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MSc Engineering (Aerospace) (Far STEM)

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, examinations may be replaced by an alternative form of assessment during the academic year 2020/2021. Please refer to the Programme Specification on these pages for further details.

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Institution code	H36
School of study	School of Engineering and Computer Science
Course length	Full Time, 2 Years Part Time, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Entry requirements
1. A pass in A-Level Mathematics or equivalent; and
2. typically a minimum of 2:2 honours degree in mathematics, physics, astrophysics or other relevant first degree and whose programme would have made extensive use of applied mathematics to design and explain engineering and/or scientific concepts will give access to the Near STEM route; OR
3. typically a minimum of 2:2 honours degree in chemistry, biotechnology, biochemistry, food science, computer science based or similar first degrees where statistical analysis was a dominant feature of their analytical studies will give access to the Far STEM route
4. exceptionally, a number of applicants with other relevant professional qualifications who have the necessary academic achievements and experience will be considered under APEL (accreditation of prior experiential learning) or APCL (accreditation of prior certified learning).
5. Prospective students may be required to attend an interview typically in order to review their subject background.

About the course

The aim of the programme is to equip non-engineering graduates with a STEM background to meet the stringent demands of today’s highly competitive industrial environment. On completion of these courses students acquire a broad understanding of Engineering with a focus on aerospace engineering.

The School has over 50 years' experience of teaching aerospace, and has established an excellent international reputation in this field. We offer extensive lab facilities for aerospace engineering students, including a flight simulator, the latest software packages and wind tunnels. This MSc combines analysis and design with management skills to produce highly-employable postgraduates.

The development of skills and advancement of knowledge focus on:

dynamic structural and aeroelastic analysis of aerospace vehicles, flight dynamics, stability and control and the implications for the design and construction of aerospace vehicles;
the construction of CFD models and to assess implications of results, the limitations of present techniques and the potential future direction of developments in the CFD and aerodynamics field;
appreciation of the need for process, product development and quality and reliability issues relevant to the introduction of products in a cost effective and timely manner;

Critical review of the present knowledge base, its applicability, usage and relevance to enhance product and enterprise performance.

Why choose this course?

This pioneering programme consists of a number of “specialist” Masters awards with an expectation that students will have studied a STEM related discipline to a Bachelor’s level or equivalent, as opposed to a “traditional” masters philosophy aimed at students from an engineering background. The programme offers options with separate entry routes for candidates transitioning from ‘Near STEM’ and ‘Far STEM’ disciplines:The Far STEM route is for first degrees where statistical analysis was a dominant feature of their analytical studies. Students will spend one to two semesters studying appropriate Level 4/5 modules in the first year then joining the Near STEM cohort (e.g., chemistry or biology).

The Far STEM route is for first degrees where statistical analysis was a dominant feature of their analytical studies. Students will spend one to two semesters studying appropriate Level 4/5 modules in the first year then joining the Near STEM cohort (e.g., chemistry or biology).

What will I study?

The School has a reputation for innovation in teaching and learning, where nearly all MSc modules are delivered through a combination of traditional face-to-face teaching and backup tutorial's using the University's StudyNet web based facility.

The online StudyNet is accessible 24/7 and allows students to access electronic teaching and learning resources, and conduct electronic discussion's with staff and other students. A heavy emphasis is placed on theory and practice, and the School has a policy of using industrial standard software wherever possible. The School also operate an open access laboratory, and computer policy, that will help students complete coursework and assignments, at a scheduled pace and on time.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Mechanical Experimental Engineering	15 Credits	Compulsory
The Mechanical Experimental Engineering module serves to introduce students to the main topics of Mechanical Science in the context of practical application and laboratory based experimentation. Topics covered by the module include Experimental Methods, Force Systems, Stress and Strain, Engineering Beams and Newton's Laws of Motion. Each topic is accompanied with at least one open access experimental study.
Mechanical Science	15 Credits	Compulsory
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).
Computing for Business and Technology	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will develop the students skills in using spreadsheets and databases to solve engineering and business problems including how to present results and draw conclusions. The methods, advantages and possible draw backs of E-commerce will be discussed including future trends and their possible impact on commercial and domestic operations. The basic principles of networking will be explored, including types of network and networking hardware, the advantages and possible dangers of networking and data security. Internet communications will be studied in some depth, including the OSI model, IP numbers, domain names, routing, physical addresses and the concept of internetworking.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Product and Project Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
To achieve and maintain market position the manufacturing industry must develop profitable and competitive products in time, to quality and within budget. This requires the functions of the company to be organised to achieve common objectives. This module examines the organisational aspects of product development from definition through design to manufacture. The team issues and techniques of project management are addressed as applicable to the product development process and in general terms. The project management content is taught first in order to support the product development content.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Mechanics and Properties of Materials	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will extend the students knowledge and understanding of structural analysis and the importance of selecting appropriate materials to meet the design requirements. Topics include: Plate theory, elasticity and plasticity, composite materials, viscoelasticity, creep and relaxation, fracture and fatigue, corrosion and non-destructive testing.
Aerodynamics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module builds on material learnt in level 5 Aerothermodynamics and Computer Aided Engineering modules. It encompasses experimental, numerical and theoretical aerodynamic analysis for a range of aerodynamic applications Topics include; Potential Flow Theory, Navier-Stokes equations, Euler and Boundary Layer equations,Transonics and Supersonics, Hypersonics, Turbulence and turbulence modelling, CFD and post processing of CFD results.

Level 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Flight Mechanics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module develops student knowledge and understanding of aircraft dynamics, stability and control beyond BEng Honours level. Topics covered include compressibility, thrust-offset, and static aeroelastic effects on aircraft static stability and control; quasi-steady asymmetric flight; sideslipping and turning, aircraft dynamics at high incidence; methods for estimating aerodynamic derivatives and an introduction to parameter identification methods. Student learning will be supported by assignments making use of simulation packages and a flight simulator.
Aeroelasticity	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to the dynamic structural analysis of aerospace vehicles, together with static and dynamic aeroelastic phenomena such as divergence, control reversal and flutter. Some typical aerospace vehicle structural dynamic problems are considered, while aeroelastic analysis is introduced through the consideration of the behaviour of a typical aerofoil and a high aspect ratio wing in bending and torsion. Student learning will be supported by assignments making use of simulation packages and aeroelastic analysis software and a finite element analysis package.
Integrated Product Engineering	15 Credits	Compulsory
To achieve and maintain market position, manufacturing industry must develop profitable and competitive products in time, to quality and within budget. This requires all operational functions of the company to be organised to achieve common objectives. This module examines the organisational aspects of product development from corporate aims and product strategy through design, manufacturing engineering and into production. The module comprises product portfolios management, development strategy, development planning and the process of product development. Aspects of management practice and the application of tools and techniques are taught.
Procurement & Supply Chain Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
By studying this module the students will be able to explore and develop an understanding of procurement & supply chain issues through case studies, group work and lectures. Key areas that will be developed include the role of procurement and supply chain management and the increased importance of managing the internal and external supply chain.
Individual Masters Project	30 Credits	Compulsory
The Individual Masters Project is a key feature of the programme. It is designed to challenge and develop critical thinking skills at postgraduate level. Potential projects are identified with the support of staff across the School covering a wide range of appropriate areas. Students are supported through the delivery of an initial short course training programme designed to equip them with the necessary project management, research methodology, investigation tools and analysis skills necessary to undertake a project at this level. They will also be allocated and supported by individual project supervisor. It is expected that the project will require 300 hours of student effort and will result in a worthwhile and practical contribution to the chosen subject area.
CAE & Applications	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to: (i) construct computer simulation models for a range of mechanical engineering requirements from industrial complex models to models requiring sophisticated numerical solutions using CAD surface/solid information; (ii) examine the effect of mesh density, domain size, boundary conditions, physical approximation technique, material properties and appropriate numerical schemes on the accuracy of results, using an FEA package; (iii) validate and correlate the results against benchmark solutions or analytical approximations.
CFD & Applications	15 Credits	Compulsory
Develop the student's knowledge of aerodynamic applications of CFD. It comprehensively reviews the governing equations of fluid flow and their area of application. The major numerical methods of solution are introduced, together with turbulence modelling. Meshing procedures are introduced, including physical measures of adequate meshing, solution adaptive meshing, multi-block and multi-grid methods. This module encompasses experimental, numerical and theoretical aerodynamic analysis for a range of aerodynamic applications Topics include; Potential Flow Theory, Navier-Stokes equations, Euler and Boundary Layer equations, Transonics and Supersonics, Hypersonics, Turbulence and turbulence modelling, CFD and post processing of CFD results.
Flight Simulation	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module further develops the student’s knowledge in the mathematical modelling of aircraft with an applied focus in the implementation of flight simulation techniques. Students will look at the design and use of flight simulators for both pilot training and engineering design and the associated design requirements for each case. Students will then develop their modelling and simulation skills by studying the modelling of navigation in the Earth’s environment, dynamic behaviour of aircraft, modelling of propulsion systems. Students will also be introduced to techniques for programming and numerical computation of flight models. Students will make extensive use of industry-standard numerical software packages (such as MATLAB/Simulink) to implement the theory and techniques delivered in the taught part of the module, as well as using commercial flight simulators to simulate aircraft dynamics and analyse flight behaviour.
Aerospace Aerodynamics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module develops the student’s knowledge of aerodynamics and experience of using CFD. Students will develop their knowledge of the use of potential flow theory including its application to the panel method for aerodynamic prediction. Other topics covered will include lifting line and slender body theory together with hypersonic aerodynamics. The CFD applications part of the module provides an overview of the governing flow equations and their range of application. Students will make extensive use of commercial codes to simulate airflows. Apart from applications to external flows, methods for multi-phase flows and flows with conjugate heat transfer will be reviewed. There is also an introduction to subroutines and user functions in commercial codes.

Careers

The successful postgraduates of the programme will acquire the knowledge and understanding, intellectual, practical and transferable skills necessary for the analysis and synthesis of problems in engineering through a combination of experimental, simulation, research methods and case studies. They can expect to gain work in a range of disciplines within a variety of industries from specialist technical roles to positions of management responsibility.

Fees and funding
Fees 2020
UK/EU Students

Full time
- £8925 for the 2020/2021 academic year
Part time
- £745 per 15 credits for the 2020/2021 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £13500 for the 2020/2021 academic year
Part time
- £1125 per 15 credits for the 2020/2021 academic year
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

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

Course fact sheets
MSc Engineering (Aerospace) (Far STEM)	Download

Programme specifications
General Transition Masters in Engineering	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes

International applicants

Apply through our international application portal

Home and EU applicants

Apply using the links below:

2020

Start Date	End Date	Link
23/01/2021	31/01/2022	Apply online (Full Time)
26/09/2020	31/05/2021	Apply online (Part Time)

2021

Start Date	End Date	Link
23/01/2022	31/01/2023	Apply online (Full Time)
26/09/2021	31/05/2022	Apply online (Part Time)

Please note that some of the images and videos on our course pages may have been taken before social distancing rules in the UK came into force.

MSc Engineering (Aerospace) (Far STEM)

About the course

Why choose this course?

What will I study?

Careers

Fees 2020

UK/EU Students

Full time

Part time

International Students