Aeronautical Engineering

You will study the same courses in the first three years whether you are on the BEng or MEng degree programme.

In your first year, you will take a wide-ranging curriculum which includes courses in aeronautical engineering, mathematics, dynamics, electronics, materials, statics, thermodynamics and engineering skills. These courses are supported by individual and group project work and laboratory work. This interdisciplinary approach, favoured by industry, also makes it easy to switch to another engineering discipline at the end of year 1 should you wish to do so.

In year 2 you will study fluid mechanics, dynamics, aeronautical engineering, thermodynamics and mathematics. In year 3 you will learn about the design of aircraft. You will begin to analyse and understand aircraft behaviour, aircraft performance and propulsion systems, and you will begin to perform detailed analysis of aircraft structural components.

In year 4 you will begin to deal with some of the advanced concepts in aeronautics. These include the study of composite materials, aeroelasticity, high-speed aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, flight dynamics and control theory.

For BEng students individual project work allows you to apply the knowledge you have gained during your studies to a problem in aeronautical engineering. MEng students undertake an interdisciplinary team project instead.

If you are an MEng student, in year 5 you will learn about aircraft handling qualities, aircraft operations, and advanced structural analysis techniques.

Half of this year is devoted to project work, which can be carried out in industry, within the university or via a placement abroad. A range of optional courses are available in years 4 and 5 to allow you to develop and follow your interests

There are contributions to aircraft design classes by engineers from the industrial sector and, whenever possible, visits to industrial sites. The school also sponsors student teams for national (IMechE) and international (AIAA) competitions.

The MEng programme allows you to take your project in Europe. We also have partner universities in the USA and Australia, where some students undertake their third year of study.