Aerospace Systems Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours) - BEng (Hon)

Aerospace systems focuses on the design and use of onboard systems found on most aircraft and spacecraft, and how these systems may be used to improve the operation and performance of aerospace vehicles.

You’ll take part in practical laboratories, including running a jet engine test, and a flight-testing course in a Saab 340B aircraft during year 5 of the MEng.

Programme structure

You will study the same courses in the first three years whether on the BEng or MEng degree programme. Both embed creativity to develop world changing engineers.

Year 1

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 most other engineering disciplines at the end of year 1 should you wish to do so.

Years 2 and 3

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

Years 4 and 5

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.

BEng students undertake an individual project to solve a problem in aerospace systems. MEng students undertake an interdisciplinary team project.

MEng students in year 5 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 is available in years 4 and 5 to allow you to develop and follow your interests.

Partnership and industry links

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.

Our international links

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.

Career prospects

The development of new aircraft and the increase in the complexity of aircraft systems fuel the demand for aerospace systems engineers, with opportunities in the fields of software and hardware design, simulation and expert systems. Past graduates have gained employment with companies such as:

* QinetiQ

* Logica

* BAE Systems

* Thales

* Unisys.

Accreditation

The BEng Aerospace Systems is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).