Aerospace Engineering, Astronautics & Space Technology MEng/BEng(Hons) single honours

Year 1 is common across all our chartered engineer status degrees. It provides skills and knowledge required for further study. Subjects include mathematics, electronics and thermodynamics and engineering applications, alongside an introduction to the engineering profession. You will examine the engineering challenges of robotic and human spaceflight (including practical rocketry), and get hands-on experience with real space hardware.

Year 2 introduces topics such as aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, dynamics and materials, and further study of mathematics, electronics, control and computing. You will investigate the demands of space flight and the benefits of using the space environment, covering the definition, analysis and uses of orbits, trajectories and atmospheric re-entry. You will study
the functional analysis of spacecraft and their payloads and space dynamics, and will carry out a practical design exercise involving rockets. There will also be an industrial visit and guest speakers from industry.

Year 3 includes a module on space vehicle design. This is divided into critical support functions for space missions, core spacecraft subsystems, mechanical systems and an introduction to space mission design. Core lectures will be enhanced by industry visitors and tours to space companies. You will also carry out an individual research project. BEng students will take part in a group design project similar to the MEng students and get hands-on experience with real space hardware.

In Year 4 of the MEng degree, you will continue to deepen and broaden your expertise and undertake a major group design project. A specialist Space Mission Analysis and Design module will cover the design, cost, logistical and operational implications of space missions.