Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

The first two years of our five degree courses share the same set of compulsory modules, giving you the flexibility to switch between our different degrees. In Years 3 and 4 you’ll take modules in your chosen specialism.

In Years 1 and 2, you’ll study compulsory modules to establish the core mechanical engineering principles required by all branches of mechanical engineering. You’ll also undertake the first year design and manufacture project. Since many mechanical engineers go on to positions where they have management responsibilities, you’ll develop your knowledge of business practices by studying economics and management, taught by the Leeds University Business School.

Specialist aeronautical and aerospace modules form the basis of Year 3. You’ll learn to apply design to different aspects of modern aerospace vehicles, leading to detailed design of different aerospace vehicle systems. You’ll understand the fundamental principles of flight mechanics, stability and control, orbital mechanics and space flight, aerodynamics and propulsion systems, finite element analysis and aerospace vehicle design.

To experience some of these aspects in practice, you’ll also attend a flight course where you’ll be a passenger in a small aircraft, taking measurements of its performance under a range of manoeuvres.

If you take the MEng course, you’ll continue into Year 4 to learn more about analysing structures unique to the aerospace industry. You will be trained to conduct computational fluid dynamics simulations to analyse the aerodynamic characteristics of aerospace vehicles and you will develop a deeper understanding of aerospace systems. There will be a choice of an optional module, allowing you to focus on the scientific principles of design optimization or rotary wing aircraft.

In addition to the taught modules, 50% of year 4 consists of an aerospace-related group project, usually in conjunction with leading aerospace companies that are members of the aerospace industrial advisory board.

Projects

Every year of the course gives you hands-on experience of project work. As part of the Design and Manufacture modules in years 1 and 2, you will design, construct and test a model glider and a fully-automated Martian rover. These and other project activities give you the opportunity to explore your subject further as well as developing valuable skills in problem solving, communication and teamwork.

Find out more about our Projects

Engineering ethics

You’ll study engineering ethics as part of your course, with lectures and/or seminars in each year of your study. Visit our engineering ethics webpage to find out more.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Computers in Engineering Analysis 20 credits
• Design and Manufacture 1 20 credits
• Thermofluids 1 20 credits
• Solid Mechanics 20 credits
• Engineering Materials 20 credits
• Engineering Mathematics 20 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Engineering Mechanics 20 credits
• Vibration and Control 20 credits
• Design and Manufacture 2 20 credits
• Economics and Management 20 credits
• Mechatronics and Measurement Systems 20 credits
• Thermofluids 2 20 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Aerospace Vehicle Design 20 credits
• Aerodynamics and Aerospace Propulsion 20 credits
• Aerospace Flight Mechanics 20 credits
• Individual Engineering Project 40 credits
• Finite Element Methods of Analysis 20 credits

Year 4

Compulsory modules

• Team Project 60 credits
• Aerospace Structures 15 credits
• Vehicle and Product Systems Design 15 credits
• Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis 15 credits