Aerospace Engineering Sandwich (MEng)

Degree Overview:

The MEng Aerospace Engineering degree program at Queen's University Belfast provides a comprehensive education in the principles and applications of aerospace engineering. This program aims to develop future leaders in the field, emphasizing hands-on experience through design projects, laboratory work, and a year-long industrial placement.

Objectives:

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and applications of aerospace engineering.
Acquire strong design and analytical skills for solving complex engineering problems within the aerospace industry.
Develop leadership qualities and professional skills necessary for a successful career in aerospace engineering.
Benefit from a year-long industry placement to gain valuable real-world experience.

Outline:

Program Content:

This program covers a broad range of aerospace engineering topics, including:

Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
Mathematics and Computing
Mechanics of Materials
Dynamic Systems
Aircraft Design and Performance
Aircraft Structures
Flight Mechanics
Propulsion Systems
Avionics
Manufacturing
Composite Materials
Engineering Design
Project Management
Professional Skills

Structure:

The program is delivered over five years, including a four-year academic period and a one-year industry placement. During the academic years, students take a combination of core and optional modules. The industry placement occurs between Stages 2 and 3 or Stages 3 and 4.

Course Schedule:

The course schedule varies depending on the specific modules chosen, but students typically take four or five modules per semester. Some modules involve extensive laboratory work and design projects. The School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering also offers access to industry-standard design and analysis tools and software.

Individual Modules:

Each module has its own learning outcomes, assessment methods, and teaching methods. Some examples of modules offered in the MEng Aerospace Engineering program include:

Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics: This module provides an introduction to the fundamentals of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, including energy and momentum conservation, fluid properties, and flow analysis.
Mechanics of Materials: This module covers the mechanical behavior of solid materials, including stress, strain, and deformation.
Aircraft Design and Performance: This module introduces the principles of aircraft design, including aerodynamics, propulsion, and performance analysis.
Aircraft Structures: This module explores the structural design of aircraft components, including stress analysis, failure criteria, and material selection.
Manufacturing: This module covers various manufacturing processes and their applications in the aerospace industry.
Individual Project: This module requires students to undertake an independent research project on a specific topic in aerospace engineering.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the individual module. They may include:

Examinations
Coursework (laboratory reports, design projects, assignments)
Presentations
Individual project reports

Grading:

Assessment is typically based on a 100-point scale with the following grading system:

70-100: First Class Honours
60-69: Second Class Honours (Upper Division)
50-59: Second Class Honours (Lower Division)
40-49: Third Class Honours
0-39: Fail

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The program utilizes various teaching methods, including:

Lectures: Introduce fundamental concepts and provide an overview of topics.
Tutorials: Provide opportunity for discussion and problem-solving in smaller groups.
Laboratory sessions: Offer hands-on experience with experiments and design projects.
Individual supervision: Facilitate individual project work and research.

Faculty:

The program is delivered by experienced and qualified academics in the field of aerospace engineering. The School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering has a strong research reputation and maintains close ties with the aerospace industry.

Unique Approaches:

Emphasis on hands-on learning through laboratory work and design projects.
Opportunity to gain industry experience through a year-long placement.
Access to industry-standard design and analysis tools and software.
CDIO (Conceiving-Designing-Implementing-Operating) initiative: integrates engineering fundamentals with design, implementation, and operation of products and systems.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

Graduates of the MEng Aerospace Engineering program are well-positioned for careers in various sectors of the aerospace industry, including:

Aircraft design and manufacturing
Avionics and systems engineering
Aerospace research and development
Space exploration
Defence and security
Project management

Opportunities:

The program graduates can pursue various roles within the aerospace sector, including:

Aerospace engineer
Design engineer
Systems engineer
Project manager
Research scientist
Flight test engineer

Outcomes:

Queen's University Belfast has strong links with the aerospace industry, and graduates are highly sought after by leading companies. The MEng Aerospace Engineering program provides graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to make significant contributions to the field.

Other:

Industry Links:

The program has strong links with the aerospace industry, including companies like Spirit AeroSystems, Rolls Royce, Thales Air Defence, Rockwell Collins, and FG Wilson. These links provide opportunities for internships, placements, and research collaborations.

Facilities:

The program utilizes excellent facilities, including:

Student Design Studio
Computer Based Learning
Flexible Project Environments
Teaching Laboratories
Engineering Workshop
Polymer and Composite Processing
Prototyping Studio
Manufacturing and Assembly Automation
Material and Structural Testing

International Recognition:

The program is internationally recognized and accredited by professional bodies such as the Royal Aeronautical Society. This accreditation ensures the program meets the highest standards and prepares graduates for a successful international career.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £4,750 Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £4,750 England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £9,250 EU Other 3 £25,300 International £25,300 1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee. 2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees. 3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees. The tuition fees quoted above are for the 2024/25 academic year and are a guide only. In addition, all tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase in each year of the course. Fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless explicitly stated otherwise. Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework. Additional course costs Students undertake a placement either between Stages 2 & 3 or between Stages 3 & 4 and are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. These costs vary depending on the location and duration of the placement. Students may receive payment from their placement provider during their placement year. All Students Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs. If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines. How do I fund my study? There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union. Information on funding options and financial assistance for undergraduate students is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/Fees-and-scholarships/. Scholarships Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available. International Scholarships Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.