Programme Specification


Date Specification Approved 08/05/2024
College College Eng and Physical Sci
School Metallurgy and Materials
Department Metallurgy & Materials
Partner College and School
Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration
Qualification and Programme Title M.Eng. Aerospace Engineering Full-time
Programme Code 724C
Delivery Location Campus
Language of Study English
Length of Programme 4 Year(s)
Accreditations IOM3
Aims of the Programme The programme is designed to produce graduates with integrated engineering knowledge, skills and judgement as broad-based aerospace subject specialists. The programme is distinctive in that:
  • It provides strong and balanced coverage of aeronautical and space engineering content as part of the core curriculum, ensuring that graduates have a strong foundation for careers in the aerospace industry of the future.
  • A robust practical element of experimentation and manufacture is maintained to ensure graduates have excellent practical hardware awareness for design and operation of real products and systems.
  • Modern digital design and analysis tools are fully integrated into teaching and projects, and graduates are equipped with the underlying knowledge and skills to develop and improve these tools as well as simply use them.
  • Professional and ethical awareness, engineering management, teamworking and leadership skills are delivered with maximum authenticity by fully embedding them into substantive projects; graduates are aware of the impact they can have as champions of areas such as sustainability and inclusive practices and design.
  • A range of topical, themed optional modules in year 3 and 4 allow students to develop depth of expert technical knowledge, understanding and skills in areas of their interest.
The aims and distinctive features of the programme have been developed via a careful cross-referencing of professional institution requirements, the Engineering Subject Benchmark Statement and the University of Birmingham Graduate Attributes The programme is continuously improved, reflecting the professional expectation of any engineering product or service.

The programme is designed so that underpinning scientific and mathematical knowledge and understanding is used as the foundation to develop technical skills in analysis and design through a variety of individual exercises, projects and group activities and projects. Major, capstone individual (BEng and MEng) and group (MEng) projects are both highly synoptic and strongly informed by current research and/or industry practice and stakeholders. The degree programme makes use of the existing and developing links with the UK / global aerospace industry, which will ensure full topicality of case studies and project topics.

Graduates would be expected to progress to work areas specific to the degree programme subject areas in the traditional fields of civilian and military aeroengine and airframe design, manufacture and operation along with the materials and sub-systems involved in them. The in-depth coverage of space systems equips graduates for employment in the emerging fields of satellites, space mission and UAVs where remote control and communication is required along with the advanced structures and materials needed for these vehicles and their operating environments. Strong research links in the fields of propulsion and aerospace materials allow progression to research (masters and doctorates) degrees in these fields. Graduates are also well-equipped to pursue careers and research in non-aerospace fields where expertise in advanced materials, manufacturing, structures, aggressive environments and remote communication and control are important. Beyond engineering, numerate problem solvers with strong professional skills are always in demand in a wide variety of careers.
Programme Outcomes
Students are expected to have Knowledge and Understanding of: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
The scientific and mathematical theories and techniques that govern the function, design and manufacture of aircraft, spacecraft and their respective sub-systems, at a comprehensive level appropriate for a subject specialist; much at the forefront of the discipline and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering.
The quantitative design, analysis and continuous improvement of crewed and uncrewed aerospace systems using expert knowledge of all subject specialist disciplines including aerodynamics, materials and structures, propulsion, control and vehicle performance, ensuring a broad-based professional knowledge base on which to practice as a professional engineer, and to include potential future developments and/or wider ranging societal or policy impacts.
A physical appreciation of practical aerospace hardware, manufacturing techniques and attributes of common elements, sub-systems and systems gained through practical experience.
The unique role, importance and conduct of flight testing in the aerospace industry gained through practical experience supplemented by simulation.
Engineering management tools and techniques and the business context of engineering products and projects.
The role of engineers in championing professional practice for positive societal impact in quality management and continuous improvement, ethical behaviours, sustainable practices and the value and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusivity.
The practice of engineering outside the academic environment gained through first-hand experience that informs career perspectives and ambitions; how technical and professional skills learned can be applied to organisations with commercial, customer, regulatory and other demands (with Industrial Experience)
Enhanced breadth and depth of theory and practice of engineering, or other relevant subjects, with a strong appreciation of international and intercultural perspectives (with Year Abroad)
Enhanced broad-based knowledge of the complementary discipline of computer science to professional engineering, with a strong appreciation of the value of cross-disciplinary expertise (with Year in Computer Science)
Lectures; laboratory demonstrations; laboratory practical classes; tutorials; case studies; and group and individual projects; practical flight test engineering course; practical manufacturing skills course
Examinations; group and individual reports; oral presentations; posters; and vivas
Students are expected to have attained the following Skills and other Attributes: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
The ability to formulate, analyse and model complex aerospace problems involving hardware, software, systems, processes or policies quantitatively using data or information that may be incomplete or uncertain through application of engineering judgment; selecting, applying and reflecting on computational and digital techniques and discussing any limitations of conclusions drawn. Complex problems may have no obvious solution, may involve wide-ranging or conflicting technical issues and/or user needs requiring creativity and resourceful solutions.
Apply design techniques individually and in groups (as a member or leader) to design integrated systems that meet the full range of technical and non-technical requirements, including inclusive and accessible design.
Work in multi- or interdisciplinary teams to generate design or research solutions to authentic, topical engineering challenges that show clear originality in method or solution and that actively consider whole lifecycle sustainability.
The ability to critically evaluate technical literature to support the solution of complex problems, and to generate technical documents and communicate results of own work effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
Manage and lead engineering projects to cost/time/quality, applying relevant tools and techniques including structured and proportionate management of project, technical, safety, security and other relevant risks.
Demonstrate professional behaviours in respect of professional ethics, safety, inclusive working practices and in championing positive societal impact of the engineering profession.
Take responsibility for planning and recording development goals and activities for own lifelong learning and personal growth.
The ability to critically self-reflect and evaluate their own performance and communication, and to supportively evaluate and encourage others to continuously improve.
Integrate with, and become an active and productive member of, a team within the host organisation; deliver substantive professional engineering deliverables and outcomes, developing a professional network and reflecting on professional development achieved (with Industrial Experience)
Enhanced breadth and depth of analytical and critical skills combined with the ability to develop strong interpersonal and relationships, including the ability to effectively communicate in different languages and/or cultures (with Year Abroad)
An enhanced breadth and depth of analytical and critical skills in computer science topics complementary to engineering, including the ability to apply this cross-disciplinary expertise to individual and team projects (with Year in Computer Science)
Lectures; laboratory demonstrations; laboratory practical classes; tutorials; case studies; group and individual projects; practical flight test engineering course; practical manufacturing skills course
Examinations; group and individual reports; oral presentations; posters; and vivas