Aeronautical Engineering

In this module, you’ll first be introduced to the history and terminology of the aerospace and aviation industries, along with some basic theory of flight. Then you’ll undertake a group project to do the preliminary design of a light aircraft conforming to EASA CS-23 standards. It is to be powered by a single piston engine (SEP). You’ll choose the performance of the aircraft based on a survey of the potential market for its type. You will then work in groups through the various stages of the design, both internal and external, checking that the aircraft will meet certification requirements and can do the tasks for which it is intended as well as being commercially viable, developing communication, teamwork, and project management skills throughout the process.

This module introduces key principles of engineering materials and structural analysis. It covers stress, strain, beam theory, torsion, thermal stresses, frameworks, and Mohr’s circles for stress and strain analysis in two- and three-dimensional components. You will explore material testing, properties through bonding mechanisms, strengthening methods, phase diagrams, heat treatment, and corrosion principles and protection. The types and use of polymer materials will be included. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between material structure and performance, and on applying analytical methods to real-world problems. Laboratory sessions support hands-on learning, while assessments include coursework, and coursework to develop skills in selecting materials and analysing simple structures in mechanical engineering contexts.

In this module you will learn about the fundamentals of lift and drag generation by aerofoils and wings, the theory of low-speed (incompressible) flow, aerofoil aerodynamics and the thin aerofoil theory, wing aerodynamics and the lifting line theory, the fundamentals of boundary layer theory, an introduction to the theory of high speed (compressible) flow, convergent-divergent nozzles, the equipment and techniques employed in wind tunnel testing as well as take the first steps in conducting an aerodynamic simulation using computational fluid dynamics.

This 26-week, two-trimester Aircraft Design module introduces second-year aeronautical engineering students to the key stages of commercial aircraft design at the conceptual and preliminary levels. You will engage with weight prediction, aircraft sizing, propulsion selection, layout of major components, and performance considerations. The module fosters familiarity with EASA/CAA certification standards and incorporates principles of project, risk, and quality management. Through group and individual assessments, you will apply engineering judgement while addressing sustainability, ethics, and security in design. This hands-on module prepares you for advanced design work by developing both technical competence and essential professional skills within an industry-relevant framework.

Your understanding of structural integrity, fitness for service, and mechanical properties will be developed through this module. You will become familiar with the analysis of structures under different loading conditions, yield criteria, and direct stiffness methods. Additionally, you will be introduced to the analysis of composite systems.

This module extends core mathematical knowledge by introducing a broader range of techniques relevant to the analysis and solution of complex engineering problems. Key topics include differential equations, numerical methods, partial differentiation, determinants, matrices, Laplace transforms, and functions of a complex variable. Emphasis is placed on the accurate selection and application of analytical and computational methods, recognising their limitations within engineering contexts. Mathematical principles are developed through lectures, with discipline-specific sessions offering applied examples. Problem-solving seminars support the use of first principles and the development of confidence in modelling and interpreting engineering systems.

This module introduces you to the fundamental principles of aircraft stability and control systems. You will develop an understanding of static and manoeuvre stability in both longitudinal and lateral-directional motion, and begin to explore key control concepts such as system modelling, first- and second-order responses, PID control, and root locus techniques. Through hands-on laboratory activities and simulation tools, you will apply these ideas in practical settings. By the end of this module, you will be able to interpret simplified flight system behaviours and present your findings using structured engineering communication.

This module introduces the basic concepts of aircraft performance by modelling aerodynamic loads and propulsion system performance, leading to key results in both steady and accelerated flight. You will learn how to calculate performance in straight and level flight, climb and glide, turns, and on take-off and landing. You will study the important envelopes used to assess the global performance of aircraft, such as the manoeuvre load envelope, the altitude-speed envelope and the payload-range diagram.

The individual project involves working independently on a substantial research or industrially relevant task, requiring critical evaluation of technical literature and other reliable sources of information. It promotes the application of an integrated or systems-based approach to solve complex engineering challenges. The work considers environmental and societal impacts, encouraging the development of solutions that minimise adverse effects. Ethical issues are identified and addressed through reasoned decision-making guided by professional codes of conduct. Risk is assessed and managed using structured processes. The project also develops skills in engineering management, commercial awareness, legal frameworks, effective communication, and continuous professional development.

This third-year module in Aerodynamics and Propulsion builds on prior knowledge from second-year Aerodynamics and first-year Thermodynamics to explore compressible flows and aircraft propulsion. You will study subsonic, transonic, and supersonic flow regimes, along with propulsion principles and engine inlet/outlet design considerations. Delivered to both Aeronautical Engineering and Aircraft Engineering with Pilot Studies programmes, this module blends theory with application through two dedicated laboratories—one on compressible flow and one on propulsion. Assessment includes a group project involving wing design, manufacturing, and testing; a technical lab report analysing experimental results; and a final in-person exam. The module fosters critical thinking and practical engineering skills.

The module extends the fixed wing design principles covered in the second year to Vertical Flight Vehicle Design. In order to do this, the module first goes into depth to explain the important characteristics of vertical take-off hover and transition flight modes of VTOL capable aircraft from three critical aspects. It then goes into depth the technique of power and drivetrain design, and the integration with the airframe. While the students process with the design tasks, they are introduced to the product lifecycle from testing, certification, and in service support. At this stage, the concepts of digital twin, certification and supplemental type certification are introduced, and the students are guided into setting up the digital twin of a component as well as a service bulleting for the aircraft to assist third party entities in work carried mid-product life cycle.

This module introduces you to Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Aircraft Structural Analysis, with a focus on solving real-world aerospace engineering problems. In the first part of the module, you will learn the fundamentals of FEA, a computer-based method used by engineers to predict how parts will behave under loads, such as stress, strain, and deformation. The second part of the module focuses on aircraft structures and aeroelasticity. You will study statically indeterminate structures—these are structures where internal forces can’t be found using basic equations alone, requiring more advanced methods. The module also includes an introduction to aeroelasticity, which looks at how aerodynamic forces interact with structural flexibility and explores common aeroelastic problems. This part helps you understand the importance of aeroelastic effects in ensuring safe and efficient aircraft design.

In this module, you will learn about the fundamental principles of modelling aircraft dynamics using state-space and transfer function methods. You will explore longitudinal and lateral-directional reduced-order models, gain insight into desired flight characteristics, and evaluate handling quality metrics. The module also covers classical control methods, including Bode and Nyquist analysis, PID tuning, and digital control implementation. Through simulations and laboratory work, you will develop and test stability augmentation and autopilot systems in line with flight control requirements.