Introduction
Aerospace engineering is the primary branch of engineering concerned with the research, design, development, construction, testing, science and technology of aircraft and spacecraft. It is divided into two major and overlapping branches: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering. The former deals with aircraft that operate in Earth's atmosphere, and the latter with spacecraft that operate outside it.
Aerospace engineering deals with the design, construction, and study of the science behind the forces and physical properties of aircraft, rockets, flying craft, and spacecraft. The field also covers their aerodynamic characteristics and behaviors, airfoil, control surfaces, lift, drag, and other properties.
Aeronautical engineering was the original term for the field. As flight technology advanced to include craft operating in outer space, the broader term "aerospace engineering" has largely replaced it in common usage.Aerospace engineering, particularly the astronautics branch, is often referred to colloquially as "rocket science",such as in popular culture.
Programme structure
You will study the same courses in the first three years whether you are on the BEng or MEng degree programme. Your selection for BEng or MEng depends on your progress record in your first three years.
Year 1
In your first year you will take courses in mathematics and study engineering fundamentals including aerospace engineering, dynamics, electronics, materials, statics, thermodynamics and engineering skills.
Year 2
In your second year you will concentrate on fluid mechanics, dynamics, aeronautical engineering, thermodynamics and mathematics.
Year 3
In third year you will learn about the design of aircraft. You can begin to analyse and understand the aircraft behaviour, predict its performance, understand its propulsion systems and begin to perform detailed analysis of aircraft structural components.
In year 4 you will begin to deal with some of the advanced concepts in aeronautics. These include the study of composite materials, aeroelasticity, high-speed aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, flight dynamics and control theory.
For BEng students individual project work allows you to apply the knowledge you have gained during your studies to a problem in aeronautical engineering. MEng students undertake an interdisciplinary team project instead.
