BSc (Honours) Aeronautical Engineering
UCAS code
H410Attendance
Full-time
Four years full-time (including one year work placement) or three years full-timeAt a glance
Study to become an aeronautical engineer on a course that offers you flexibility to develop your own career interests. Learn about the fundamentals of flight and aircraft design in excellent facilities that include a motion-enabled flight simulator. Then apply what youve learnt on a paid placement in industry.
Key points
Follow your aeronautical interests and prepare yourself for a career in an expanding, cutting-edge industry.
Benefit from industry-standard facilities and an experienced team of academics.
Gain experience within the engineering industry on a paid placement.
Get involved in aero-related extra-curricular activities with the student Aerospace Society.
What is aeronautical engineering?
Aeronautical engineering encompasses not only the design, development and manufacture of aircraft but also their operation in service. This means that aeronautical engineers may find themselves working for aircraft manufacturers, their suppliers or even aircraft operators. An aeronautical engineer needs knowledge of disciplines including aerodynamics, structures, materials and propulsion, which are also relevant in other areas, such as automotive.
About this course
Train as an engineer ready to work in aeronautical fields as diverse as research and development, product design and innovation and the manufacture and maintenance of components and systems. The knowledge and core skills you gain apply to a wide range of engineering industries and commerce, increasing your employment opportunities.
You begin by studying common core modules, which provide a foundation of engineering principles, knowledge and fundamental skills. If you successfully complete the first year, you have the opportunity to transfer to one of our accredited aerospace degrees, if you meet the criteria.
In the second year, the modules become more focussed, developing the engineering themes covered in the first year and putting them into an aeronautical context.
Your studies are centred around our dedicated engineering facilities based on City Campus. These include a CAD suite with a range of software packages, a precision workshop, industrially-relevant CNC machining and rapid prototyping facilities and our Digital Design Centre.
Aero-specific facilities include a wind tunnel and a specialist flight simulator which you use to develop your understanding of how aircraft design impacts on flight characteristics. Ultimately, you may have the opportunity to programme the simulator to fly aircraft you have designed using the knowledge gained through your studies.
In year three you get the opportunity to put what you have learnt into practice with a paid work placement in industry. You may work in a design department, a manufacturing organisation or in commercial research and development. Its a great chance to gain new skills and learn how industry works. It can also directly improve your career prospects, as some students return from industrial placements with sponsorships and job offers.
In the final year you complete a major project, which allows you to apply the knowledge, understanding, skills and qualities gained throughout the course. The project enables you to pursue a topic of your choice, with the support of an academic supervisor and access to the workshop and laboratory facilities. You work independently on the project.
The course also develops additional skills to enhance your employability by incorporating aspects of business management, effective team working and the need for sustainable engineering.
Key areas of study
Having provided you with an understanding of engineering principles, the course explores more fundamental aeronautical themes such as aerodynamics propulsion materials structures. You can then examine how these impact on real-world situations by studying aircraft design and developments in the aero industry.
Associated careers
Aerospace technology 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). Other areas include maintaining aircraft and operating aircraft management systems.
As a graduate, 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.
Course content
Year one modules
engineering mechanics aerodynamic principles engineering practice engineering mathematics engineering materials and manufacturing processes computing for engineers engineering, society and the environment
Year two modules
All modules in year two are options and you choose from a list including mathematics for mechanical engineers computer-aided design aerospace structures thermo/fluid dynamics electrical technology and aircraft systems mechanical engineering control engineering dynamics and control automated manufacturing personal development project
Year three
optional work placement
Final year core module
final year project
Final year options
Include advanced engineering design finite element analysis aircraft stability and control engineering aerodynamics propulsion systems engineering design business systems project management composite materials vibroacoustics degradation and surface engineering
Assessment
coursework examinations
Entry requirements
2014 entry requirements
Normally one of the following
220 points from at least two GCE A levels, one of which must be mathematics or an acceptable mathematics-based subject, and at least one other from physics physical science engineering science computer science technology chemistry electronics mathematically-based science or technology subject. We do not accept A/AS level general studies and Key Skills.
BTEC/SCOTVEC National Certificate/Diploma in a science or technology-based subject which includes mathematics 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 or access course containing an appropriate level of mathematics.
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
200 points from at least two GCE A levels, one of which must be mathematics or an acceptable mathematics-based subject, and at least one other from physics physical science engineering science computer science technology chemistry electronics mathematically-based science or technology subject. A/AS level general studies and Key Skills do not count towards this tariff.
Fees
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