Interest in aviation and aerospace careers is taking off. In ApplyBoard’s most recent Student Pulse Survey, student interest levels in aviation and aerospace-related study courses showed a significant jump. 4% of the survey’s total respondents expressed an interest in this field, up from just 0.5% of respondents in the previous survey.
And, while interest in every field of study varies over time, current trends in the global aviation industry suggest that these incoming students could be vital to filling emerging and existing gaps after they graduate. Below, we’ll look at where the aviation field is growing, and at some courses in the UK which could prepare international students for success in these sectors.
Once you’ve been accepted into a study course in the UK, it’s time to apply for your Student visa. Here are some good things to keep in mind as you apply.
Why Study Aviation or Aerospace?
In 2023 (per the most recent statistics available), the global aviation industry directly supported 11.6 million jobs. Looking ahead, some forecasts suggest that nearly 1.5 million more civil aviation professionals will be needed by 2034. The aviation and aerospace industries include hundreds of careers, from ground-based roles like air traffic controllers and aerospace engineers, to the civil pilots and flight crews who help over 12 million passengers reach their destination every day.
In fact, eight domestic flight paths each had over 100 flights every day last year. These flights facilitate travel between hubs like Mumbai and Delhi, Melbourne and Sydney, and São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, with up to four flights every hour! And, as airports expand and fleets grow, they’ll need more workers to build the planes, support the flights, and ensure the safety of crew and passengers.
Meanwhile, aerospace engineers drive progress in some of humanity’s most incredible feats. These engineers have designed better rockets and adapted spacesuits for longer space travel, and are always up for a new challenge. The US currently has the world’s largest aerospace sector, and the UK’s is growing quickly in second place. As such, international students in both of these countries could be a step ahead for internships or other work-integrated learning opportunities.
Let’s look at some of the current, in-demand courses in these fields.
Aerospace Engineering – Space Technology
3-year Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree
In this bachelor’s degree, students learn about core aviation principles like propulsion, aerodynamics, and study aviation materials and structures.
Plus, Kingston University London’s Roehampton Vale campus is designed for engineers. Students will have access to wind tunnels and a flight simulator, and labs with material fabrication and testing capacities. This means that Space Tech students get practical experience with some of the tools they’ll use—and challenges they’ll face—in their career.
Students in the Space Technology pathway take the same classes as general aerospace engineering students in the first two years of study. However, in their final year, they’ll work on space-related individual and group projects. They must also take the Space Vehicle Design class.
Graduates will also have satisfied the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) registration, and partially completed what they need for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Did you know: Kingston University London offers scholarships that can make studying abroad more affordable?
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
3-year Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree
For students who are safety-minded and fascinated by how airplanes work, a career as an aircraft maintenance technician or engineer could be a perfect match.
Curious about what this job is like? Per Skills England:
Aircraft maintenance technicians maintain and certify aircraft. They check, repair, and modify mechanical, electrical and electronic aircraft components and systems. They conduct safety checks and select aircraft technical logs and work schedule information. They select and check tools and equipment to carry out aircraft component inspection. They perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. They rectify faults and communicate work carried out with stakeholders.
In this three-year honours bachelor’s course, students take classes in settings including the University of South Wales‘ Aerospace Centre. The Aerospace Centre is considered a real aircraft environment, with the same commercial aviation services and features grads will see in their workplaces.
This degree is accredited by both the Civil Aviation Authority and the EU Aviation Safety Agency. It grounds learners with fundamental math, physics, and electronics knowledge before building their technical maintenance skills.
Plus, after completing their European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) training, grads may apply for a full EASA/General Civil Aviation Authority Aircraft Maintenance Engineer License in just two years, which is an accelerated experience timeline.
International Foundation Year and Aero-Mechanical Engineering
English Language Preparation + International Foundation Year + 3-Year Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Degree
Before international students begin this degree, they’ll take an intensive English language training program and an one-year pathway program. Both of these prerequisites aim to prepare international students for higher education in Scotland.
After completing the pathway programs at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre, students will transfer to the university’s main campus for their bachelor’s degree in aeromechanical engineering. And, as the #1 school in Scotland (seventh in the UK) per the Times’ 2025 Good University Guide for mechanical engineering, Strathclyde offers its students a top-tier learning environment.
In their bachelor’s degree, students will learn how to design and build components like control systems, engines, and landing gear. They’ll also build their knowledge of different energy systems and systems operation. First-year classes focus on math, mechanics, thermodynamics, and electrical engineering, specializing further in future years. The third year of study is focused on aircraft design, complete with hands-on projects and engineering science modules.
Airline, Airport, and Aviation Management
3-year Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree
This multidisciplinary degree gives students a strong foundation in aviation management and international business. With classes in economics, finance, human resources, and marketing, it’s a great option for students who want a people-forward career in aviation.
Students have an optional work placement in their second or third year. These placements can be a great way to gain professional experience in the UK!
London Metropolitan University‘s Aviation Society also hosts guest speakers at the university with expertise in aircraft manufacturing, airport and airline management, consultancy work, and technical maintenance, so students can build their networks and learn both inside and outside the classroom. Students can also leverage LMU’s mentoring scheme. It connects students with professionals in their chosen sector, who can share advice and career guidance.
These are just a few of the aviation and aerospace courses in the UK. There are hundreds more which could be a good match for your academic and career goals. No matter which course you choose, we wish you luck with your study abroad journey!
Check out ApplyBoard’s study abroad platform for a broader list of aviation and aerospace courses in the UK.