Higher/Degree Apprenticeship Aerospace Engineer

BEng(Hons) Aerospace Engineering

Course code
ST0010
Level
Higher/Degree Apprenticeship
School
School of Engineering
Duration
Typically four years and four months
Delivery
Years 1, 2 and 4: at Frenchay, Year 3: at both Weston (level 5 modules) and Frenchay (level 6 modules); September intake
Programme leader
Dr Saber Khayatzadeh

Introduction

Delivered in partnership with the Centre of Digital Engineering Technology and Innovation (DETI) and University College Weston, our Aerospace Engineering apprenticeship will train you to become a qualified engineer. Get degree-level expertise and hands-on skills from our practice-based course.

Accreditations and partnerships:

Why study for an Aerospace Engineer apprenticeship?

Aerospace engineers find creative solutions to problems of industry, the environment and society. Our Aerospace Engineering Apprenticeship (Level 6) trains aerospace professionals to become qualified engineers. Train with us and prepare to solve real-world engineering challenges, such as the sustainability of the aerospace industry. 

Our new inclusive, problem-based curriculum will broaden our engineering audience, enabling students from a wider range of backgrounds to pursue a career in engineering. The course is already popular with employers, such as Airbus, Rolls-Royce and GKN, to name a few.

This curriculum is mapped to the Aerospace Engineer Apprenticeship Standard, approved by employers from across the aerospace sector, and by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE). Professional Bodies such as the Royal Aeronautical Society have been involved in this process, ensuring our graduate engineers achieve the required skills and competencies.

As a student engineer, you'll start your professional journey towards becoming an incorporated or chartered engineer from day one. You'll learn by doing, applying and revisiting your early skills through embedded project weeks and development of digital and physical prototypes, as you would in practice. You'll develop core skills that you'll take with you through your career, such as innovation, teamwork and creativity.

Successful graduates will gain a BEng(Hons) Aerospace Engineering degree. 

This degree is an integral requirement of the (Level 6) Degree Apprenticeship Standard (ST0010) Aerospace Engineer.

Why UWE Bristol?

As an Aerospace Engineering apprentice, you'll be enrolled at UWE Bristol.

UWE Bristol has a robust partnership with University Centre Weston, who provide the Level 4 teaching. You'll come to Frenchay Campus for Levels 5 and 6, where you'll spend time in UWE Bristol's renowned engineering hub. So you'll have access to the resources of both UWE Bristol and Weston College, while gaining the learning required at each stage of your degree.

The course is delivered in partnership with the Centre of Digital Engineering Technology and Innovation (DETI). DETI is the research initiative for engineering in the West of England. Within DETI, we've been named as the Educational Lead for skills and workforce development. So you'll benefit from a respected education and strong industry links on our doorstep.

The apprenticeship focuses on practice-based, hands-on learning enhanced by embedded student support, such as Espresso Engineering drop-in sessions and maths support from day one. This means you'll become confident applying your knowledge to broad aerospace engineering problems.

Benefits to your employer

Our Aerospace Engineering apprenticeship enables you to upskill while you're in employment with your current employer. You'll develop the workplace skills needed in your organisation, addressing a skills gap while you gain your academic learning.

The apprenticeship delivers a practice-based curriculum, focused on learning through live projects. This approach equips you with hands-on skills you'll apply directly to your workplace, benefitting your organisation.

The course is fully funded as an apprenticeship.

Careers

This apprenticeship offers you the flexibility to study alongside your work, so you'll be able to contribute to the workplace, while building your professional development. You'll gain the experience to apply your knowledge, improving processes within your organisation. Studying alongside your work enables you to directly apply new skills to your role.

Through immersive project activities with interactive scenario simulations, you'll have exposure to real-world engineering challenges not necessarily in your employer's sector. This opportunity will develop your broader problem-solving abilities in engineering.  

On successful completion of your apprenticeship, you'll achieve a BEng(Hons) Aerospace Engineering degree, enabling you to progress your career as a graduate engineer.

In addition to supporting your development in the workplace, this apprenticeship will help you to understand the career landscape in your sector and plan for your longer-term ambitions. Our award-winning Careers Service is on hand to give you independent advice and guidance at any point in your studies.

Course details

Content

Your professional experience will be relevant to the curriculum. Whether you've completed A levels or an alternative qualification, we'll support your learning. You'll receive student support from day one, embedded into the curriculum.

We'll also support your mathematics development throughout the apprenticeship. So you'll be comfortable using maths to solve engineering problems in your workplace.

Level 4

  • Engineering Practice 1
  • Solid Mechanics, Materials and Manufacturing
  • Dynamics Modelling and Simulation
  • Aerospace Thermofluids
  • Aerospace Engineering.

Level 5

  • Engineering Practice 2
  • Engineering Research
  • Structural Mechanics
  • Fundamental Aerodynamics
  • Flight
  • Aerospace Systems Design
  • Fundamental Aero-Propulsion.

Level 6

  • Aerospace Engineer Apprenticeship (Integrated) End Point Assessment (Compulsory)
  • Aerospace Group Design Project (Compulsory)
  • Professionalism for Engineering Apprentices (Compulsory)
  • Aero Structures
  • Composite Engineering
  • Further Aerodynamics
  • Further Aero-Propulsion
  • Integrated Electro-Mechanical Systems
  • Digital Manufacturing in Aerospace.

Please note: the Level 6 modules are indicative and can vary depending on your employer's requirements. All non-compulsory modules are subject to change, and employers may choose these optional Level 6 modules in conjunction with UWE Bristol.

Read more about the approved apprenticeship standard on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education website.

Learning and Teaching

You'll learn through a mixture of taught lectures, tutorials and lab practicals. The curriculum enhances your learning through engineering projects, applying theory to practice. This apprenticeship has a 50% project-based core, so you'll supplement your learning with practical group and hands-on individual projects.

When not studying at university, you'll learn through on-the-job training in your role.

See our glossary of teaching and learning terms. 

Features

Professional accreditation

The course has been accredited for the intakes from 2023-24 by the Royal Aeronautical Society on behalf of the Engineering Council and re-accreditation will be sought for the intakes from 2025 onwards.

 

 

Life

Health and Wellbeing

We provide support in the way you need it.

Bristol

A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.

Sports, societies and activities

There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.

Sustainability

It is embedded in our culture, teaching and research.

Campus and facilities

Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.

Entry

Typical offers

  • Tariff points: 112
  • GCSE: GCSE: Grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics, or equivalent (we accept Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths).
  • A-level subjects: Grade C or above in Mathematics plus a pass in one of the following subjects: Biology; Chemistry; Computing/Computer Science; Design and Technology; Electronics; Engineering; ICT; Further Mathematics; Music Technology; Physics; Statistics. Points from A-level General Studies and AS-level subjects (not taken onto full A-level) can be included towards overall tariff. You must have a minimum of two A-levels.
  • EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: One of the following BTEC Diplomas: Aeronautical Engineering; Applied Science; Construction and the Built Environment; Electrical/Electronic Engineering; Engineering; Land-based Technology; Manufacturing Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; or Operations and Maintenance Engineering. Must include Merit in one of the following units: Further Engineering Mathematics or Further Mathematics for Construction. Please list the units that you are taking in your application. For further advice on acceptable units please email us.

    For information on required Guided Learning Hours please see our minimum entry requirements page.

  • Access: Achievement of the HE Diploma; to include 30 Level 3 credits at Merit including 15 in Mathematics and 15 in another science or technology subject. Please list the units that you are taking in your application.
  • Baccalaureate IB: To include a minimum grade of 5 in higher level Mathematics and a pass at higher level in one of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design Technology, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies.
  • Irish Highers: H2 in Mathematics plus a pass in one of the following subjects: Biology; Chemistry; Engineering; Physics; Technology.
  • T Levels: Grade C in A-Level Mathematics, in addition to your T Level qualification. If you have or are looking to partially complete your T-Level, you are still required to have the equivalent to 2 full A-Levels as part of our minimum entry requirements. As a result, if you are applying with only the core or occupational specialism, this may be insufficient as a stand-alone qualification.

Entry requirements

Apprentices must hold current registration with one of the statutory regulators of aerospace professions. For example the Royal Aeronautical Society. 

If you’re interested in applying for Advanced Entry onto this course please contact the Degree Apprenticeship Hub, via the contact details at the foot of this page.

ESFA eligibility requirements

To study an apprenticeship, you need to:

  • be aged 16 years or over
  • be an EEA citizen (with Right to Work in the UK) and not be in any other kind of full-time education (including being enrolled on any other apprenticeship programme)
  • be employed (for at least the full planned duration of your apprenticeship) in a role that is linked to the appropriate industry for the apprenticeship training
  • receive at least legal minimum wage for apprentices (wages vary depending on experience, employer and level or type of apprenticeship)
  • commit to at least six hours per week of apprenticeship training during your normal working hours
  • have support from your employer, including a mentor/line manager. Your employer is also responsible for funding your apprenticeship.

Find out about eligibility for apprenticeship funding. 

We use the UCAS Tariff system to make offers to applicants. You can use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to convert your qualifications and grades into points.

Find out more about how to meet our Entry Requirements. 

How to apply

Employed

If you’re interested in applying and have the support from your employer, speak to your line manager and/or HR team in the first instance for approval. Your employer will contact us so we can send you an application link.

Unemployed

If you’re not employed, you can use the following tools to find an apprenticeship vacancy with an employer:

For more guidance on higher and degree apprenticeship applications.

If you’re interested in applying for Advanced Entry onto the course, please contact the Degree Apprenticeship Hub. Their contact details are below, under ‘For further information’ section. 

For further information

For course-specific enquiries, please contact the Programme Leader.

For entry requirement enquiries, please contact admissions@uwe.ac.uk.

For all other enquiries, please email our Apprenticeship Hub apprenticeships@uwe.ac.uk or call +44 (0)117 32 84888.

Read more about Higher and Degree Apprenticeships.