Advanced Aerospace Engineering MSc (Eng)

Program Overview

The MSc in Advanced Aerospace Engineering at this university equips graduates with specialized knowledge and skills in designing, developing, and testing aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. Students engage in practical projects, research, and entrepreneurial activities, preparing them for careers in the aerospace industry and related fields. The program is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, ensuring its high academic standards and industry relevance.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc (Eng) in Advanced Aerospace Engineering is designed for graduates in engineering and physical sciences who want to develop specialist skills and knowledge in advanced aerospace engineering. The program prepares students for careers designing, developing, and testing aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites. It emphasizes the role of computer-based design techniques, computational fluid dynamics, flow diagnostics, and finite element analysis in aerospace engineering. Students will gain practical experience through an aircraft design project, working in teams to develop an aircraft from conceptual design to simulated flight testing. The program also incorporates entrepreneurial activity and project management skills development. The program is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), and includes a supervised independent research project. This project allows students to enhance their skills and knowledge in an area of aerospace engineering of their choice, supported by specialist research and flight simulation facilities.

Outline:

Semester One:

• Compulsory Modules:
• FLIGHT HANDLING QUALITIES (AERO401):
Covers the fundamentals of Flight Handling Qualities for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Students work in groups to assess handling qualities of different aircraft. The module uses a Problem Based Learning approach and includes lectures, desktop modelling, and flight simulator sessions. Assessment is through a group presentation and final report, both containing an element of peer assessment. Introduces advanced concepts in potential flow theory, including analytical generation of inviscid flow over two-dimensional objects using elementary potential flows, mathematical description of potential flow from the incompressible to the supersonic regime, analytical calculation of resulting forces and moments on lifting surfaces, numerical computation of aerodynamic properties using panel methods, and numerical computation of flow properties using the Method of Characteristics in compressible potential flow. Introduces the mathematical nature of different classes of partial differential equations and their implications for numerical solution, the concept of scientific computing and its basic elements, and enables students to solve simple fluid mechanics problems in Matlab and analyze the results. Introduces advanced computational analysis methods relevant to aerospace, automotive, and wider engineering sectors. Provides skills in operating industry-standard simulation software and first-hand experience in coding simple solutions to structural problems.
• AEROSPACE CAPSTONE GROUP DESIGN PROJECT (AERO420): Spans semesters one and two.
This module is the culmination of the Aerospace Engineering degree, allowing students to demonstrate their learning through an aircraft design project. Students work in small teams to satisfy an aircraft design proposal, starting with a conceptual design exercise and moving into a more detailed design phase. The project culminates in a flight test exercise in the School of Engineering’s flight simulation facility or in hardware for small unmanned air system projects. Assessment is through group-based coursework assessments moderated by a webPA exercise.
• TECHNICAL WRITING FOR ENGINEERS (ENGG596): Develops technical writing skills for engineers.
Delivered by the English Language Centre for non-native English speakers and by Engineering staff for other students, with identical syllabus, assessments, and learning outcomes. Students undertake a group "virtual project" involving all stages of project management in a major construction project. The five virtual project tasks require students to apply their theoretical learning and develop key professional skills.
• Optional Modules:
Covers processing, heat treatment, microstructure, and properties of Al, Ti, and Ni alloys. Introduces constituent materials, manufacturing methods, test methods, and mechanical response of composite materials.
• SPACEFLIGHT (AERO319): Introduces the main concepts of space flight, including principles of space propulsion, space launch vehicles, and orbital mechanics of spacecraft.

Semester Two:

• Compulsory Modules:
• AEROSPACE CAPSTONE GROUP DESIGN PROJECT (AERO420):
Spans semesters one and two. This module is the culmination of the Aerospace Engineering degree, allowing students to demonstrate their learning through an aircraft design project. Students work in small teams to satisfy an aircraft design proposal, starting with a conceptual design exercise and moving into a more detailed design phase. The project culminates in a flight test exercise in the School of Engineering’s flight simulation facility or in hardware for small unmanned air system projects. Assessment is through group-based coursework assessments moderated by a webPA exercise.
• AEROELASTICITY (AERO415): Covers theories of structural vibration, steady and unsteady aerodynamics, and static and dynamic aeroelasticity.
• ENTERPRISE STUDIES (MNGT414): Teaches concepts of Entrepreneurship, Intrapreneurship, Company Infrastructure, and Investment Proposals.
Taught using lectures, class questions, case studies, and a comprehensive coursework assignment. Successful students will have acquired knowledge and understanding at mastery level of the process and how it is executed in a modern industrial environment.
• Optional Modules:
• Space Mission Design (AERO419):
Covers advanced numerical concepts and techniques for space mission design, navigation, and operations. Develops fundamental skills for those interested in job roles as Flight Dynamics Engineers, Space System Engineers, Mission Analysts, and Researchers.
• ROTORCRAFT FLIGHT (AERO314): Introduces common types of rotorcraft configuration and covers basic theory of helicopter performance and flight dynamics.
Explains how rotorcraft behave in flight and the roles of main constituent components. Explains how basic physical and mathematical principles can be applied to the analysis of helicopter flight. Discusses other rotary wing types such as the tilt-rotor and the autogyro.
• Advanced Guidance Systems (AERO430): Develops understanding of the use of advanced guidance laws in autonomous air systems, including the interactions of airframe dynamics, sensors, and control surfaces.
• Structural Optimisation (ENGG414): Covers classical optimisation, modern optimisation, and their numerical methods.
Students will gain an idea of how to optimise simple structures and get optimal solutions by analytical and numerical methods.
• Business and the Environment (ENVS470): Explores environmental issues of growing importance to businesses, including compliance with environmental legislation and environmental considerations in relations with industrial partners, clients, suppliers, customers, banks, insurers, and local communities.
• ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT (MECH433): Discusses energy generation and usage and how they complement each other.
Topics are introduced in lectures and then lead onto a case study on a specific topic.

Final Project:

• MSC(ENG) PROJECT (60 CREDITS) (ENGG660): Undertaken over the summer.
Provides students with the opportunity to plan, carry out, and control a research project at the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study, or area of professional practice. Students report findings both orally and in writing.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a combination of written exams, revision tests, individual and group presentations, written reports, log books, posters, and a dissertation.

Teaching:

The program aligns with and is co-taught with the final year of the four-year MEng (Hons) degree in aerospace engineering. Students are taught through a combination of traditional lectures and practical classes, benefitting from research-led teaching and active learning methods. There is a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory work, simulation and practical activities, and independent study.

Careers:

Graduates of this MSc (Eng) are prepared for careers in the aerospace industry, designing, developing, and testing aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. Their skills are also applicable to a range of other exciting opportunities in engineering, manufacturing, or industrial research. Career destinations for previous graduates include working for:

• Agusta Westland
• National Health Service
• BAE Systems
• Ford
• Jaguar
• Unilever
• Armed Forces
• QinetiQ
• National and international bodies such as the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the European Commission.
Graduates are also well-placed to pursue PhD study, with some securing fully-funded PhD studentships.

Other:

The School of Engineering has world-class, modern, engineering teaching and learning facilities, including traditional lecture theatres, teaching laboratories, PC teaching centres, smaller study rooms, and one of the University’s largest PC teaching/study rooms with over 160 high-specification workstations with specialist engineering software installed.

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider. Tuition fees UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) Full-time place, per year £12,400 International fees Full-time place, per year £28,000 Fees stated are for the 2024-25 academic year. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. You can pay your tuition fees in instalments. All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship. International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit. Additional costs This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery. Additional study costs Close This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.