Recently, the Aerospace Engineering programme at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) received official accreditation from the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and the Engineering Council UK (ECUK). This makes UNNC the first university in the Chinese mainland to receive RAeS accreditation and the only aerospace programme in the Chinese mainland to be accredited by ECUK.
Established in 1866, RAeS is the world’s oldest and most internationally influential professional institution dedicated to aerospace and aviation. Its qualifications are regarded as authoritative standards in the global aerospace engineering field. ECUK is the regulatory body for the engineering profession in the UK, responsible for ensuring standards for engineering professionals. It accredits professional engineering institutions (such as RAeS) to validate engineering degree programmes, confirming that they meet the fundamental academic requirements for becoming a Chartered Engineer.
In May 2024, RAeS conducted an accreditation visit to UNNC. The subsequent report highlighted UNNC’s teaching facilities, academic services, internship and practical opportunities, and graduate employment rates, praising the university's extensive and up-to-date laboratory facilities, the access and availability of staff and personal support for students in all year groups, and the high quality of the aerospace programme’s design and delivery to date.
“The RAeS accreditation process is rigorous, involving a comprehensive review of course content, teaching methods, student assessment, and academic resources. Achieving this accreditation demonstrates our excellence in teaching, research, and talent cultivation,” explained Dr Yixiang Xu, Associate Professor in Aircraft Design and Performance at UNNC.
RAeS accreditation could not only significantly boost UNNC’s reputation domestically and internationally, helping to attract more research projects and funding in the aerospace field but also further internationalise the programme to cultivate top talent with a global perspective, enhancing students’ employability.
“For students, this accreditation is especially crucial,” Dr Xu emphasised. “RAeS-accredited programmes connect with RAeS’s global network and resources, offering students valuable opportunities for international exchanges and practical learning. Students will have the chance to participate in cutting-edge aerospace research projects, collaborate with industry experts, and build a strong foundation for their future careers. When seeking employment, they will have better access to global job opportunities in aerospace and related fields both at home and abroad.”
Notably, RAeS-accredited courses often meet or exceed the minimum academic degree training required for Chartered Engineer registration, and hence students do not need to take additional external training courses in order to satisfy the academic requirement for UG course to register as a member of professional institutions. This enables faster career progression and more development opportunities.
“An RAeS-accredited degree is often a key requirement for individuals seeking ‘Chartered Engineer (CEng)’ status in the UK and other countries. CEng is a prestigious qualification that demonstrates advanced competence and commitment to the engineering profession,” added Professor Xiaogang Yang, Head of Mechanical, Materials, and Manufacturing Engineering at UNNC.
“In summary, RAeS accreditation of the Aerospace Engineering programme is a milestone for the Faculty of Sciences and Engineering that will have a profound impact on student learning while the quality and professionalism of the programme provides significant advantages in terms of career prospects, professional recognition, and global opportunities for aerospace engineers,” Professors Yang and Dr Xu agreed.
Chartered Engineer (CEng) is an internationally recognised and highly regarded professional engineering qualification, demonstrating the ability to deliver high-quality engineering services.
UNNC’s Aerospace Engineering programme offers core courses such as aircraft structural design, aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and flight control, emphasising the integration of theory and practice. Advanced flight simulators and wind tunnels are used in experimental teaching. The programme includes project weeks, allowing students to design and build aircraft models and engage in real flight test teaching.
Among graduates pursuing further study, many have been admitted to global top-50 universities, including the University of Cambridge, the University of Washington, Imperial College London, and University College London. Those entering the workforce have secured positions at renowned companies such as Schlumberger and Tesla.
Published on 19 November 2024