Aerospace Engineering BEng

Core modules:

Aerospace Design 1

This module will introduce students to the basic concepts of aircraft and spacecraft design with a focus on systems engineering, interdisciplinary design and performance. Students will learn about the basic principles of flight and how performance can be calculated during a typical flight/mission including take-off, landing, climb, cruise and turning and orbital mechanics. The basic principles of systems engineering as an approach to aircraft design will be taught and the importance of considering aircraft design as an interdisciplinary design problem are covered and illustrated through the design, build and test activity. Students will undertake an exercise to design, build and test an aircraft, covering choices of materials, structures, aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics and control. Predictions of the aircraft performance will be undertaken in order to model the flight time or a similar parameter, being tested against the actual performance of the aircraft. They will also undertake a range of workshop practice elements in order to learn to operate and utilise appropriate building techniques for the aircraft, satisfying the requirements of 'Workshop Practice' as required for accreditation. Students will be introduced to computer coding as an engineering tool, taught the basics of engineering drawing and computer aided design (CAD) and develop an appreciation of basic workshop tools (engineering applications). 

This module will also include a focused, week-long, cross-faculty interdisciplinary design activity aimed at equipping students with essential teamwork, design, problem-solving, and communication skills. Particular attention is paid to employability, sustainability, and inclusivity. Through real-life engineering projects, students are introduced to tackling complex challenges.

20 credits

Avionic systems and control

This unit will introduce systems and control engineering and its application to aerospace engineering. Examples of aerospace systems are given and the principles of modelling, analysis and control of simple aerospace systems are covered.

This unit begins with system engineering principles, modelling and analysis in general, covering linear modelling of low-order systems. Key parameters and terms are introduced such as rise time, settling time and overshoot. The way these techniques can be applied to aerospace systems is demonstrated. The module further covers fundamental control topics such as open and closed loop control, common classical compensators and block diagram manipulation. Laboratory/computer work (e.g. MATLAB) is set to give students an opportunity to apply and practise what they have learned, and to provide the foundation for practical avionics work in group and individual projects throughout the degree.

At the end of the unit, a competent student will appreciate the value of systems analysis and modelling, and be able to apply their learning to some relatively simple practical aerospace examples.

20 credits

Aerospace Materials 1

This module introduces the student to the concepts of materials selection, microstructure and properties of engineering materials. Students will examine how the macroscopic properties of materials are determined by atomic arrangement and how processing can affect the microstructure and therefore the performance of engineering materials. Finally, the student will be introduced to the key concepts of materials selection for engineering applications.

20 credits

Aerospace Statics and Thermofluids

The course provides the fundamental concepts and techniques used in Engineering Statics, Dynamics and Fluid mechanics. Two-dimensional statics are covered including force and moment systems, free body diagrams, equilibrium, friction, and the application to typical structures encountered in aerospace engineering applications (such as beams, frames and trusses). Two-dimensional kinematics and kinetics of particles and rigid bodies are covered. An introduction to the use of the Work-Energy methods in dynamics is given. No prior knowledge of statics or dynamics is assumed; the treatment concentrates on physical understanding and applications in aerospace engineering, rather than using advanced mathematical treatments.

Students are introduced to the three main analysis tools in Fluid Mechanics and aerodynamics; the Bernoulli and Continuity Equations, the Force Momentum equation and Dimensional analysis. They will also learn about the first law of thermodynamics for closed and open systems. For most of the topics, students will be offered the opportunity to do experimental work to support the more formal learning.

20 credits

Mathematics (Electrical and Aerospace)

This module aims to reinforce students' previous knowledge and to develop new basic mathematical techniques needed to support the engineering subjects taken at Levels 1 and 2. It also provides a foundation for the Level 2 mathematics courses in the appropriate engineering department. The module is delivered via online lectures, reinforced with weekly interactive problem classes..

20 credits

Electrical fundamentals

This module introduces the concepts and analytical tools for examining the behaviour of combinations of passive circuit elements including resistors, capacitors and inductors  when driven by ideal voltage and current sources. The ideas involved are important not only from the point of view of modelling avionics circuits but also because many complicated processes in aerospace engineering (as well as other disciplines) are themselves modelled by electric circuits. The passive ideas are extended to active electronic components such as diodes, transistors and operational amplifiers and the circuits in which these devices are used. Transformers, magnetics, dc motors and the general characteristics and components of aerospace power systems are also covered.

20 credits

Aerospace Design II

In this group design project, students design, manufacture and test a space or air system meeting customer needs which have been defined within a statement of requirement.  The module is scenario-based and is intended to provide a sense of realism, drawing on real-life project processes and methodologies.

The module brings together aspects of teamwork, project and risk management, project progress tracking and reporting, materials, structures, air/space system design and lifecycles, computer simulation, analysis, manufacture, certification and sustainability.

Students will test and analyse the performance of the systems they build.

This module will also include a focused, week-long, cross-faculty interdisciplinary design activity aimed at equipping students with essential teamwork, design, problem-solving, and communication skills. Particular attention is paid to employability, sustainability, and inclusivity. Through real-life engineering projects, students are introduced to tackling complex challenges.

20 credits

Aerospace thermofluids 2

The module is designed to consolidate and extend the students' understanding of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. A range of analysis techniques will be applied to solve practical problems. Additionally, the module will teach the students the fundamentals and basic applications of heat transfer. The fluid mechanics knowledge developed will be used to aid understanding of the convection aspects of heat transfer.

The module will cover the use of both integral control volume and differential analysis techniques. These will be applied to a range of simple engineering fluid systems including internal and external flow. 

The second law of thermodynamics will be introduced and applied to thermodynamic cycles and compressible flow.   The concepts of compressible nozzle flow, choking and shock waves will be covered. Sub-sonic and sonic compressible flow will be introduced. 

Forced convection will be studied in internal flows and in external flows, linking to the fluid mechanics part of the module. Natural convection will also be introduced. Heat exchangers will be studied. Thermal radiation will focus on the physics and radiation exchange between surfaces.

Laboratory experiments will reinforce knowledge throughout the module. Students will also be introduced to computational fluid dynamics.

20 credits

Aerospace Structures and Dynamics

The overall aim of the course is to explain some fundamental theories of solid mechanics and dynamics for the modelling of basic aircraft structure problems. In specific terms, the Structures part of the module include truss system analysis, buckling, analysis of cross-section properties for structural beams, bending of statically determinate and indeterminate beams, Macaulay's method for beams under point loads, UDLs and moments. Shear flow and shear centre in thin-walled beams. The Dynamics part includes modelling single-degree-of-freedom systems. Different settings will be considered, i.e. free, forced, damped and undamped systems. Moreover, different types of forcings will be studied and their effect on the vibration of the structures. The forcings will be harmonic, ground motion and rotating unbalanced masses. Simplification of structural systems into single-degree-of-freedom systems will be explained. The way to deal with abstract forcing signals is also part of the module. In the lectures, kinematics of rigid-body dynamics will be introduced and linear algebra will be used to analyse the rigid-body systems. The analysis will be used to analyse gyroscopic systems. The module also includes materials regarding some of the necessary maths for Statics and Dynamics, including differentiation and integration of functions of multiple variables, and analysis of scalar and vector fields.

20 credits

Avionics and Electrical Energy

This unit provides an overview of widely used aerospace control systems and electrical power infrastructure on aircraft. It covers feedback control design, analysis and implementation in the context of aerospace systems. The principles of closed-loop control, transfer functions and stability are applied to simplified typical aerospace systems. Manipulation and use of performance specifications for a continuous-time control system are covered, along with analytical tools for system modelling and study. Common approaches to designing and implementing control systems are covered and applied to aerospace systems. For electrical power the characteristics of common aerospace electrical machines are discussed together with circuit strategies to supply electrical energy to the machines. Circuits for more general high efficiency power management are also described. Fundamental electromagnetics, power electronics, thermal design and electrical energy generation and conversion techniques are also covered.

20 credits

Aerospace Materials

This module extends the students understanding of materials selection, manufacture and properties. There is a focus on the use of metallic and composite materials in aerospace applications, with the module including information relating to manufacturing processes, applications, and the relevant mechanical properties and failure processes that students need to be aware of if these materials are to be successfully applied. Students will study (i) light alloys and polymer matrix composites for fuselage applications (ii) nickel superalloys and ceramic matrix composites for engine applications, (iii) use of statistics including normal and Weibull distributions and (iv) fracture and fatigue processes in metallic structures, including an overview of the difference between failure mechanisms in composite and metallic materials.

20 credits

Embedded Programming and Analysis

Embedded control and electronic systems and analysis of data is fundamental to modern aerospace engineering. This unit introduces students to programming, embedded systems and mathematical principles important for implementation and analysis of control and electrical systems.Instruction is given in coding from first principles including imperative programming, objects (as data structures), functions and variables. This is extended to low-level and hardware considerations in embedded systems such as memory, execution, registers and peripheral interfacing. Students are introduced to microcontrollers as the heart of embedded systems and gain practical experience in their use for aerospace systems. Some common peripherals required in aerospace engineering, such as analogue-to-digital converters and sensors are described and used in practice for an avionics/astrionics system. Analysis techniques cover those required for fundamental analysis of time and frequency domain systems and data, such as complex valued and special functions, Laplace and Fourier transforms. Practical instruction is given on how to efficiently implement these on embedded hardware.

20 credits

Aircraft Design and Aircraft Dynamics

This module studies the fundamental aspects of aircraft design, concentrating on design procedures (a) and stability and control aspects (b).(a)    Aircraft design procedure will be taught following an engineering systems approach as used by the industry. It provides a comprehensive knowledge about all elements of conceptual aircraft design and promotes the learning and application of standard industrial procedures for designing an aircraft based on given requirements. The aircraft design procedure including conceptual design and sizing, preliminary design, matching plot, wing design, propulsion system selection, fuselage design will be provided. The teaching will be based on constructive alignment by making use of specific active learning techniques during teaching sessions.(b)    Stability and control introduces the equations of motion for a rigid body aircraft and the aerodynamic forces and moments are then determined. Static and dynamic stability and response characteristics are defined. Flying and handling qualities of an aircraft, and disturbances affecting its motion, are analysed.  The basic principles of flight control are introduced.

Working together, these two aspects will be used to conceptually design an aircraft, including the layout and control systems, before building the aircraft in simulation so that the success of the design can be assessed using the Cooper-Harper rating scale for handling characteristics. Recommendations for modifications will then be proposed to ensure that the aircraft matches the given design requirements.

20 credits

Investigative Project

This module provides an opportunity to undertake a substantial, individual research project which requires the integration and application of knowledge and skills from across the degree programme, to tackle a complex, open-ended problem.  You will work under the guidance of an academic supervisor to define, plan, and execute a project, which may be theoretical, computational, experimental, or design-based in nature.  The module emphasises independent learning, critical thinking, problem formulation, project management, and professional engineering practice. You are expected to engage with relevant academic literature, select and apply an appropriate methodology, interpret results critically, and communicate your findings effectively in written and oral forms.

40 credits

Choose 60 credits from the following modules in either the Avionics or Aeromechanics stream.

Avionics Stream
Choose 60 credits from the following modules

Space Systems Engineering and Spacecraft Design

This module provides a foundation in Space Systems Engineering, from the required background theory to mission requirements and spacecraft design. Students will learn how mission objectives define spacecraft elements and the impacts of launch and space environments on hardware. The module includes applying orbital mechanics to derive delta v requirements, linking trajectory physics directly to propulsion specifications. Subsystem trade-offs ensure designs are technically justified and optimized within strict constraints.

Students will develop preliminary mission design budgets including mass, power, and link budgets. The module covers Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and launch system constraints. Students will also evaluate non-technical factors such as international regulations and policy.

Through theoretical examination and project-based work, students gain the analytical tools to design viable space missions within complex engineering and regulatory frameworks.

20 credits

Machine Learning and Optimisation

Machine learning is a component of artificial intelligence that enables a computer to learn how to perform a task from data or simulations rather than being explicitly programmed for every possible scenario. Machine learning is currently being applied in a wide array of technology sectors, including robotics and autonomous systems, healthcare, bioinformatics and finance, and has experienced a huge growth in industry in recent years.  

In the first semester, the focus is on the theory and geometry of convex optimisation. You will study objective function properties, constrained and unconstrained search, and techniques for transforming complex constraints into manageable mathematical forms. In the second semester, the focus moves to the machine learning pipeline, where you will study optimisation-driven model identification and the problem of achieving good generalisation on unseen data. You will conclude the module with an analysis of the ethical issues and mitigation strategies arising from training and deploying machine learning systems.

You will study through a combination of lectures, computational laboratories, and project work, implementing optimisation and machine learning algorithms using industry-standard software, and developing practical skills needed for research and industrial environments.

20 credits

Control Systems Design

In this module, we will show you how to design, implement and evaluate modern control systems from start to finish. You will explore how to model and analyse dynamic systems using both first-principles and data-driven approaches, and how to identify system behaviour when models are imperfect. We'll introduce state feedback, observers, and Kalman filtering to help you estimate system states in the presence of noise and uncertainty. You will then learn to design advanced controllers, including linear quadratic regulators and linear model predictive control, and test them in both simulation and on a real system using hardware-in-the-loop setups. 

Throughout, we will emphasise responsible engineering practice, including considerations of safety, efficiency, resource use and environmental impact. By the end of the module, you will have the skills and confidence to take a control concept from theory through to real-world implementation and evaluation, considering both technical performance and sustainability.

20 credits

Energy Systems and Power Electronics

In this module, you will be introduced to the concepts on electrical energy supply networks and the power electronics which are revolutionising electrical power delivery systems.

In autumn, you will study the design and applications of power electronics - the use of electric switches and diodes to efficiently manipulate power flow - in more depth than in your second year. Focusing primarily on DC-DC and DC-AC conversion, we introduce you to several circuits and analysis techniques and discuss practical implementation issues such as gate drives and snubber circuits. You will also have the opportunity to apply the theory you learn in lectures in the laboratory.

In spring, you will study the structure of the power grid and the power flows in both synchronous generators and transmission systems, before performing stability analysis under load-change or fault conditions. The per-unit system will then be introduced to facilitate fault current calculations when short-circuit faults occur in electrical power systems. You will also learn about protection and switchgear used to limit fault currents and ensure safe system operation.

20 credits

Communication Systems

This module provides you with a broad understanding of communication and radio frequency systems. You will first be introduced to the principles behind contemporary digital communication systems. You will then learn aspects of system design including modulation, coding and detection techniques, together with signal representation in the time and frequency domains, bandwidth considerations, the concepts of information and entropy, and basic performance metrics such as signal-to-noise ratio and bit error rate.  You will learn to apply cryptography to ensure privacy and secure data exchange. You will also learn physical electromagnetic structures such as antennas and propagation environments.

20 credits

Aeromechanics Stream
Choose 60 credits from the following modules which are not from the same semester.

Aircraft Design and Aircraft Dynamics

This module studies the fundamental aspects of aircraft design, concentrating on design procedures (a) and stability and control aspects (b).(a)    Aircraft design procedure will be taught following an engineering systems approach as used by the industry. It provides a comprehensive knowledge about all elements of conceptual aircraft design and promotes the learning and application of standard industrial procedures for designing an aircraft based on given requirements. The aircraft design procedure including conceptual design and sizing, preliminary design, matching plot, wing design, propulsion system selection, fuselage design will be provided. The teaching will be based on constructive alignment by making use of specific active learning techniques during teaching sessions.(b)    Stability and control introduces the equations of motion for a rigid body aircraft and the aerodynamic forces and moments are then determined. Static and dynamic stability and response characteristics are defined. Flying and handling qualities of an aircraft, and disturbances affecting its motion, are analysed.  The basic principles of flight control are introduced.

Working together, these two aspects will be used to conceptually design an aircraft, including the layout and control systems, before building the aircraft in simulation so that the success of the design can be assessed using the Cooper-Harper rating scale for handling characteristics. Recommendations for modifications will then be proposed to ensure that the aircraft matches the given design requirements.

20 credits

Modelling and Simulation for Statics and Dynamics

Critical to the success of design and use of aerospace structures and systems, is our ability to model how they will or do behave in their operational environment. As engineers, how we choose to model or characterise a system is a critical decision ultimately affecting utility, safety, over-design - you name it.

In this module we will derive and implement different ways of modelling static and dynamic behaviours of aerospace structures and systems with varying levels of fidelity. From first principles to finite elements, we will explore together how all models are wrong, and work out how much of a problem this is.

The aims of the module are to:(i) extend your knowledge of characterising the dynamic behaviour of structures by deriving and solving equations of motion that either consider multi-degree of freedom systems, or continuous systems(ii) to introduce and build on knowledge of numerical modelling with finite elements(iii) to bring together both viewpoints, to give you experience of developing and using static and dynamic models of different fidelities to solve industrially relevant problems.

20 credits

Aerodynamics and CFD

This module introduces students to the fundamental theories of aerodynamics and their integration into the design process. It highlights the role computational aerodynamics plays in the design of engineering products where the forces exerted by airflow around geometry are crucial. Aerodynamic principles will be demonstrated through their role in the design of aircraft and automotive vehicles. Students will then be introduced to the fundamentals of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and have the opportunity to conduct model simulations to investigate aerodynamic performance. This part of the module will cover the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations, turbulence modeling, mesh generation, and numerical methods for solving complex fluid problems.

20 credits

Thermodynamics and Propulsion

In this module you will consolidate and expand upon Thermofluids engineering developed during first and second year courses. This is achieved through the study of more realistic systems, machines, devices as well as their application (from power generation to propulsion).

Topics covered include energy conversion and power production processes, and thermodynamic cycles. Environmental aspects of cycles and devices will also be covered. 

The key principles of propulsion and combustion will be covered through analysing the operation of gas turbine engines and engines for higher speed applications (such as RAM and SCRAM jets). Solid and liquid-fueled rocket engines as applied to aerospace propulsion will also be covered. You will be able to evaluate the principles of operation of key components for power and propulsion applications such as compressors, turbines, nozzles and diffusers. By the end of the module, you will be able to carry out preliminary design of most components of turbofan and rocket engines and assess the thermodynamics principles related to their operation.

20 credits

Metals, Degradation and Protection

You will study the physical metallurgy of engineering metallic alloys, including how alloying affects their processing and performance, to equip you with the knowledge needed to  produce alloys with the best possible properties for specific applications. 

You'll also explore the chemical and mechanical degradation of selected alloys, designed for aerospace, transport and energy applications, with a focus on understanding degradation and developing appropriate protective measures for the surfaces exposed to different mechanical loading and environments with the aim to increase component life and sustainability.

20 credits

Composite Materials and Micromechanics

This module starts with an introduction to the different types of composite materials that either exist in nature or are man-made. Reinforcing theories are discussed as are the strengths and weaknesses of composite materials. The aim is to acquaint students with the constituents of composite materials, fibres and matrices. Running parallel to this is an examination of composite materials from a micromechanics point of view. Fibre statistics, classical laminate theory and shear lag theory (and more) are used to predict and understand the properties of composites. A series of problem classes are used to help students practice using the equations and interpreting the output.

20 credits