skills required of those holding senior posts in the aviation industry; particularly in the field of aircraft maintenance. It therefore provides an ideal opportunity for the student to develop and demonstrate a number of intellectual, practical and transferable skills. Students will be given a group exercise in which they work together to produce a realistic and cost effective maintenance solution for an airline operation. The details of which (routes, flight schedule, aircraft details etc.) are provided by the course team. The project involves reviewing the "scenario" to determine the exact requirements, planning for successful completion of the project, identifying options and determining costs through research, analysing data collected and formulating an evidence-based solution and presenting the findings. As part of the project, students will produce a project plan, do a group presentation, produce a substantial written report, and maintain a project log book.

Individual Project (Aircraft IEng)

30 credits

The overarching aim of this individual project module is to provide each student with the opportunity to impress.  Working on a topic of their own choosing, the student, with minimal guidance from their supervisor, should apply approximately 300 hours of individual effort into the analysis of a problem and determination of the best solution and/or course of action.  The analysis can take a variety of forms ranging from an in-depth comparison of a number of already documented potential solutions to the collection and comparison of experimental and theoretical data. The topic investigated should ideally be of an aircraft maintenance or engineering nature, though other topics may be permitted with the agreement of the module leader.

By completing a capstone project of this type, each student is able to demonstrate that they can draw together the information from all the other teaching and learning on the course and past learning and experience; and through innovation and analysis, demonstrate that they truly are independent learners.

Air Transport Economics

30 credits

Throughout the course of your studies, you will have so far studied material that has been focused on a specific role or roles within the air transport industry whether it be aircraft design, maintenance, operations or repair and overhaul.  The aim of this module is to take a step back and explore how employers within the various sectors of the air transport industry combine all these functions in order to make a profit. 

In addition to looking in detail at the overall profit and loss equation:

Traffic x Yield - Output x Cost = Profit or Loss

The module also compares the operation of the air transport market with that in other sectors and, in more general terms, looks at what makes the industry tick. The standard method of recording and reporting financial performance is also considered. 

On successful completion of this module, you will not only understand how your future role will contribute to your employer's success but, should you decide to move away from the air transport sector, you will have a firm grounding in the general economic principles by which all industries operate.

Foundation year

If you would like to study one of our engineering degrees at Kingston University but are not yet ready for Year 1 of an undergraduate course, a foundation year is ideal. Please see the engineering foundation year course page for details.

Future Skills

Knowledge to give you the edge

Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.

As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.

At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.

A female engineering student, in the engineering lab.

Entry requirements

If you would like to join us through Clearing 2023, please call our Clearing hotline on 0800 0483 334 (or +44 020 8328 1149 if you are calling from outside the UK) and speak to our friendly and knowledgeable hotliners who will be able to provide information on available courses and will guide you through your options.

Please note the entry requirements listed below are for 2024 entry only.

Typical offer 2024

  • 96–120 UCAS points from three A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications to include Mathematics and Science. General Studies and native language A-levels are not accepted.
  • BTEC Extended Diploma in an engineering subject to include Unit 28: Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians (grades MMM).
  • GCSE: Applicants are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics, English Language and a science or technology subject.

Typical offer 2023

  • 96–120 UCAS points from three A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications to include Mathematics and Science. General Studies and native language A-levels are not accepted.
  • BTEC Extended Diploma in an engineering subject to include Unit 28: Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians (grades MMM)
  • GCSE: Applicants are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects at grades A*-C (or comparable numeric score under the newly-reformed grading) including Mathematics, English Language and a science or technology subject.

Additional requirements

Entry on to this course does not require an interview, entrance test, audition or portfolio.

Alternative routes

We will consider a range of alternative Level 3 qualifications, such as an Access Course in a relevant Engineering subject which has been passed with 96 UCAS points and all Maths and Physics units have been undertaken at level 3 and Distinction grades achieved.

We will also consider you if you have successfully completed the City of Guilds category A license.

Applications from those that have undertaken an Engineering foundation year will also be considered.

International

We welcome applications from International Applicants. View our standard entry requirements from your country.

All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 6.0, with no element below 5.5.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Typical offer and UCAS points explained

Like most universities, we use the UCAS Tariff point system for our course entry requirements.

Find out more about UCAS Tariff points and see how A-level, AS level, BTEC Diploma and T-level qualifications translate to the points system.

Teaching and assessment

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for final assignments. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.

Your workload

Type of learning and teaching

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 420 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 780 hours
Year 2
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 480 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 720 hours
Year 3
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 354 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 846 hours

How you will be assessed

Type of assessment

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1
  • Coursework: 40%
  • Exams: 60%
Year 2
  • Coursework: 40%
  • Practical: 20%
  • Exams: 40%
Year 3
  • Coursework: 53%
  • Practical: 5%
  • Exams: 42%

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Class sizes

To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally enrols 20 students and lecture sizes are normally 20­-30­.  However this can vary by module and academic year.

Who teaches this course?

Offered as full three-year programme through our partner institution: International Centre for Aerospace Training (ICAT) Cardiff and Vale College.

Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Partner Institutions and their facilities

Cardiff and Vale College

 

If you're interested in a career in the aviation industry there's no better place to start than at Cardiff and Vale College. All our Aircraft Engineering students benefit from the outstanding facilities provided by our training centre ICAT (International Centre for Aerospace Training).

Ideally located, next to Cardiff International Airport, ICAT is a purpose-built aerospace campus and is a recognised centre of excellence in education and training. It has gained approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as a Part-147 Aircraft Maintenance Training Organisation.

Our ICAT campus is fully equipped with classrooms, laboratories, specialist equipment and an aircraft hangar containing a portable Aero Wind Tunnel, Hydraulic Training rigs and equipment, and two aircraft: A Bulldog TMk1 Basic Flying Trainer and a Jetstream TMk2 multi-engine observer trainer aircraft. 

You will have the opportunity to train in our Gas Turbines area, which houses a range of Gas Turbine Engines including Rolls-Royce RB211 Triple Spool High By-pass ratio engine, Avon Turbojet and Ardour Twin Spool Low By-pass ration engines.

There is also a Boeing 737 fuselage facility for Cabin Aircrew training. View images of ICAT's facilities.

About Cardiff and Vale College

Cardiff and Vale College takes pride in the facilities and learning experiences it offers its students. We have dedicated support staff that will help you to make the most of your time with us and we work hard to ensure that all our students achieve their full potential. 

Serving the Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff areas, we offer courses at 10 different sites and offer a full range of support services, including careers advice, dyslexia and disability support, learning centres and libraries, IT suites, sports centres, restaurants and cafes and childcare.

We also welcome international students from around the world. Our dedicated international team provides help and advice on everything from Student Route visas to accommodation to social activities. 

Find out more from the Cardiff and Vale College website.

Alternatively, you can contact our partner liaison officer Mr Ward Broughton: wbroughton@cavc.ac.uk.

How do I become a licensed aircraft engineer?

Categories of licence and the routes to gaining them

Category B is the mainstay licence qualification for aircraft maintenance staff under EASA. Category B Licences are available in two main categories:

  • B1 – mechanical (aircraft structure, power plant and mechanical and electrical systems) which is divided into four sub-categories.
  • B2 – avionics (communications, navigation, radar, instrument and electrical systems).

How do I get a licence?

There are two basic routes to an EASA licence: the self-starter route and the EASA Part-147 approved course route:

  • Self-starter route. To complete the self-starter route you need to study for the EASA examinations associated with the category of licence you are seeking and then sit the exams at an approved EASA examination centre. To gain the knowledge needed to take the examinations, you can self study or complete short courses or distance learning courses; a lot of providers are available and these can be found on the internet. If you follow this route, you will need to gain five years of maintenance experience on the appropriate category of aircraft in addition to passing all of the examinations before you can apply for a licence.    
  • The EASA Part-147 approved course route. Part-147 approved courses are typically of two to three years duration. However, once you have completed the course, you only need to obtain two years' maintenance experience before applying to the CAA for your B Licence. Another benefit of this route is that the EASA assessment will normally be part of the course and based on the material you are taught. Also, when you are trying to get a job to obtain the required work experience, you are applying from a position of strength, having completed a worldwide, industry-recognised course.

For more detailed information on how to obtain a Part 66 Licence please visit the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (see Implementing Rules – Part 66) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) websites.

Course fees and funding

2024/25 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2024/25 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250*
International Year 1 (2024/25): £17,800
Year 2 (2025/26): £18,500
Year 3 (2026/27): £19,200

For courses with a sandwich year, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full-time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

2023/24 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2023/24 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250*
International Year 1 (2023/24): £15,800
Year 2 (2024/25): £16,200
Year 3 (2025/26): £16,600

For courses with a sandwich year, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full-time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has recently announced that new students from the European Union and Swiss Nationals starting their course after August 2021 will no longer be eligible for a student loan in England for Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies from the 2021/22 academic year. This decision only applies to new EU students starting after 2021/22. If you are an existing/continuing EU student, you will continue to be funded until you graduate or withdraw from your course.

Need to know more?

Our undergraduate fees and funding section provides information and advice on money matters.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks; this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residence. Free WiFi is available on each campus. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost between £100 and £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases, written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston-upon-Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

3D printing

It is not compulsory as part of your degree to print projects using the 3D printer. However if you wish to, you will need to pay for the material. Printing costs are estimated by weight (cheapest material is 3p per gram and most expensive material is 40p per gram).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year. A £10 voucher will be supplied to help cover the cost of the safety boots when purchasing with our supplier Activity Work Wear. Safety boots can range in cost between £25 and £100.

After you graduate

Graduates work as aircraft maintenance engineers, aircraft maintenance supervisors, air servicepeople and programme managers, for employers such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, KLM UK Engineering and Monarch Airlines.

Examples of recent graduate destinations

Types of jobs

  • Aircraft maintenance engineer
  • Aircraft maintenance supervisor
  • Air serviceman
  • Programme manager
  • Technician

Employers

  • British Airways
  • Virgin Atlantic
  • KLM UK Engineering
  • Monarch Airlines

This forerunner of this course, the Aircraft Engineering Foundation Degree, plus the BSc (Hons) top-up was delivered for 13 years (2001 to 2013). During that time, many hundreds of students achieved the foundation award and went on to obtain careers in the aircraft maintenance industry. And, several hundred practising licensed engineers completed the honours top-up to complement their vocational licence. Therefore, it would probably be true to say that you will find an ex-Kingston aircraft engineering student in almost every maintenance organisation in the UK and many overseas.

Careers and recruitment advice

The Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills such as CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques. Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements.

The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, key speakers from industry and interviews on campus. These events give you the opportunity to hear from, and network with, employers in an informal setting.

Employability preparation at Kingston University

In addition to building expertise in your own discipline, our courses will also help you to develop key transferable skills that you'll need for professional life or further study once you graduate.

As well as a range of careers and employability activities at Kingston, we also offer you the chance to apply and develop your skills in live contexts as an integral part of your course. Opportunities include:

  • placements;
  • working or studying abroad;
  • volunteering;
  • peer mentoring roles; and
  • internship opportunities within and outside the University.

In your final year, you'll get the opportunity to complete a major 'capstone' project where you can apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired to a range of real issues in different contexts. This is a great way to learn and is a valuable bridge to employment or further research at masters level.

Courses available after you graduate

If you decide that you would like to go on to postgraduate study after your undergraduate course, we offer a 10 per cent discount on our postgraduate course tuition fees to our alumni.

What our students say

When I started looking into studying aircraft engineering, a friend who had already been to Kingston recommended the University.

If you are considering aircraft engineering as a career, I would say this is one of the best places to study. There are people on my course who have come from other universities that they were fed up with, and they all say Kingston is the best.

A student's view on why to choose Kingston

My dad used to be in this field – he worked as an aircraft engineer so he introduced me to the subject when I was quite young. I was really interested in it and have wanted to study it ever since.

The teaching here is really very good. We get on very well with the lecturers – they care about us and have an interest in their subject because they have worked as engineers for ages.

We also do lots of practical work. If you are just sitting in a classroom all day long, you do learn, but it's not the same as getting to go out there and actually using your knowledge. It's much more interesting that way.

I would like to become a maintenance engineer for a big airline where I could work on massive jumbo jets. I would love to work at an airport like Heathrow – somewhere busy with lots happening so that I could get some really good experience.

A student's view on our teaching

Accreditation

This course is taught at Cardiff and Vale College, and is EASA Part-147 approved. This course is RAeS accredited.

What our graduates say

After my A-levels in Sri Lanka, I joined Kingston University in early 2002 as part of the second intake of what was then the new "JAR course" run in collaboration with KLM UK. At the end of my second year, having completed all my licence exams, I secured a position at KLM UK as an aircraft certifying mechanic. Whilst at KLM UK I worked on Boeing 737, Fokker and BAE 146 aircraft and gained a full EASA B1 licence and type certificate on B737CG aircraft. I was also able to work in the Production Support and QA departments as a technical co-ordinator and QA support engineer respectively. In 2009, I enrolled on Kingston University's Aircraft Engineering top-up BEng (Hons) programme and graduated in 2011 with a first-class pass.

I found that both the courses I took at Kingston University were well thought out and were designed to give students the skills demanded by industry. Another aspect that top-up students in particular appreciated was how accessible the course was; both in terms of pre-requisites where they received credit for licences and experience, and also in terms of its part-time delivery.

Since graduating, my career has developed in a slightly different direction. First, I was accepted onto the Airbus UK graduate programme, where I worked as a project management officer in Filton, Broughton, Toulouse and Hamburg. I then worked for a small charter airline in Jordan as AMO and CAMO quality auditor. From there I moved to Hong Kong where I currently work for Cathay Pacific Airways as a senior aircraft projects engineer. In this role I combine my technical experience with commercial knowledge to support aircraft acquisition, lease and sales projects.

My career has involved many disciplines, cultures, environments and has certainly involved many challenges. The broad-based foundation I received at Kingston, together with the dedication of its faculty, contributed in no small way to my being able to achieve my goals to date, both academic and career

Nuwan Kamaragoda

Having studied Mental Health/Applied Psychology, I was working as a registered nurse/therapist in the NHS but I was looking for a career change. I wanted to go back to Aircraft Engineering as I have previously graduated in this field in 1993 and, after some research, I found the Aircraft Engineering BEng (Hons) at Kingston University – which also provides students with the chance to obtain the EASA B1 certifying licence in collaboration with KLM UK Technical College in Norwich.

My learning experiences at Kingston and KLM UK Technical College were very pleasant and the lecturers are very knowledgeable and easy to work with. Since my first day on the course until I graduated my learning curve has never showed any sign of slowing down. After I completed the Foundation Degree and EASA B1 Theoretical, I was offered a job at KLM UK Engineering as a graduate certifying mechanic and worked until September 2007 when I took another job in Munich International Airport Germany in an MRO as a certifying technician.

After I enrolled on the Aircraft Engineering BEng (Hons) in 2009 my career started to change significantly. I was offered the post of CAMO engineer and later moved on as a production and planning engineer at Augsburg Airways GmbH in Munich (Member of Lufthansa Regional) and in 2013 I started a new position as planning engineer at DC Aviation GmbH in Stuttgart, where I was taking care of the Daimler aircraft fleet among others.

During that time I was noticed by my technical director for my knowledge and performance acquired from the Aircraft Engineering BEng (Hons) and he asked me to join him on his project to build a new MRO facility in Erfurt, Germany. We have built and developed Haitec Aircraft maintenance GmbH (VIP Department), for which I am the manager of Planning and Engineering and we plan to have up to 200 employees by 2016.

I would like to conclude that I found this course very beneficial and it has helped me to build a successful career. My advice to current and future students is to make the most of your time while you are on the course; the lecturers and course director are always willing to help and ready to answer your questions.

Kingston University is a wonderful place for you to learn, develop and better yourselves for the future – not only for your career but also as individuals.

Fei-sal Chatharoo

Key information set

The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.