Aerospace Systems

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 aerospace 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.

You will concentrate on aerospace dynamics, aeronautical engineering, electronics and systems, electrical circuits and mathematics. There will be a focus on developing key software programming skills.

In year 4 you will study topics including flight simulation, aerospace vehicle guidance and control, radio and radar, dynamics, aircraft handling qualities and aircraft operations.

For BEng students, individual project work allows you to apply the knowledge you have gained during your studies to a problem in aerospace systems. 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 control concepts. 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.

As well as in our industry-sponsored UAV lab, many MEng projects are carried out in industry, and the school also arranges, whenever possible, visits to industrial sites. The school also sponsors student teams for national (IMechE) and international (AIAA) competitions.

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