Aerospace Systems University of Glasgow

The study of aerospace systems focuses on the design and use of onboard systems found on most aircraft and spacecraft, and how these systems may be used to improve the operation and performance of aerospace vehicles. Such aerospace systems form important parts of any aircraft and a degree in this area covers a wide range of topics, such as the control systems, navigation, communications, flight data and flight simulation.

What will I study?

This degree programme will allow you to understand how aerospace vehicles fly, and how the onboard electrical and electronic systems are designed and operated and how they interface with the aircraft.

In the first year you will study core subjects in aeronautical and electrical systems, which will provide you with the necessary groundwork for future years of study. In the second and third years you will concentrate on aerospace dynamics, aeronautical engineering, electronics and systems, electrical circuits, and mathematics. Also, throughout the programme there will be a focus on developing key software programming skills.

Special aerospace systems topics are introduced into the third, fourth and fifth years, including

• Flight simulation


• Aerospace vehicle guidance and control


• Radio and radar


• Spacecraft systems


• Dynamics


• Aircraft handling qualities


• Aircraft operations.

Throughout the programme, you will be involved in specialised team design projects looking at key aspects of both aeronautical and electrical engineering. These exciting projects will assist with your studies by providing practical experience that will reinforce your learning experience.

The first three years of the programme are common to both the MEng and BEng degree programmes. Your selection for Honours in the MEng or BEng in the fourth and fifth years depends on your progress record in your first three years. In the MEng you may apply for study at a European institution for which study of a European language other than English is currently required, or you may undertake a project in industry.

How will I learn?

Your study programme will be based on formal lectures, laboratories, computing classes, engineering design workshops, group design and individual project work. Industry involvement comes both from contributions to aircraft design classes by engineers from the industrial sector and, whenever possible, from visits to industrial sites. To succeed in the degree programme you will need to learn from private study, and tutorial problems and other tasks are set to help you achieve your learning objectives. A range of assessment methods is used, including exams, written reports and oral presentations.

Special features

• This is the only aerospace systems degree programme offered in Scotland and is one of the most well established in the UK.


• A feature of the fourth year of the MEng is a flight testing course in a Jetstream Aircraft.

Note

Primarily this degree programme is taught by the Department of Aerospace Engineering with additional courses provided by the Department of Electronics & Electrical Engineering.

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Entry requirements for this course

Contact University of Glasgow to find course entry requirements.

View foundation and pathway programmes to help you meet academic and language entry requirements.