Aerospace Engineering

Depending on your background, you will take specific compulsory modules. These will be on advanced topics, from aerospace structures and the theory behind structural analysis, to aerodynamics and aerospace propulsion. You’ll also develop and apply your knowledge to solving real-world problems and situations.

This will inform the rest of your studies, where you’ll select from a wide range of optional modules allowing you to pursue the topics that appeal to your interests or suit your future career plans. You could gain sophisticated knowledge in areas such as aerospace vehicle design, computational methods or materials failure analysis.

Throughout the programme you’ll complete your Professional Project – an independent piece of research on a topic within aerospace engineering that allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. In the two taught semesters you’ll review the literature around your topic and plan the project, before completing the design, analysis, computation, experimentation and writing up in the summer months.

Want to find out more about your modules?
Take a look our Aerospace Engineering module descriptions for more detail on what you will study.

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

• Aerospace Structures 15 credits
• Professional Project 60 credits
• Team Design and Build Project 15 credits

Optional modules

• Materials Selection and Failure Analysis 15 credits
• Design Optimisation - MSc 15 credits
• Aerodynamics and Aerospace Propulsion 20 credits
• Engineering Computational Methods 15 credits
• Energy Systems, Policy and Economics for Engineers 15 credits
• Engineering Psychology and Human Factors 15 credits
• Advanced Finite Element Analysis 15 credits
• Rotary Wing Aircraft 15 credits
• Vehicle and Product Systems Design 15 credits
• Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis 15 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Aerospace Engineering MSc in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

Our groundbreaking research feeds directly into teaching, and you’ll have regular contact with staff who are at the forefront of their disciplines. You’ll have regular contact with them through lectures, seminars, tutorials, small group work and project meetings.

Independent study is also important to the programme, as you develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed using a range of techniques including case studies, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, assignments and exams. Optional modules may also use alternative assessment methods.