Aerospace Systems Engineering with Pilot Studies BEng (Hons)

About the course

The aerospace industry is increasingly in need of Systems Engineers with the skills to integrate modern communication systems with conventional aerospace systems to enhance aircraft performance. In year 1 you will study principles of flight and an introduction to aircraft systems and computer packages commonly used in the aerospace industry. In year 2 you learn more about the design process and will have the opportunity for flying lessons at a local flying school. In year 3 you have an opportunity to work for a company on placement. In your final year you can increase your flying experience to satisfy the requirements for a NPPL as part of the Pilot Studies module as well as studying advanced aircraft systems normally used by commercial pilots.

Why choose this course?

• This BEng Honours degree course in Aerospace Systems Engineering with Pilot Studies places is a particular emphasis on the flying qualities from a pilot's point of view;
• You will get the opportunity to gain a UK National Private Pilot's Licence whilst doing your degree;
• The flying is offered locally at an attractively discounted rate.
• If you would like more detailed information about what you will be studying on each year of this course, then go to 'Course structure' via the tab at the top of the page, and then click on the '- full details' link for each year of study. You will then see a description for each module.

Study routes

• Sandwich, 4 Years
• Full Time, 3 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

Graduate employment opportunities are excellent whether you're interested in the civilian or defence side of the aerospace industry. Some students return from industrial placements with sponsorships and job offers. Past graduates have been employed by leading aerospace companies, or go on to be pilots with the RAF or civilian airlines.

Teaching methods

The School has a reputation for innovation in teaching and learning with most modules delivered through a combination of traditional face to face teaching and distance learning through the university's StudyNet web based facility. StudyNet allows students to access electronic learning resources, electronic discussion with staff and other students, and, for some modules, submit coursework 24/7 from anywhere in the world! With a heavy emphasis on Computer Aided Engineering, the school has a policy of using industrial standard software wherever possible. The School also operates an open access laboratory policy of when possible students doing experiments in their own time.

Work Placement

You have the opportunity to spend a year working either in a professional research environment or within industry. The practical experience you gain will be of tremendous benefit both when you resume your studies and when you embark on a career. Companies that have employed students in the past on a placement basis include:

• Honeywell (UK) Ltd
• Goodrich Engine Control Systems
• Marshall Aerospace
• MBDA
• Eads Astrium
• Rockwell
• and numerous smaller companies

Professional Accreditations

Accredited for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Introduction to Design

  This module introduces students to the process of engineering design, and to CAD tools for creating and documenting design solutions. The principles and standard practices of technical drawing and tolerancing are taught. The role and use of CAD in design is taught and practiced, both 3D solid modelling and 2D drafting. The nature of design as a structured process is considered, and demonstrated by students undertaking a variety of design exercise and assignments. The design activities are mostly done in small teams, thereby developing skills in teamwork, communication and leadership. There are staged assessments that require the students to present their work using a variety of methods and communication tools.

• Aerospace Technology & Industry

  This module introduces students to the basic design of an aircraft to achieve its functional and performance aims, civil and military aircraft operations. This module includes elements required for PPL Ground School Training.

• Career Skills Development

  This module will ensure students are able to utilise the University system for PDP (Personal Development Planning using MAPS (My Active Planning System). Using the PDP processes each student will be able to record and update their own records which will aid monitoring their progress personally and academically. Support will be provided on tools, techniques and good practices through a Study Skills programme, MAPS and relating this to future professional development. The student will be assisted using the support detailed above through the first weeks of the academic year by academic staff. There will be further sessions in the second semester.

• Introduction to Manufacturing Technology

  This module introduces the student to a range of production processes and practice used commonly in the manufacture of products. Students develop a hands-on appreciation of production techniques including turning, milling, fabrication and assembly using manual and computer controlled plant and machinery. Transferable skills are developed in the application of the processes used to the manufacture of a range of products and sub-assemblies taking into account design and supply requirements.

• Materials and Electrical Science

  This module encompasses (i) electrical science (fundamental concepts of electrical units and relationships, basic AC & DC circuit theory, digital systems and electro-mechanical machines) and (ii) engineering materials (classification of materials, mechanical and physical properties, structure of materials, testing, materials selection for metals, polymers and ceramics. Please refer to the teaching plan for a more detailed description.

• Mechanical Science

  This module encompasses statics (fundamental concept of units, forces, force systems, free body diagrams, couples, moments, direct & shear stresses, beams, frames, shear force-bending moment relationships) and dynamics (quantities and concepts, linear & angular motion, non-constant acceleration, forces and torques, moment of inertia, application of free-body diagrams, work-energy equation, impulse-momentum equation, simple harmonic motion, dynamic mechanisms, engineering vibrations).

• Fluid Mechanics & Thermodynamics

  Properties of liquids and gases, Gauge and absolute pressure. Hydrostatic principles, manometry, forces on immersed surfaces. Definition of types of fluid flow. The mass conservation principle. The Euler-Bernoulli equation. Application of Bernoulli's equation to pipeline problems with energy losses and flow measurement. Momentum equation for steady flow. Dimensional analysis, Buckingham's method, non-dimensional coefficients. The concept of a thermodynamic system, open and closed. Thermodynamic processes. Zeroth Law and concept of temperature. Thermodynamic work and heat, their equivalence and energy transfer. First law of thermodynamics, definition of internal energy and enthalpy. The specific heat capacities of perfect gases and their relevance to isentropic processes.

• Engineering Mathematics

  The module builds on from A-Level mathematics (or equivalent qualification) to provide mathematical techniques required for engineering. The module includes the manipulation and applications of elementary functions (trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential), complex numbers, Boolean algebra and the techniques of differentiation and integration for functions of one variable. Refer to the teaching plan for a more detailed description.

• Engineering Applications of Mathematics

  The module follows on from the module 4PAM1007 Engineering Mathematics to provide further mathematical techniques required for applications in Engineering disciplines. The module includes the techniques associated with the manipulation of matrices and vectors, evaluation of eigenvalues and eigenvectors, development of power series approximations of elementary mathematical functions, techniques for the solution of ordinary differential equations and the principles of probability and data handling. The mathematics material will be supported using a suitable software package, for example MATLAB, and will also be used to solve engineering problems. Refer to the teaching plan for a more detailed description.

Optional

Year 2

Core Modules

• Career Planning

  This module will encourage students to reflect on their career aspirations and review/plan for the development of appropriate skills necessary to realise these aspirations. Many students will specifically use this module to prepare for the optional professional placement year. Students who undertake the placement will work within industry or a commercial organisation that is able to provide an appropriate learning experience within an engineering environment. This placement must be of at least 48 weeks duration. To be eligible for placement students must have passed the progression requirements to level 6

• PPL Ground School

  In this module, students will be introduced to the theoretical aspects of safe conduct of flight under VFR rules, as specified by the UK CAA. In conjuction with other modules, the theoretical aspects will entail sufficient depth of coverage so that the students would be able to undertake CAA examinations in pursuance of the CAA NPPL(UK) status.

• Dynamics

  This module will further expand the students understanding of the basic dynamics principles covered in year 1 to include rotational motion in mechanical systems and the dynamic response to applied forces. Through a combination of case studies presented in lectures, experiments and tutorial activities students will develop their ability to analyse the dynamic behaviour of mechanical systems including an introduction vibrational analysis and how to dampen the effect of vibration.

• Aerothermodynamics

  Aerodynamics - International atmosphere. Speed measurement, IAS, TAS, EAS. Aerodynamic forces and moments. Viscous boundary layers, transition and separation. Wing lift generation. High lift devices. Aerodynamic drag and its estimation. Wing vortex system, downwash and vortex drag. Viscous drag. Wind tunnel testing. Simulation of Reynolds number and Mach number. Thermodynamics - Perfect, semi perfect and real gases. Enthalpy and internal energy of gases. The second law of thermodynamics and its applications. Principle of heat engines and heat pumps. Clasius and Kelvin-Planks statements of the second law. Normal and reversed Carnot cycles. Entropy and the principle of increased entropy. Introduction to compressible flows. Stagnation and static properties of flowing flows. The speed of sound and the flow Mach number. Compressible flows in variable cross sectional area ducts (nozzles and diffusers). Introduction to Compression and expansion waves. Normal and oblique shock waves. Variation of flow parameters across the waves. Waves tables. Expansion waves and flow parameters.

• Data Acquisition and Control Systems

  This module covers sensors and actuators in the context of how devices are interfaced rather than to how they are designed. Analogue circuits used for interfacing sensors and actuators are also studied, together with analogueto-digital and digital-to-analogue conversion. This module also introduces students to the concepts of linear closed loop control systems and the simulation of the dynamic performace using the Control Systems Toolbox in Matlab. Techniques include step response and frequency response methods to predict steady state and stability performance. Students will also be introduced to simple series controller design.

• Avionics Systems

  This module includes elements required for PPL - Ground School Training as well as Avionics Systems used by commercial and military aircraft. PPL Ground School Topics - Principles of navigation, Flight Deck Instruments, Radio navigation systems, Primary and Secondary Radar, Radio telephony systems (including procedures for their use). Non-PPL Ground School Topics - Long and Short Range Navigation Systems, Aircraft Electrical Systems, Communications Theory. The module will consist of lectures on the basics principles, industrial visits and student led seminars.

• Aerospace Design

  This module introduces students to the fundamental knowledge and skills associated with aircraft design, and in particular the design of aircraft subassemblies. Typical aerospace engineering design tasks such as the design of mounting arrangements for a guided-weapon sub-assembly, hydraulic actuation mechanism layout and component design will be practiced based on common aerospace practice. Key design parameters including weight, specific functions, reliability and fitness for purpose will be addressed to reflect the themes of Innovative Design, Systems Integration Design and Sustainability. Student learning will be supported by lectures, tutorials, and assignments.

• Aircraft Systems

  This module will further enhance the knowledge and understanding of undergraduate students, concerning propulsion, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems found in modern aircraft with the emphasis from an engineering and operational view point. This module will cover aspects of safety management, flight critical systems, effects of human factors on safety of flight systems, operational and maintenance consideration of various aircraft systems. The role of regulatory bodies on maintenance safety as well as system and sub-system certification will be included.

• Further Engineering Mathematics

  The module follows on from the mathematics modules at Level 4 to provide further mathematical techniques required for applications in Engineering disciplines. The module includes numerical methods for ordinary differential equations, Laplace transforms, Fourier series, line and double integrals, as well as s using a suitable software applications package to solve engineering problems. Emphasis is put on techniques and applications rather than complete mathematical rigour.

Optional

Year 3

Core Modules

• Industrial Placement

  The optional professional placement year is undertaken between the second and final years of study. Students undertake the placement within a commercial organisation that is able to provide an appropriate learning experience within an engineering environment. The placement must be of at least 48 weeks duration though many students will complete a year or more at the company. To be eligible for placement students must have achieved sufficient credit at Levels 4 and 5 to be able to enter the final year upon completion of the placement. While the faculty/school actively supports the placements process ultimately it is the placement company that will select students, normally through an interview process. During the placement a member of the academic staff will be assigned to the student as a tutor and will monitor the student's progress during the placement period.

Optional

Year 4

Core Modules

• Stability & Control of Aircraft

  1. Aircraft natural modes 2. Linearised aircraft equations of motion 3. Aerodynamic derivatives 4. Analytical solution of aircraft equations of motion 5. Long term effects of controls 6. Aircraft static stability 7. State space modelling of aircraft 8. Stability of state space models 9. Control using state space methods 10. Principles of digital control 11. Control using digital state space methods

• Aircraft Systems Integration

  This module will concentrate on the management and interaction of aircraft systems in a safe and efficient operation. Students will study how information is communicated between systems and warnings displayed to pilots. Students will use various case studies and simulation software to identify and resolve potential aircraft safety problems.

• Pilot Studies

  In this module, students will be introduced to aircraft operation principles, handling and performance issues through a set of exercises on a light aircraft. The students will undergo pre-flight briefing which will outline the task. The Task will be carried out in air as a pilot under study or as pilot in command. After the completion of the task a post flight debriefing will take place to review the flight with a view to improving skills and understanding. One of the roles of this module is to help students in their eventual choice of a career, either as a pilot or as an engineer.

• Aerospace Performance, Propulsion and Design

  Performance 1. Atmosphere properties and air speed definitions 2. Straight and level flight 3. Range 4. Climbing flight 5. Accelerated flight 6. Standardised performance Propulsion 1. Development and variants of gas turbine engines 2. Gas turbine component design and performance characteristics. Intakes; axial & centrifugal compressors; combustion chambers; turbines; exhaust systems; engine systems 3. Gas turbine performance a. Design point b. Off-design 4. Principles of conduction, convection & radiation heat transfer Design As part of a small group, undertake the design of a complete aircraft to meet a given specification. Each member will fulfil a distinct role, and will contribute to the progress of the team. By the end of the course, the team will produce a detailed technical report and a seminar presentation.

• Individual Project

  The major project in the fourth year of study can take several forms ranging from design oriented work to investigative work. The project title and topic are chosen to provide intellectual challenge appropriate to an honours programme of study. The student is expected to firstly identify and elucidate the problems, then to plan and execute a relevant programme of work. Assessment is ongoing through the project via an individual supervisor, culminating with a comprehensive report of work done. Students would normally be expected to register their interest in the area of work, but are encouraged to suggest their own projects where appropriate.

• Careers Portfolio

  This module will help students identify the employability skills necessary to enter their chosen profession. They will be required to develop a portfolio that evidences the following employability skills relevant for their chosen profession, from a combination of employment experience and academic modules. Skills include; Self Management and Development, Team Working, Communicating, Specialist Technologies, Professional Awareness and Problem Solving/Creativity.

Optional

• Stability & Control of Aircraft

  1. Aircraft natural modes 2. Linearised aircraft equations of motion 3. Aerodynamic derivatives 4. Analytical solution of aircraft equations of motion 5. Long term effects of controls 6. Aircraft static stability 7. State space modelling of aircraft 8. Stability of state space models 9. Control using state space methods 10. Principles of digital control 11. Control using digital state space methods

• Aircraft Systems Integration

  This module will concentrate on the management and interaction of aircraft systems in a safe and efficient operation. Students will study how information is communicated between systems and warnings displayed to pilots. Students will use various case studies and simulation software to identify and resolve potential aircraft safety problems.

• Pilot Studies

  In this module, students will be introduced to aircraft operation principles, handling and performance issues through a set of exercises on a light aircraft. The students will undergo pre-flight briefing which will outline the task. The Task will be carried out in air as a pilot under study or as pilot in command. After the completion of the task a post flight debriefing will take place to review the flight with a view to improving skills and understanding. One of the roles of this module is to help students in their eventual choice of a career, either as a pilot or as an engineer.

• Aerospace Performance, Propulsion and Design

  Performance 1. Atmosphere properties and air speed definitions 2. Straight and level flight 3. Range 4. Climbing flight 5. Accelerated flight 6. Standardised performance Propulsion 1. Development and variants of gas turbine engines 2. Gas turbine component design and performance characteristics. Intakes; axial & centrifugal compressors; combustion chambers; turbines; exhaust systems; engine systems 3. Gas turbine performance a. Design point b. Off-design 4. Principles of conduction, convection & radiation heat transfer Design As part of a small group, undertake the design of a complete aircraft to meet a given specification. Each member will fulfil a distinct role, and will contribute to the progress of the team. By the end of the course, the team will produce a detailed technical report and a seminar presentation.

• Individual Project

  The major project in the fourth year of study can take several forms ranging from design oriented work to investigative work. The project title and topic are chosen to provide intellectual challenge appropriate to an honours programme of study. The student is expected to firstly identify and elucidate the problems, then to plan and execute a relevant programme of work. Assessment is ongoing through the project via an individual supervisor, culminating with a comprehensive report of work done. Students would normally be expected to register their interest in the area of work, but are encouraged to suggest their own projects where appropriate.

Fees & funding

Fees 2013

UK/EU Students

Full time: £8,500 for the 2013 academic year

International Students

Full time: £10,000 for the 2013 academic year

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Scholarships

• National Scholarship Programme

Find out more about scholarships for UK/EU and international students

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply