BEng (Honours) Aerospace Engineering
UCAS code
H415Attendance
Full-time
Four years full-time (including one year work placement) or three years full-timeAt a glance
Study to become an engineer in an exciting industry, where demand for your skills is growing. Learn about the principles of flight and aircraft design in excellent facilities that include a specialist flight simulator. Then apply what you’ve learnt on a paid placement in industry.
Key points
• Specialise in an area where demand for engineers is growing.
• Benefit from industry-standard facilities, including a flight simulator.
• Take the first step towards Chartered Engineer status.
What is aerospace engineering?
Aerospace engineering is the study of fundamental engineering principles which govern the flying behaviour of modern aircraft and spacecraft. These engineering principles are then applied to the design and construction of such vehicles to ensure optimum performance.
About this course
Train for a career at the highest level of engineering, with the skills and knowledge required to work in product development or senior management within the aerospace industries.
As a graduate you benefit from a growing demand for trained mechanical engineers in the aerospace industry. And because the course teaches you core mechanical engineering knowledge and skills, you can also find a career in the wider mechanical engineering industry, increasing your employment opportunities.
The first year builds a foundation of mathematics and engineering principles, underpinning your knowledge and fundamental skills. The basic principles of flight, aircraft design and control are introduced, and you cover engineering practice and personal skills development.
The second year starts to apply core mechanical engineering principles together with analysis and design to airframe structures and a specialised version of thermofluid dynamics applicable to aerospace engineering.
We introduce you to the specialist engineering materials used in airframe and engine construction. You also study business and management to broaden your knowledge of the commercial aspects of the engineering industry, and further develop your mathematics and computer-modelling skills.
In your final year you study more specialist aspects of aerodynamics, propulsion systems, finite element methods for structural analysis, flights mechanics and aircraft design principles.
Your studies are centred around our industry-standard engineering facilities based on City Campus. These include a precision workshop, our Digital Design Centre, sub-sonic wind tunnel and state-of-the-art flight simulator which can simulate the effects of enhancements you design in a realistic context.
In year three you can take an optional one year work placement. This may involve working in areas such as a design department, a manufacturing organisation or in commercial research and development. You are able to apply the knowledge gained on the course to commercial engineering practice, gain new skills and learn how industry works.
We help you to find a placement and negotiate a sensible salary, which is usually between £12,000 and £18,000. We have had students at Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce and Boeing. Some students return from industrial placements with sponsorships and job offers.
The culmination of your final year is a major individual project. This allows you to apply your knowledge, understanding, skills and qualities to an aerospace topic of your choice.
Key areas of study
Key areas include • aerodynamics (both engineering and computational) • propulsion systems • structural analysis • flight mechanics and aircraft design.
Associated careers
Aerospace engineering is a global industry with excellent graduate employment opportunities and the chance to travel and work abroad.
You may find employment opportunities in primary aircraft design and manufacture for the commercial markets, such as the Airbus A380, or military aircraft, such as the Typhoon (EFA).
Careers also exist in specialist organisations involved in • researching and developing flight control and simulation systems • communications satellites • navigation aids • remote sensor systems • rocketry • missiles • space vehicles.
International air travel would not be possible without the ground-based staff who maintain aircraft and operate aircraft management systems, providing further employment opportunities.
Course content
Year one modules
• aerospace engineering principles • aerodynamic principles • engineering practice: mechanical • engineering mathematics • materials and manufacturing processes • computer methods for engineering design
Year two modules
• aerospace structures and design • thermofluid dynamics • aerospace materials • instrumentation and electrical systems • dynamics and control A • further mathematics for mechanical engineers • engineering business management • environment and society
Year three
• optional work placement
Final year modules
• individual project • propulsion systems and aerodynamics • aircraft flight mechanics • project and quality management • computational fluid dynamics • structural and component integrity and finite element analysis • aircraft design
Assessment
• coursework • examinations
Entry requirements
2014 entry requirements
Normally one of the following
• 260 points from at least two GCE A levels, one of which must be mathematics or a mathematics-based subject, and at least one other from • physics • physical science • engineering science • computer science • technology • chemistry • electronics • other mathematically-based science or technology subject. We do not accept A/AS general studies and Key Skills.
• BTEC/SCOTVEC National Certificate/Diploma in a science or technology-based subject, 240 UCAS tariff points or 7 merit grades including mathematics and two other mathematically-based subjects at NIII level
• Foundation – pass from our Extended Degree Programme Engineering and Mathematics, dependent on academic performance, or from another suitable science or technology foundation course containing an appropriate level of mathematics, with an overall average mark of at least 65 per cent
• Access – an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above, in a mathematics-related programme from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.
If English is not your first language you must have an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
We welcome applications from people of any age. We may be flexible in our normal offer if you can show a commitment to succeed and have the relevant skills and experience. This must show that you will benefit from and finish the course successfully.
2013 entry requirements
Normally one of the following
• 240 points from at least two GCE A levels, one of which must be mathematics or a mathematics-based subject, and at least one other from • physics • physical science • engineering science • computer science • technology • chemistry • electronics • other mathematically-based science or technology subject. A/AS general studies and Key Skills do not count towards this tariff.
Fees
Home and EU students
2013/14 academic year
For 2013 entry, membership of a professional body is included in the course fee.
International students
2013/14 academic year
Typically 10,680 a year
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,250 a year
How to apply
You apply for this course through UCAS.
Contact details
For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk