The "Aviation and Aerospace Engineering" Department aims to train highly qualified and responsible academics in the high-technology fields "aviation and aerospace" and "automotive engineering". We teach theoretical principles and their application in engineering practice. Practice is part of teaching: Small exercise groups, many practicals in very well-equipped laboratories, extensive opportunities for independent work in research and industrial projects, own flight experience on our aircraft and simulators, at the satellite ground station or on the test bench.

The need for new, sustainable and improved technologies in the world is greater and more urgent than ever. In the fields of aviation and aerospace engineering and automotive engineering in particular, structures and industries are changing and, for this change to progress, skilled engineers are needed who can apply their expertise in a targeted manner. The Master's degree programme is therefore all about combining proven technology and new knowledge to meet today's challenges. Being an engineer also means being able to apply this know-how in a team.

The department maintains an extensive international exchange programme in the field of bachelor's and master's education within and outside Europe. The most important partner universities include RMIT University in Melbourne, Universiti Putra Malaysia and universities in Bologna, Madrid and Paris. In addition to the opportunity to complete a semester abroad, the department also offers English-language modules in the Bachelor's degree programme. The Master's degree programmes are taught in English and have an international student body. There is also the option of a double degree.

The department is characterised by the variety and equipment of its 35 laboratories as well as the aircraft and simulator fleet, including a flying laboratory for use in research and teaching. The Centre of Excellence for Mobility (KMAC), with new lecture theatres, cafeterias and laboratories, went into operation as a major infrastructure project in 2022; A new test facilities building was also built. Current issues in automotive engineering can be looked into there, using emission measuring equipment and battery test benches for example, in collaboration with other disciplines.

Aachen University of Applied Sciences is the only higher education institution in North Rhine-Westphalia with teaching and research expertise in the high-tech fields of aerospace technology and automotive technology. Here, synergies are specifically researched and applied. The department is home to the research institute ECSM "European Centre for Sustainable Mobility", an NRW competence platform "Synergetic Automotive and Aerospace Engineering", a Research Training Group and a graduate school with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in Melbourne, Australia. 24% of doctoral students at Aachen University of Applied Sciences earn their doctorates here.

Recognition, appreciation and perception of differences as well as the active development of similarities are features that Aachen University of Applied Sciences applies and continuously develops as overarching guidelines in all areas of the university. It is an intrinsic goal of the university to see diversity as an opportunity and to create an environment in which diversity and equal opportunities can flourish and develop freely. As a place of learning, teaching, research and critical thinking, Aachen University of Applied Sciences proactively embraces increasing diversity.