Undergraduate · Imperial Aeronautical Engineering
Imperial's Aeronautical Engineering MEng asks for Mathematics and Physics at the top grade, a three-module ESAT and, for applicants who perform strongly across the process, an interview with academic staff. Unlike Imperial's Biomedical Engineering, it does use a test, and unlike Imperial's Electrical Engineering, it needs an ATAS certificate for most international applicants. This guide is written for families planning 2028 entry. Everything cycle-specific in it was last verified for 2027 entry, so treat it as the best guide to preparation and not as the 2028 requirement.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
Taken from Imperial's official Aeronautical Engineering MEng course page and read on 25 October 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; Imperial's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.
The minimum A-level standard is A*A*A or A*AAA, to include an A* in Mathematics and an A or A* in Physics (A* with three A levels, at least an A with four). The typical offer is A*A*A* with three A levels and A*A*AA with four, and typical offers can be higher than the minimum. Further Mathematics is recommended but not essential.
The minimum IB standard is 40 points, to include 7 in Mathematics and 7 in Physics at Higher Level, and the typical offer is 43-44 points. Analysis and Approaches is the preferred Mathematics syllabus.
Applicants must sit the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT). The three modules are Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics, each of 27 multiple-choice questions lasting 40 minutes.
Applicants are invited for an interview with academic staff should they exhibit excellent cumulative performance throughout the admission stages. It lasts about 25-30 minutes and is usually scheduled after the ESAT.
Unless you are from an exempt nationality, Imperial says you will need an ATAS certificate to obtain your visa and study the course.
Official sources
Read on 25 October 2026 on Imperial's Aeronautical Engineering MEng course page, which describes 2027 entry. The 2025 applications-to-places ratio quoted in the guide is history, not a requirement. ESAT sittings, booking windows and the UCAS deadline are cycle-specific and are not stated. The Department of Aeronautics website and the year abroad and year in industry details were not read.
The course
Imperial says that, before choosing to continue or transfer to another course, all students apply to MEng Aeronautical Engineering (H401), and that the course has variants with a year abroad or a year in industry. It describes the aim as developing the engineering, computational and analytical skills, knowledge and experience required for careers in the aerospace industry. The MEng lasts four years. This guide covers entry only; the module list and optional topics were not read.
Reading the offer
Imperial specifies both subjects, and it matters how many A levels you take.
With three A levels Imperial asks for A*A*A including an A* in Mathematics and an A* in Physics. With four it asks for A*AAA including an A* in Mathematics and at least an A in Physics.
The typical offer is A*A*A* with three A levels and A*A*AA with four, and Imperial says typical offers can be higher than the minimum. Plan towards the typical offer.
Recommended but not essential, according to Imperial.
40 points including 7 in Mathematics and 7 in Physics at Higher Level, with a typical offer of 43-44 points. Analysis and Approaches is preferred.
The ESAT
Imperial says applicants must sit the ESAT as part of the application, and that the three modules for this course are Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics. Each has 27 multiple-choice questions and lasts 40 minutes. Check which modules each course on your list requires before you book, because the choice of modules is made at booking. The ESAT's sittings and booking windows change each cycle, so they are not stated here.
The interview
Imperial says applicants will be invited for an interview with academic staff should they exhibit excellent cumulative performance throughout the admission stages. The interview lasts about 25-30 minutes and is a two-way conversation between interviewer and applicant, exploring the applicant's motivations, academic ambitions and suitability for the courses. Imperial says interviews will usually be scheduled after the ESAT, with about a week's notice of the confirmed schedule.
International applicants
Imperial says that, unless you are from an exempt nationality, you will need an ATAS certificate to obtain your visa and study this course. Its page lists the exempt nationalities. ATAS is a UK government scheme, so check the current rules before you rely on this summary.
Context
Imperial's page shows 11 applications for every place for 2025. That is a historical figure about a past cohort. It is not a requirement and it does not predict any individual result.
Planning for 2028 entry
Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules Imperial has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means Imperial published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means Imperial has not yet published it.
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Imperial has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
Check Imperial's course page and the test provider's key dates for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
Plan Mathematics and Physics at the top grade, decide whether a fourth A level is realistic, and start ESAT-style practice in both mathematics modules and physics.
Support
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with Imperial College London or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each programme. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Yes. Imperial says applicants must sit the ESAT as part of the application, with the modules Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics. That was Imperial's rule for 2027 entry.
A*A*A or A*AAA, to include an A* in Mathematics and an A or A* in Physics (A* when applying with three A levels). This is Imperial's wording for 2027 entry.
Applicants are invited should they exhibit excellent cumulative performance throughout the admission stages. It lasts about 25-30 minutes and is usually scheduled after the ESAT.
Imperial says that unless you are from an exempt nationality you will need an ATAS certificate to obtain your visa and study this course.
No. Imperial says it is recommended but not essential.
No. They are Imperial's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course page again when Imperial publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their Mathematics and Physics, whether a fourth A level is possible, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.
