Aviation Engineering BEng (Hons)

30 credits

The module introduces students to the fundamental scientific principles that underly aviation.  In particular aerodynamics, thermodynamics, mechanics of materials, structural analysis and mechanics of flight.  This module has some elements common with the engineering programme, but it does not go to the same depth.  The module is primarily delivered through lectures supported by tutorial sessions and laboratory-based practical sessions.

The aerodynamics section will cover the fundamental properties of fluids and the main basic conservation equations used and their engineering applications. It also introduces the concept of dimensions and the SI units of measurement.

Thermodynamics section deals with the relationship between heat and various other forms of energy.  The emphasis will be on the impact of these relationships on the performance of aircraft propulsion systems. 

The flight mechanics section will cover the main forces keeping the aircraft airborne and the balance of forces in different flight attitude. Topics of aircraft performance and flight stability will be discussed.

30 credits

The aim of this module is to provide students with a solid foundation in engineering mathematics and computational tools essential for solving engineering problems. The mathematics component covers key topics including algebra, functions, logarithms, trigonometry, calculus, differential equations, vectors, and statistics. These topics are designed to equip students with the analytical skills required to tackle complex engineering challenges.

The computing component introduces students to modern engineering software and programming techniques. Students will develop proficiency in SolidWorks for computer-aided design (CAD) and Python for problem-solving, data representation, and visualisation. Emphasis is placed on applying mathematical and computational tools to model, analyse, and solve real-world engineering problems.

By the end of this module, students will be able to confidently integrate mathematical principles with computational methods, forming a critical foundation for advanced engineering study and practice.

30 credits

This module aims to provide students with a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of statics, dynamics, and materials. It covers the analysis of forces on beam structures and trusses in static equilibrium and understanding equivalent force systems, friction, centroids, and moments of inertia. A vector-based approach to particle and rigid body dynamics is presented in this module, covering both kinematics and kinetics for particles as well as for rigid bodies. Core topics include Newton’s second law, principles of linear and angular momentum, and conservation laws. The module also explores the classification of materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. It emphasizes the study of mechanical properties of metals, covering key concepts such as engineering stress and strain, Poisson’s ratio, modulus of elasticity, material performance relationships, and the failure characteristics of both ductile and brittle materials. Lectures are complemented by hands-on laboratories and tutorials in statics, dynamics, and materials.

30 credits

This module will introduce students to Future Skills through engagement with Navigate. Students are guided to identify and take ownership of their personal academic journey through the development and application of academic skills aligned to KU Graduate Attributes and their discipline-specific professional body learning outcomes. Students are tutored in a range of learning-to-learn techniques and are introduced to assessment for learning and the role of feedback, reflection and feedforward as an integrated part of their learning journey. This will be supported through active engagement in the KU Navigate Programme, enabling students to understand and begin to develop a design thinking approach to Future Skills development. 

The Level 4 Personal Tutorial System (PTS) is integrated within this module and timetabled tutorial sessions provide an opportunity for regular discipline-focused small-group discussion and debate to reinforce the key themes and practices of the taught programme. Professional and personal development skills are reflected throughout the module and the authentic application of the methods developed are highlighted in the taught curriculum. Employability skills are explored in the PTS and students are challenged to consider the development of these skills between their Level 4 modules to graduation.

30 credits

This second-year BSc Aerospace Engineering module provides students with a solid foundation in aerodynamics, and the application of advanced engineering materials for designing aerospace components. The curriculum includes an introduction to virtual design techniques, such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD), emphasising their role in analysing aerospace structures. The module covers both low-speed and high-speed aerodynamics, beginning with the fundamental principles of fluid flow and aerofoil properties, and boundary layer behaviour, and high-speed compressible flow dynamics. It highlights key design processes and material selection specific to aerospace components, incorporating essential terminology and practical applications. The learning experience is enriched through interactive lectures, flipped classroom tutorials, and problem-solving activities. Laboratory work includes wind tunnel testing, composite material manufacturing and analysis, flight simulation, and FEA/CAD computing exercises.

30 credits

This second-year BSc Aerospace Engineering module equips students with a fundamental understanding of the essential systems present in civilian aircraft, utilizing a Systems Engineering approach. Participants will investigate the functions, interactions, and maintenance of key systems such as electrical, hydraulic, propulsion, air conditioning, and control systems. The course emphasizes the importance of maintaining airworthiness and the regulatory framework that governs the licensing of maintenance personnel. Through a combination of interactive lectures and laboratory sessions, students will gain the skills to sketch and interpret system schematics, comprehend maintenance schedules, and effectively evaluate aircraft systems operations. Core topics include the basics of Systems Engineering, the operation of major aircraft systems, and the principles that support ongoing airworthiness. By the end of the module, students will possess the knowledge and practical skills required to assess and implement maintenance practices within the aerospace sector.

30 credits

This module aims to equip students with applied mathematical techniques essential for operational organisations to establish high safety standards that comply with Civil Aviation Authority requirements, while also enhancing efficiency and productivity. Although the primary focus is on airline operations, the methodologies presented are relevant to various sectors within aviation, such as maintenance and Air Traffic Management, as well as other industries facing similar operational challenges. The topic of flight safety serves to reinforce previously taught applied statistics. Specifically, the module seeks to familiarise students with fundamental theories and methodologies for safety analysis and risk assessment across diverse aviation environments, alongside the concept and practical implementation of a Safety Management System (SMS).

30 credits

This module will scaffold Future Skills from Level 4 Navigate to Level 6 Apply. 

This module is designed to support students in identifying the range of skills they have acquired over the course of their integrated pilot licence training and the first levels of their degree. The module is designed to prepare students for Level 6 study and group projects.   

The module develops teamworking, interpersonal and interdisciplinary skills, critical self-reflection, communication and presentation, time management, and the ability to organise, strategise and prioritise.  

A key element of this module will be the participation in solving problems in flight using a flight simulator and cockpit workload mitigation. Students will contextualise their subject-specific knowledge, skills and behaviours as an interdisciplinary team member charged with exploring and developing solutions to various flying tasks and emergencies using flight simulation. The teamwork project enables students to demonstrate their ability to explore and contextualise their subject-specific knowledge and helps prepare them for their work-based project element of the End Point Assessment. 

The Level 5 Personal Tutorial System (PTS) is integrated within this module and provide an opportunity for regular discipline-focused small-group discussion and debate and reinforces the key themes and practices of the taught programme. 

120 credits

This module provides engineering students with the opportunity to undertake an industrial placement for the whole academic year. Designed for programmes that include "with Professional Placement" in their title, the module allows students to gain hands-on experience as a trainee professional engineer. Each placement is individually arranged and tailored, with objectives agreed upon by the student, the employer, and the Industrial Placement Tutor. Throughout the year, students will develop practical skills, enhance their understanding of professional work environments, and improve their employability in the global job market. Assessment is on a pass/fail basis, requiring satisfactory completion of the placement and submission of interim and final reports.

30 credits

Throughout the remainder of their studies, students have studied material that has been focused on a specific role or roles within the air transport industry whether it be aircraft design, maintenance, operations or repair and overhaul.  The aim of this module is to take a step back and explore how employers within the various sectors of the air transport industry combine all these functions in order to make a profit. 

The module also compares the operation of the air transport market with that in other sectors and, in more general terms, looks at what makes industry tick.  It also looks at the standard methods of recording and reporting financial performance. 

On successful completion of this module, students should not only understand how their future role will contribute to their employer’s success but, should they decide to move away from the air transport sector, they should have a firm grounding in the general economic principles by which all industries operate.

15 credits

The project involves reviewing the “scenario” to determine the exact requirements, planning for successful completion of the project, identifying options and determining costs through research, analysing data collected and formulating an evidence-based solution and presenting the findings. Student are expected to work together as a group to produce a realistic and cost effective maintenance solution for an airline. As part of the project, students will produce a project plan, do a group presentation, produce a substantial written report, and maintain a project log book. 

Airline logistic support processes and cooperative logistic support strategies before moving and project planning using appropriate tools like network  diagram should have covered in the Apply module before starting the group project. In project planning, the basic processes of determining tasks, writing aims and objectives and estimating time are considered.

30 credits

This module is designed for  students from a range of aerospace related programmes with the knowledge and skills needed to analyse and optimise aircraft performance and propulsion systems. It covers a range of propulsion technologies, enabling students to assess their operational efficiency and impact on overall aircraft performance. The module encompasses both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, teaching students to estimate performance metrics, interpret flight data, and identify conditions for optimal efficiency.

A significant component focuses on structural analysis, where students will use idealised models of aircraft structures to simulate operational scenarios and predict structural behaviour. This hands-on approach, combining analytical and computational methods, deepens their understanding of how design variations affect aircraft integrity under different conditions.

Additionally, students will develop expertise in selecting materials for aerospace components by evaluating factors such as strength-to-weight ratios, temperature resilience, and fatigue resistance. These skills will prepare them to make informed decisions that enhance safety and efficiency in aircraft design.

Integrating theoretical instruction with practical applications, the module includes case studies and project-based learning. By its conclusion, students will be proficient in using advanced analytical tools, interpreting complex datasets, and devising strategies to optimise aircraft systems, preparing them for impactful careers in aerospace engineering.

30 credits

A BEng project should result in a project with a detailed understanding of technical or research topics. This detailed understanding should be demonstrated by critical thinking, acquisition of coherent and relevant knowledge, analysis of tasks and development of technical solutions to an engineering problem. This should be achieved through the use and application of computational software, and its application, or through experimental/practical work. This should demonstrate the development of engineering practice to solve complex problems. A BEng project should result in a range of depth of specialist knowledge and the ability to apply results obtained from work to evaluate and develop design solutions.

15 credits

This module provides you with a dedicated opportunity to develop your Future Skills Graduate Attributes that will set you apart from other graduates and enhance your employability and confidence. At the start of the module, you will be supported to self-assess your current skills profile and determine which attributes you need to develop to support your career ambitions. 

Taught sessions will give you the opportunity to have coaching conversations with students from across the University, supported and facilitated by the Module team. Outside of these taught sessions, you will engage in activities from a menu of opportunities to develop your Graduate Attributes. 

The menu of opportunities allows you to self-select activities such as hackathons, masterclasses and taster sessions, short online learning courses, and study abroad. In your taught classes with students from across the University, you will be encouraged to reflect on the activities you undertake to develop your graduate attributes and work towards the final assignment, a portfolio.