Aerospace Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)

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 introduces aerospace and astronautics engineering students to the fundamentals of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, providing a foundation for understanding their principles and applications in engineering. The fluid mechanics section covers the fundamental properties of fluids, basic conservation equations, and their engineering applications. Key topics include dimensions and SI units, the law of similarity, Reynolds number, and Mach number, as well as aerodynamic forces on aerofoil sections. The thermodynamics section explores the relationship between heat and other forms of energy, focusing on the principles governing energy transfer and conversion. Core topics include the laws of thermodynamics, their applications in engineering systems such as internal combustion engines and refrigeration, and their relevance to aerospace technologies. This module is delivered through lectures, tutorial sessions, and hands-on laboratory experiments, including a thermodynamics experiment on refrigeration and an aerofoil experiment to study lift and drag forces.

30 credits

This module introduces aerospace and astronautics engineering students to the fundamentals of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, providing a foundation for understanding their principles and applications in engineering. The fluid mechanics section covers the fundamental properties of fluids, basic conservation equations, and their engineering applications. Key topics include dimensions and SI units, the law of similarity, Reynolds number, and Mach number, as well as aerodynamic forces on aerofoil sections. The thermodynamics section explores the relationship between heat and other forms of energy, focusing on the principles governing energy transfer and conversion. Core topics include the laws of thermodynamics, their applications in engineering systems such as internal combustion engines and refrigeration, and their relevance to aerospace technologies. This module is delivered through lectures, tutorial sessions, and hands-on laboratory experiments, including a thermodynamics experiment on refrigeration and an aerofoil experiment to study lift and drag forces.

30 credits

This module aims to provide a solid foundation for a career in the space industry with a focus on transferable skills, teamwork, understanding engineering processes and specialist space knowledge. The module forms part of the Kingston University Future Skills program and delivers the strategy in line with the skills and knowledge content required by the Space sector. The module is part of a series of modules that develop on each other delivering the university Navigate, Explore and Apply strategy. The Navigate strategy is corresponding to the engineering process of conceptual design.

The group project will be aligned with an external competition that has a significant and complex space engineering challenge (e.g. the Mach-X rocket competition). The group project will culminate (at L6) in a finished space engineering competition entry.

Workshop and machining skills will be developed, engineering processes will be taught demonstrating the latest industry practices. Transferable skills that are useful to a student’s career that are industry independent will be developed. Specialist knowledge that will provide a systems overview will be given to provide students specific sector know-how.

30 credits

This module provides an integrated study of the core disciplines of Aerodynamics, Propulsion, and Aircraft Performance, essential for understanding the operational and performance characteristics of aircraft. Through lectures, experiments, and simulations, students will learn the fundamental principles, practical applications, and advanced concepts within each area. The module is structured to balance theoretical understanding with experimental and analytical skills, preparing students for advanced studies in aerospace engineering.

30 credits

This module is designed to provide the students in their second year of BEng Aerospace Engineering with an understanding of fundamentals mechanics of materials, aerospace structural design and analysis process, vibration theory with relevant applications, and the use of composite materials in aerospace. This module covers the main structural components of aircraft and space structures, airframe construction methods, and introduces the analysis of linearly elastic problems, including axial loading, torsion, pure bending, and shear stress analysis along with shear centre calculations. Presentation of important concepts such as free and forced vibrations of single degree-of-freedom undamped linear systems, types and characteristics of damping and its effects on the response is introduced as part of this module. The module also examines the advantages of composite materials in aerospace structures, particularly their high strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios, which are critical in primary aerospace applications. Lectures are complemented by hands-on laboratories and tutorials in aerospace structures, composite materials, and vibration analysis.

30 credits

This module builds on the pre-requisites of Design and Materials modules at level 4. The purpose of this module is to introduce students to computational simulation process like finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach. ANSYS package will be used to conduct FEA and CFD analysis on real-world engineering problems. Students will get the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge gained from Aerospace Structures, Materials and Vibrations to analyse structural behaviour of a model based on its material properties and optimise their design. The knowledge gained from Aerodynamics and Performance module will be used to conduct CFD analysis over an aerodynamic body where students can learn to validate their computational results with experimental or other numerical data. This would equip students with up-to-date flow and structure analysis techniques.

30 credits

This module aims to provide a solid foundation for future engineers in the aerospace industry, focusing on transferable skills, collaboration, understanding engineering processes, and specialised aerospace knowledge. It is a key component of the Kingston University Future Skills program, designed to meet the demands of the aerospace sector. The module is part the university's Navigate, Explore, and Apply (NEA) strategy. The Explore phase concentrates on initial design, enhanced by skills in cost-effective design and analysis. Throughout this module, five key themes are explored, with a group project serving as the central element that integrates this and other modules in the curriculum. This project will align with an external competition that poses a significant and complex challenge in aerospace engineering, such as the RAeS Design, Build, Fly competition with entry at L6. Students will engage in the complete design cycle, supported by additional topics to ensure they are prepared for industry. To support the group project, students will acquire workshop and machining skills while learning engineering processes that reflect current industry practices in aerospace. Furthermore, they will cultivate transferable skills applicable across various sectors.

30 credits

This module aims to provide a solid foundation for a career in the space industry with a focus on transferable skills, teamwork, understanding engineering processes and specialist space knowledge. The module forms part of the Kingston University Future Skills program and delivers the strategy in line with the skills and knowledge content required by the Space sector. The module is part of a series of modules that develop on each other delivering the University's Navigate, Explore and Apply strategy. The Explore corresponds to preliminary design, enhanced with cost-efficient design and analysis-driven design skills.

The group project will be aligned with an external competition that has a significant and complex space engineering challenge (e.g. the Mach-X rocket competition). This module is the next step to that will culminate in a space engineering competition entry at L6.

Workshop and machining skills will be developed, engineering processes will be taught demonstrating the latest industry practices with respect to the space sector. Transferable skills that are useful to a student’s career that are industry independent are also included.

30 credits

This module enhances students' knowledge and understanding of aerospace aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and aircraft flight dynamics. In compressible aerodynamics, students will examine the properties of shockwaves. The propulsion topics include air-breathing engine cycles, axial flow turbomachinery, and combustion systems. Flight dynamics theories and performance evaluation will be demonstrated through live flight tests. Additionally, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) will be introduced as a tool to analyse advanced aerodynamic phenomena, such as transonic and supersonic flows, boundary layer behaviour and compressibility effects in both external and internal flows.

30 credits

This module provides third-year BEng Aerospace Engineering students with an advanced understanding of aerospace structural design, structural dynamics, and finite element analysis. Aerospace structures, such as aircraft wings, fuselages, and control surfaces, as well as spacecraft structures like satellite frames, are made from thin-walled sheets reinforced by Z, C, or T section stringers. To simplify analysis, structural idealization supports various types of loading. Structural dynamics focuses on how structures respond to dynamic, time-varying forces, unlike static loads. These forces, from sources like aerodynamic pressures and engine vibrations, require robust designs that can handle them without failure. Students will learn to formulate equations for multi-degree-of-freedom and continuous systems, estimate natural frequencies and mode shapes, and determine eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The course includes finite element applications specific to aircraft structures, with lab sessions to solve problems using industry-standard finite element software. Lectures are complemented by computer labs and tutorials, providing hands-on experience and practical problem-solving skills.

30 credits

The individual project module is a core module for all programmes within the School of Engineering and the Environment.

A MEng project should result in a project with a deeper and broader understanding of technical or research topics when compared to a L6 BEng project. This deeper and broader understanding should be demonstrated by comprehensive critical thinking, acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge, analysis of tasks and a clear methodology applied to research activities. This should be achieved through the use and application of higher fidelity methods such as higher order software, and its application, and in the development of robust experimental and research techniques. A MEng project should result in a greater range of depth of specialist knowledge within a research and/or industrial environment. Understanding of the results obtained from the work and their implication on their project or area of research should be clearly demonstrated.

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.

15 credits

The Group Design Project (GDP) provides an opportunity for you to work on a major aerospace engineering design in a team in a way which closely parallels real-world aerospace projects. You will be assigned to a team with a particular project outline description/specification. It is the team's job to develop this specification in details and conduct tasks necessary to complete the project. To achieve this, the team must establish a plan/work schedule, perform technical tasks necessary to fulfil the plan, monitor progress, manage team activities, hold and minute formal team design meetings weekly and resolve any problems that arise. The GDP is a particularly important piece of work since the course regulations state that if you fail it, you will not normally be eligible for a degree. Also, employers tend to place great stock by this project since it provides evidence of both your technical skills and your ability to work in a team.

The module will closely link to another 15-credit module in level 6 Apply. The group project will be aligned with an external competition that has a significant and complex aerospace engineering challenge (e.g. RAeS Design, Build, Fly etc.).

15 credits

This module aims to provide a solid foundation for becoming an engineer in the space industry with a focus on transferable skills, teamwork, understanding engineering processes and specialist space knowledge. The module forms part of the Kingston University Future Skills program and delivers the strategy in line with the skills and knowledge content required by the Space sector. The module is part of a series of modules that develop on each other delivering the university Navigate, Explore and Apply strategy.

Within this module several themes are broadly developed. The backbone on which this module and others develop throughout the course is the group project. The students will go through the complete design cycle to achieve this and be supported with supplementary topics in support of this to make students industry ready.  

To support the group project, workshop and machining skills will be developed, engineering processes will be taught demonstrating the latest industry practices with respect to the space sector. Transferable skills that are useful to a student’s career that are industry independent will be developed. Specialist knowledge that will provide a systems overview in the context of the space specialism will be given to provide students specific sector know-how.

30 credits

This module is designed to meet the core requirement for students in the MEng/MSc Aerospace Engineering course by introducing CFD technologies and skills for solving advanced aerospace design and analysis problems, by means of practical workshops using commercial ANSYS CFD software package.

In the lectures, emphasis is placed on the numerical models and analytical techniques in fluid dynamics and heat transfer and some of the more advanced theories behind CFD. In the practical sessions, emphasis is placed on the solution of fluids problems in a realistic aerospace engineering context and on giving students the opportunity to develop good practice of CFD techniques in aerospace engineering applications.

Teaching is delivered through the university’s Canvas platform, enriched with keynote lectures on advanced computational techniques and theories, combined with extensive practical/tutorial sessions on CFD applications in real aerospace engineering problems. This combination of theoretical instruction and practical insight equips students with the skills necessary for effective application in real-world scenarios.

Upon completion, students will be equipped with advanced computational design and analysis skills in fluid dynamics hence enhancing their employment potential in aerospace, automotive, energy and other similar industries.

30 credits

This module is a core requirement for MSc/MEng Aerospace Engineering students and offers valuable insights for those seeking advanced knowledge in materials analysis, characterisation, and engineering. It bridges materials science with finite element analysis (FEA), providing a thorough exploration of the design, development, and evaluation of advanced engineering structures.

Key learning outcomes include mastering the synthesis and characterisation of innovative materials, understanding surface technologies, and applying methodologies for material selection used by engineering professionals. Students will develop an appreciation for the critical relationship between material properties, design considerations, and manufacturing processes, reinforced by real-world industrial case studies.

The module introduces essential FEA principles, enabling students to model stresses, deflections, and temperature effects in engineering structures. These analytical skills are crucial for ensuring safe and effective designs by anticipating potential structural challenges.

Teaching is delivered via the university’s Canvas platform, complemented by keynote lectures on advanced material development and processing. This blend of theoretical and practical instruction equips students with employability-enhancing skills such as advanced material selection, FEA modelling, and structural analysis. Graduates will be well-prepared for industrial roles or further academic pursuits, fostering a strong foundation for success in materials engineering and structural evaluation.

30 credits

The MEng Group Design Project is a module which runs throughout the final year of all of the MEng programmes in the School of Aerospace and Aircraft Engineering. It provides a capstone element to the course by providing an opportunity for students to work on a major engineering design problem in a team in a way which closely parallels a real-world project. The groups are assigned to a particular project which has an outline project description/specification/customer requirement provided by the teaching team. It is group's job to develop the specification in more detail, to convert it to a technical specification and then carry out the tasks necessary to complete the project. This module provides an opportunity for students to further develop academic skills delivered earlier in the programme. In order to successfully complete the module, the student must establish a plan and work schedule, conduct risk analysis and management, perform the technical tasks necessary to fulfil the plan, monitor progress, manage the team activities, hold and minute formal team design meetings and resolve any problems that arise. The module is delivered primarily through weekly formal design meetings and regular informal meetings.

30 credits

This module starts by introducing fundamental concepts and methods in Machine Learning and discusses their applications in aerospace research and industry. Building on basic knowledge of programming language such as MATLAB and Python as well as Linear Algebra, you will gain both theoretical and practical understanding of AI models.

You will be firstly introduced to classical methods before being taught modern state-of-the-art AI approaches. Since the module teaching involves both structured lectures and also hands-on practical sessions, some knowledge of programming language is essential. This Machine Learning module, through its practical focus on smart systems (e.g. mechatronic systems), will empower you with digital competency and creative problem-solving skills. Engaging with both classical and state-of-the-art AI approaches cultivates a questioning mindset and adaptability.

The coursework encourages collaboration and resilience as you tackle complex real-world problems. Regular feedback promotes self-awareness, and an enterprise mindset is fostered through real-world problem solving. The module assignments will give you opportunities in designing, training and optimisation of your own AI models to specific aerospace application. 

30 credits

This module further equips graduates with a good understanding of the challenges of space engineering, a set of tools and references to tackle future design problems, and a set of contacts with industry to help begin their careers.

Building on modules in Levels 4 to 6, this module provides experience at space mission and more-detailed analysis and design of space vehicles through a range of largely self-taught activities. It is assessed through seminars, design build and test, and short written assignments.

The module provides a thorough understanding of the challenges of space engineering, (b) a toolset, reference material and confidence to tackle future design problems you may face, and (c) experience in the preliminary design, trade-offs and mission element selection for space mission. A space mission in addition to space vehicle(s), comprises instruments and platforms, launch vehicles, orbits and trajectories and ground segment plus user interfaces. Application of AI and the need for cybersecurity to protect space infrastructure.

The module will be primarily delivered through self-study, supplemented by guided workshops, lectures, computing labs, online collaboration and industrial guest lectures.