Aerospace Engineering 2012
"I have gained real life experiences and opportunities that I would never have been privileged to, had I not been at Surrey."
Clayton Ludik
Think for a moment what is needed to design and build an aeroplane. It requires an understanding of aerodynamics, aircraft structures, materials and methods of manufacture, how an aircraft responds to its controls, propulsion systems, control systems and navigation.
Our fully accredited (Chartered Engineer (CEng) route) programmes draw on the experience of academic and research staff to give you an excellent grounding in this exciting and dynamic field. With so much experience and expertise available, you will never be short of cutting-edge ideas to stimulate you. Your studies should be satisfying, challenging and a sure foundation for a successful career.
Factfile
| Minimum Entry Requirements | MEng: A level grades AAA BEng: A level grades AAB If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements to this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year. All applicants should also adhere to the University's General Entrance Requirements. |
|---|---|
| Required Subjects | Mathematics A level (or equivalent) is required. Physics A level (or equivalent) is also normally required. |
| English Language Requirements | An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent for non-native-English-speaking applicants. If you are an international student and you are concerned that your English is not to the required standard, you may benefit from our International Foundation Year. Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre. |
| Other Suitable Qualifications | Higher grades refer to MEng programme. BTEC National Diploma - DDD - DDM (in an appropriate subject with an appropriate level 3 qualification in Mathematics) International Baccalaureate - 36-34 points European Baccalaureate - 76-74% A wide range of other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. International students studying for an overseas qualification that does not meet the standard required for first-year entry will be referred to the International Foundation Year run by the University of Surrey. |
| Selection Process | Offers are normally made in terms of grades. We do not include General Studies in our offers. Suitable candidates will be invited to an Open Day. During the visit to the University the candidate can find out more about the programme and meet staff and students. Candidates unable to visit the University will be considered based on their UCAS application. |
| Professional Recognition | Fully accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE) as fastest routes to Chartered Engineer status (CEng). |
Degrees
Degree Programmes
BEng (Hons) Degrees
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| * Programme includes a professional training year | ||
| BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering | H400 | 3 years |
| BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering | H401 | 4* years |
MEng Degrees
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| * Programme includes a professional training year | ||
| MEng Aerospace Engineering | H402 | 5* years |
| MEng Aerospace Engineering | H409 | 4 years |
Degrees
Degree Programmes
BEng (Hons) Degrees
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| * Programme includes a professional training year | ||
| BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering | H400 | 3 years |
| BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering | H401 | 4* years |
MEng Degrees
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| * Programme includes a professional training year | ||
| MEng Aerospace Engineering | H402 | 5* years |
| MEng Aerospace Engineering | H409 | 4 years |
Our Degrees
The UK aerospace industry has a combined annual turnover of £20 billion and employs over 124,000 people in more than 400 companies. This rapidly evolving industry offers exciting and diverse careers for highly motivated people in projects ranging from civil airliners and satellites to helicopters, rockets and hang-gliders.
The aim of our programmes, uniting aeronautical, mechanical, materials and satellite engineering, is to provide you with an enjoyable learning experience, and the academic expertise, practical training and commercial acumen needed to succeed in this dynamic, high technology area. You will make use of our extensive facilities for aerodynamics and materials testing, demonstrator jet engine testing, and flight simulation. A highlight is the flight test course using the Jetstream National Flying Laboratory.
Our strong research activities directly inform your learning. You will benefit from contact with specialists in areas including computational fluid dynamics modelling of complex processes (utilising state-of-the-art computer systems), prediction of flows in gas-turbine engines (supported by the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre and others), experiments in fundamental aspects of aerodynamics, adhesive bonding (a principal joining technique) and the development of new materials for structural engine components.
These programmes share a common first year with our Mechanical Engineering and Medical Engineering programmes, giving you a more general background and providing the opportunity to confirm or change your degree choice.
Other degrees you may be interested in:
Civil Engineering
Electronic Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Medical Engineering
Programme
Programme Overview
Direct entry to the second year is possible for candidates with qualifications that match our first year.
At Level 1 you will develop an understanding of subjects such as mathematics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and properties of materials. You will also have the opportunity to work in a team in the ‘design-make-evaluate’ project, which pulls together knowledge from across the programme.
At Level 2 the Aerospace Engineering programmes are distinct from other programmes. You will be taught aerodynamics, flight mechanics, aerospace structures and materials alongside experimental laboratory work and other core engineering modules, concluding with the flight test course.
At Level 3, modules include aerodynamics, structures and propulsion, plus (for BEng) individual and group design projects, allowing you to research a topic of your choice. Recent projects include ‘Evaluation of computing requirements for Rolls-Royce whole engine finite element analysis’, ‘Robots and Martian Rovers’ and ‘Testing of a device for drag reduction’.
For Level M (MEng only) there are modules on spacecraft and computational fluid dynamics/ aerodynamics, plus a multidisciplinary project involving collaboration with both industrial consultants and students from other engineering disciplines. You will also conduct an extensive individual research project. Recent projects include 'Operation of unmanned air vehicles', 'Design and test of a nozzle for a jet engine' and 'Hybrid carbon nanotubes for improved impact properties'.
Programme Structure
Level 1
Modules include:
- Mathematics (also at Level 2)
- Introduction to Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics
- Statics and Dynamics
- Introduction to Electronics
- Design and Component Production
- Design-Make-Evaluate Project
Level 2
Modules include:
- Aero Structures and Materials
- Flight Mechanics
- Aerodynamics
- Mechanics of Solids
- Engineering Experiments
- Engineering Management
Level P
- Optional professional training year
Level 3
Modules include:
- Incompressible and Compressible Aerodynamics
- Propulsion
- Aerospace Materials
- Design
- Business Management
- Project
Level M
Modules include:
- Advanced Stress Analysis
- Computational Fluid Dynamics
- Spacecraft Systems Design
- Launch Vehicles and Propulsion
- Advanced Guidance, Navigation and Control
- Multidisciplinary Design Project
- Research Project
Professional Training
A salaried professional training year (typically £16,500 per year) is an important part of the five-year MEng and four-year BEng programmes. It provides you with a valuable opportunity to gain a real ‘taste’ of the aerospace or other industry that you cannot learn in a lecture or laboratory. With two academic years completed, you will be well placed to take a position in aerospace or a related industry working alongside professional graduate engineers.
It also allows you to appreciate the relevance of the academic content of your degree, whilst improving your ability to perform well and succeed on the programme. You can try out a specialised engineering sector, enhance your CV and build up a network of contacts, all of which put you in an excellent position when starting your future career.
The enhanced interpersonal and management skills also learnt during the year are highly valued by employers and will provide you with an even greater head start in the jobs market. The year also counts as experience towards becoming a Chartered Engineer by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
We have strong and long-established links with major companies in aero-related industries such as Airbus, BAe Systems, British Airways, QinetiQ/DSTL (Farnborough and Fort Halsted), Rolls-Royce and AgustaWestland. Our success rate in placing students is excellent, and we have many overseas placements.
Why Surrey?
Key reasons to study Aerospace Engineering 2012 at Surrey
- Aerospace Engineering at Surrey was ranked third in The Times Good University Guide 2011.
- Professionally accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). Student memberships of both
- Modern, flexible programmes reflecting contemporary research and business requirements
- Strong links with major industry players
- Taught material underpinned by leading research programmes
- Home to a Rolls-Royce-funded University Technology Centre
- The opportunity to join in the Concorde reconstruction project at nearby Brooklands Museum
- The only university with a major spin-out space satellite company
- Home to SAVAG – Surrey’s Advanced Vehicle Analysis Group
- A flexible degree structure with both MEng and BEng degrees with a wide range of specialist options
Careers
Top for Jobs
Graduates over the last few years entered employment in roles such as:
- Airbus – Graduate Engineer
- Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd – Design/Propulsion Engineer
- AgustaWestland Helicopters – Graduate Engineer
- Ministry of Defence – Graduate Engineer
The average starting salary is £25,000.
Career Opportunities
Our graduate employment record is truly outstanding. This is due to the professional focus of our degrees with accreditation by professional institutions (the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers), and the quality of our professional placements leading to high-quality graduate employment.
Most of our graduates proceed directly to employment in an engineering profession. Recent examples include careers with well-known companies like Airbus UK, Airbus (Toulouse), BAE Systems, British Airways, QinetiQ/DSTL, Thales and Rolls-Royce.
As well as enjoying an outstanding choice of routes to professional recognition in their own disciplines, our graduates also find that their highly developed computer skills and analytical and managerial abilities are valued in many other fields in addition to those specifically related to aerospace engineering.
More
Teaching
Our programmes operate on a modular basis with teaching delivered through a variety of methods. These range from lectures and seminars, through group tutorials, to working in small groups in laboratories, including our flight simulator. You will also be able to take advantage of our electronic online teaching resources.
You will be allocated a personal tutor to guide you through the programme, and advise on your option choices and future career, helping you to get the most out of your time at Surrey.
Facilities
Specialised facilities include:
- Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre
- SAVAG, Surrey’s Advanced Vehicle Analysis Group
- A flight simulator
- Six wind tunnels including an environmental wind tunnel, unique within the UK, and high-quality instrumentation
- A dedicated engine test cell with a jet engine
- £500,000 investment in fluid dynamics computer modelling to complement existing facilities
Assessment
Our degrees are assessed via examinations and continuous assessment, in the form of written assignments, laboratory practicals, project work and presentations. Level 1 marks do not count towards your degree but provide an opportunity to ensure that you are progressing well with your studies.
In the BEng programmes, Levels 2 and 3 (plus Level P if a professional training year is taken) contribute to the final degree award. For MEng programmes, Levels 2, 3 and M contribute (plus Level P if a professional training year is taken). Generally, about 60 per cent of the degree award is based on examinations and 40 per cent on continuous assessment.
MEng and BEng Transfer
Direct entry to the MEng programme normally requires higher qualifications, but transfer from the BEng to the MEng is possible during the degree programme, depending on academic performance. This would normally happen after Level 1 (that is the end of the first year) or after Level 2.
Transfer is also possible from the MEng and BEng programmes without a professional training year to ones with (and vice versa). This transfer can be made after Level 1, giving students who were initially undecided time to consider the benefits of a professional training year.
Taster Courses
We run taster courses for Year 12 students each July. Living on-campus, you learn about what engineering is, what it has to offer you and society, and what you need to know to be successful in the field. Please contact us for further details.