Aeronautical Engineering

Master the theoretical, experimental and computational skills required for careers in the aeronautical industry.

Aeronautical Engineering is one of the fastest-growing industries in the UK, with extensive career opportunities in research and development, testing and maintenance.

This course covers the basic principles of aeronautical engineering, including experimental and theoretical aerodynamics, aircraft design, flight dynamics and control, aircraft propulsion, flight simulation technologies, aircraft structures and computational aerodynamics.

Employment opportunities include careers in aeronautics and aerospace, namely aircraft aerodynamics, wind turbine design and maintenance, aviation management, defense sector, aircraft maintenance, repair and operation services (MRO).

You can study Aeronautical Engineering either as a three-year BEng (Hons) programme, or as a four-year integrated master’s. At the end of year three, you have the option of graduating with a BEng or continuing your studies for a further year for a MEng, subject to meeting the progression requirements.

Key features

• Accreditation from the Institute of Engineering and Technology will help you start your journey towards Chartered Engineer status*.

• Benefit from block teaching, where most students study one subject at a time. A simple timetable will allow you to really engage with your learning, receive regular feedback and assessments, get to know your course mates and enjoy a better study-life balance.

• Study a range of topics including aircraft structures and materials, flight dynamics and control, and aircraft propulsion systems.

• Benefit from the academic expertise of researchers who have experience of collaborating with international institutions such as the National Aerospace Laboratories India, Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute Russia and AMST-Systemtechnik GmbH Austria.

• Our AIRFOX DISO simulator is integrated to the programme providing a first-hand experience in flight simulator technologies.

• Use our instrumented low speed wind tunnel facility to understand the fundamentals of aerodynamics, test prototype aircraft models and acquire experimental skills relevant to aeronautics and wind tunnel testing.

• Access industry-standard software packages used in aeronautical engineering applications and research, such as MATLAB, ANSYS and OpenFOAM, which will give you the ability to work confidently in industry.

• Meet like-minded people and gain hands-on practical skills by joining our student societies, such as DMU Flyers.

Year one
Block 1: General Engineering Tools and Principles 1

Block 2: General Engineering Tools and Principles 2

Block 3: Fundamentals of Aeronautical Design 1

Block 4: Fundamentals of Aeronautical Design 2

Year two
Block 1: Mechanical, Energy and Aeronautical Tools and Principles

Block 2: Dynamics, Instrumentation and Control

Block 3: Aircraft Structures and Flight Dynamics

Block 4: Design and Project Management

Placement year (optional)

Year three
Block 1: Human Factors and Aviation Management

Block 2: Propulsion Systems

Blocks 3 and 4 Choose one of:

Modelling and Simulation for Aeronautical Projects 1 and 2
Analysis, Programming and Simulation for Aeronautical Projects 1 and 2
Materials and Design for Aeronautical Projects 1 and 2

Note: These modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Exact modules may vary in order to keep content current. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review.

Assessment includes exams (unseen and open book), phase tests including multiple choice test where appropriate, group presentations, case study analysis, individual lab exercises as well as report portfolios, report and essay writing.