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Aeronautical Engineering BEng/MEng (Hons)

Master the experimental, computational and analytical skills required for a career in the aeronautical industry, and learn techniques to help shape the future of travel technology.

DMU Open Days: 9 November, 7 December and 11 January. Book your place

Overview

Aeronautical engineering is one of the fastest-growing industries in the UK, with extensive career opportunities in research and development, testing, and maintenance.

This course covers the basic principles of aeronautical science and technology, including experimental and theoretical aerodynamics, aircraft design, flight dynamics and control, aircraft propulsion systems, flight simulation technologies, aviation materials and aeroelasticity, modern computational tools for fluid dynamics (CFD) and structural dynamics (CSD).

Employment opportunities include manufacturing companies, the armed forces, government research agencies and regulators, and training institutions, while experienced aerospace engineers may investigate air crashes and the malfunctioning of parts.

Key features

  • Study a range of topics including aircraft structures and materials, flight dynamics and control, and aircraft propulsion systems.
  • The university has made significant investment into our dedicated Aeronautical Engineering facilities, and our students will be able to develop their practical and professional skills in our AIRFOX DISO flight simulator, our instrumented low-speed wind tunnel and by using simulation software.
  • Study either a three-year BEng (Hons) programme, or a four-year integrated master’s MEng (Hons). At the end of year three, you have the option of graduating with a BEng (Hons) or continuing for a further year for a MEng (Hons), subject to meeting the progression requirements.
  • Benefit from the academic expertise of our prominent researchers who have experience of collaborating with international institutions and experts such as the National Aerospace Laboratories India, Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute Russia and AMST-Systemtechnik GmbH Austria.
  • Join our student societies to further develop your skills, whether you want to help build our petrol and electric student racing cars with DMU Racing or use GPS technology and environmental monitoring equipment to capture images from the edge of space with our Electronics Club.
  • Benefit from opportunities to progress into a career in a range of industries such as aeronautical and aerospace, automotive (vehicle aerodynamics), renewable energy (wind turbine design), aviation management, military, and defence.

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Engineering Year Zero

  • UK/EU
  • International

Key facts for UK/EU students

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: 

BEng: H410

MEng: H403

Duration: Four years full-time, five years with placement 

Fees and funding: For 2020/21 tuition fees will be £9,250

Find out more about tuition fees and available funding.

Find out about additional costs and optional extras.

Contact us: For more information, call us on +44 (0)116 2 50 60 70.

How to apply

Order a prospectus

Book an Open Day

Submit a study-related enquiry

Key facts for international students

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: 

BEng: H410

MEng: H403

Duration: Four years full-time, five years with placement

Fees and funding: For 2020/21 tuition fees will be £14,250

Find out more about course fees and available funding.

Find out about additional costs and optional extras. 

Contact us: For more information, call us on +44 (0)116 2 50 60 70.

How to apply

Order a prospectus

Application guidance document

Submit a study-related enquiry

Entry criteria

  • A typical offer is 112 UCAS points (120 UCAS points for MEng) from at least two A-levels including Mathematics or Physics at grade C, or
  • Engineering or Physics BTEC National Diploma/ Extended Diploma at DMM (DDM for MEng)

Plus, five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Mathematics or equivalent.

Alternative qualifications include:

Pass in one of the following QAA accredited Access to HE course with at least 15 level 3 credits in the relevant subject at distinction:

  • Access to HE Engineering
  • Engineering Science
  • Engineering Science and Mathematics
  • Physics and Engineering
  • Physics and Mathematics

If you are studying an alternative Access course that is related to Engineering, Mathematics or Physics please contact us for more details.

English and Mathematics GCSEs are required as a separate qualification as equivalency is not accepted within the Access qualification.

We will normally require students to have had a break from full-time education before undertaking the Access course.

  • International Baccalaureate: 26+ points (30+ points for MEng) with Mathematics or Physics at higher level
  • Engineering Year Zero: Pass


Portfolio Required: No
Interview Required: No

 

Mature students

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications.

International students 

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band, or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

UCAS Tariff changes

Students applying for courses starting in September will be made offers based on the latest UCAS Tariff. Find out more.

 

Structure and assessment

 

Course modules

Teaching and contact hours

 

 

Year one

  • Engineering Mathematics -1
  • Engineering Mathematics -2
  • Mechanical Principles - Statics
  • Mechanical Principles - Dynamics
  • Thermofluids 
  • Aircraft Design Principles
  • CAE and Programming
  • Mechanics of Flight


Year two

  • Aircraft Structures and Materials
  • Fundamentals of Aerodynamics
  • Project Management
  • Engineering Mathematics - 3
  • Introduction to Control Engineering
  • Flight Dynamics and Control
  • Product Design
  • Fluid Mechanics 

Placement Year (Optional)

 

Year three

  • Individual Project
  • Flight Simulation Technology
  • Aircraft Propulsion
  • Human Factors and Flight Safety
  • Computational Aerodynamics-1
  • Structural Dynamics and Aeroelasticity
  • Management Concepts in Aviation (optional)
  • Navigation and Pilot Studies (optional)

Year four (MEng)

  • Group Project
  • Advanced Flight Dynamics
  • Aircraft Handling Qualities and Control
  • Engineering Business Environment
  • Systems Operations Management (optional)
  • Computational Aerodynamics-2
  • Introduction to Nonlinear Dynamical Systems (optional)
  • Unmanned Aero Vehicle Design (optional)
  • Composite Materials (optional)

 

 

Note: All modules are subject to change in order to keep content current.

Teaching

Aeronautical Engineering is taught by knowledgeable and professionally experienced staff giving you the opportunity to gain a sound understanding of the aeronautical engineering fundamentals along with the personal skills that will enable you to study successfully and embark on a rewarding career.

A combination of different forms of teaching is used throughout Aeronautical Engineering, with an emphasis on lectures, supporting tutorials and laboratory classes.

Student-centred learning takes place through research and presentation of findings, report writing, individual and group assignments and practical-work-based exercises for the development of required skills and through understanding of delivered material.

You will be exposed to industry-standard computational methods 3D design, CFD and FEA analysis, Matlab/Simulink, C++ programming software and have access to computer and experimental laboratory facilities throughout the course.

 

 

Contact hours

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, group work and self-directed study. Assessment is through coursework (presentations, essays and reports) and usually an exam or test. Your precise timetable will depend on the optional modules you choose to take, however, you will normally attend around 15 hours of timetabled taught sessions (lectures and tutorials) each week, and we expect you to undertake at least 30 further hours of independent study to complete project work and research.

 

Facilities and features

 
Placements
Placements
 

Aeronautical Engineering Facilities

The Aeronautical Engineering facilities have received significant investment, including dedicated Aeronautical Engineering laboratory spaces and equipment.

This investment means that students can work with a purpose-built subsonic wind tunnel for experimental investigation of aerodynamics, considering different shapes and aircraft test models.

The space will also feature an industry-standard flight simulator, where you can gain piloting skills flying a number of civil and military aircraft models and also validate flight performance, stability and control of your own aircraft designs.

Library and learning zones

The main Kimberlin Library is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and offers a range of print and online resources to support your studies. Many resources and services can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose.

The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a Just Ask service for help and advice, available via email or telephone. We also have space across campus for group or individual work and study, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology available.

More flexible ways to learn

Our Universal Design for Learning (UDL) has been recognised as leading the university sector. It builds upon our pledge to offer an equitable and inclusive approach to learning and teaching for all our students.

UDL means we offer a wide variety of support, facilities and technology to all students, including those with disabilities and specific learning differences.

Just one of the ways we do this is by using ‘DMU Replay’ – a technology providing all students with anytime access to audio and/or visual material of lectures.

This means students can revise taught material in the way which suits them best, whether it's replaying a recording of a class or adapting written material shared in class using specialist software.

Opportunities and careers

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Placements

Work placements are offered as part of this course as one of the best ways to boost your skills and experience while studying, as well as improving your chances of gaining a graduate level job.

We have links with organisations both in the UK and internationally, and the placements team will help you find a placement to suit your interests and aspirations.

Engineering students have taken part in work experience placements at a number of local, national and international companies including BMW, Airbus, and Siemens.

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#DMUglobal

Our innovative international experience programme aims to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons – helping you to become a global graduate, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world.

Through #DMUglobal, we offer a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.

Engineering students had the opportunity to visit New York, where they had a guided tour of some of America's finest and most complex military hardware, including fighter jets, spacecraft and marine vessels.

Engineering student Tanvir Choudhury said: “I saw the technology the military had in the 1960s and 1970s and was impressed by how much it has developed since then.”

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Graduate careers

After completing this programme, graduates have the skills to pursue employment in aeronautical and aerospace industries, civil aviation management, the defence sector, aircraft maintenance repair and overhaul services.

According to a House of Commons briefing paper, the UK aerospace industry is the biggest in Europe and the second biggest in the world with a turnover of £31 billion in 2016. It employs 95,000 people, with the greatest number of jobs in the South West and East Midlands.

The Aeronautical Engineering team believes the industry will continue to grow in the coming years as technology continues to develop, and this course will help to train the next generation of aerospace professionals.

DMU Open Days

Our next Open Day takes place on Saturday 9 November 2019, book your place today.

Book now

Order a prospectus

Our prospectus will give you a clearer idea of what it's like to live and study at DMU and a snapshot of the courses we offer.

Order now

How to apply

We welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications and experience.

Find out more

More about your DMU

Aerospace industry
#IchoseDMU
Accommodation
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aeronautical-1

Aerospace industry

The UK aerospace industry is the biggest in Europe and the second biggest in the world with a turnover of £31 billion in 2016. It employs 95,000 people, with the greatest number of jobs in the South West and the East Midlands. "The industry will continue to grow in the coming years and this exciting new course will allow us to train the next generation of aerospace professionals.” 

- Hobina Rajakaruna, programme leader

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#IchoseDMU

Find out why our students are proud to say #IchoseDMU.

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Accommodation

We offer a range of high-standard accommodation for our students, with 14 halls of residence — and around 4,300 rooms — all of which are within easy walking distance of the campus. There is a choice of mixed or same-gender flats, shared kitchen and laundry facilities, furnished bedrooms (some with en suite facilities) and internet access. Find out more.

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A city like no other

Studying here gives easy access to the vibrant hub of entertainment, shopping and culture that is Leicester. There are clubs, bars and pubs, as well as festivals, live music, theatres and cinemas. Leicester City Football Club play in the Premier League while Leicester Tigers are one of Europe’s biggest rugby clubs. Find out more.

 
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