PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
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SECTION I1
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
AWARD and ROUTE TITLE
MEng in Aerospace Engineering
INTERMEDIATE AWARD TITLES
BEng (Hons) in Aerospace Engineering
BEng in Aerospace Engineering
University Diploma of Higher Education in
Aerospace Engineering
University Certificate of Higher Education in
Aerospace Engineering
Name of the Teaching Institution
Sheffield Hallam University
Modes of Attendance
Full-time / Sandwich (Thick) / Part-time
UCAS CODE
H414
Professional Body Recognising
this Programme
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
QAA Subject Benchmark
Statement or other relevant
external reference point
(a) QAA Subject Benchmark: Engineering
Date of Validation
February 2012
I1.1
Institution of Engineering and Technology
(b) Engineering Council, UK-SPEC
PROGRAMME AIMS
This programme aims to:
1. Produce high quality MEng graduate mechanical engineers, with specialist
knowledge of aerospace technology and the complementary professional and
personal skills for a successful career in aerospace research and development,
manufacturing industry or other commercial engineering enterprises.
2. Provide the academic basis for initial registration with the Engineering Council as a
Chartered Engineer as defined by UK-SPEC.
3. Develop a fundamental understanding of mechanical engineering principles, with the
underpinning science, mathematics and computing skills, and the ability to apply this
knowledge to aerospace systems.
4. Develop a strong grasp of engineering theory, practice and application with respect
to aircraft, satellite and related technologies.
5. Develop competence in the ability to design, simulate, analyse and construct
innovative and creative products and mechanical systems of relevance to aerospace
applications.
6. Develop competence in experimental, analytical, mathematical and computer-based
modelling techniques for application to aerospace systems analysis, design and
problem-solving.
7. Develop extensive knowledge of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and
the social, environmental, ethical, economic and commercial considerations affecting
professional engineers.
8. Develop the ability to work beyond the limits of current knowledge to solve unfamiliar
problems, by exercising original thought and judgement.
9. Provide a positive and enjoyable learning experience which lays the foundations for
life long learning.
I1.2
PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES
The programme provides opportunities to develop and demonstrate knowledge,
understanding and skills in the areas listed below.
1.2.1
Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the programme you will have acquired:
a. A comprehensive understanding of the scientific and mathematical principles
underpinning mechanical and aerospace engineering and related disciplines.
b. A comprehensive understanding of mathematical models relevant to mechanical and
aerospace engineering, and an appreciation of their limitations.
c. A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the role and limitations of IT and
computing, and an awareness of developing technologies in ITC and their
applications in aerospace manufacturing industry, design and design analysis.
d. A wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of the design process and the
ability to apply and adapt these techniques in unfamiliar situations, particularly those
relating to aerospace systems, to create original designs and solutions.
e. Extensive knowledge and understanding of the design and construction of aircraft,
satellites and space vehicles, their propulsion systems and the range of engineering
materials employed in their component parts.
f.
Knowledge and understanding of flight control systems, instrumentation,
communication and other related avionic systems.
g. An ability to understand and evaluate the critical links between aerospace
engineering, manufacturing, materials selection, design, stress analysis, reliability
and project management to achieve the development of a profitable product.
h. Extensive knowledge and understanding of management and business practices,
and their limitations, having knowledge of the constraints within which industry
operates, and can apply this knowledge appropriately.
i.
Knowledge of environmental constraints, sustainability issues, health and safety
within the work place and the wider legal framework within which commercial
organisations operate.
1.2.2
Intellectual Skills
By the end of the programme you will be able to:
a. Perform critical evaluation, analysis, synthesis, and use comparative skills.
b. Integrate knowledge of mathematics, science, information technology, design,
engineering principles, engineering systems, modelling, simulation, quantitative
techniques, engineering practice and commercial considerations to solve a
substantial range of engineering problems, some of a complex nature, relating to
aerospace applications.
c. Extract data relevant to an unfamiliar problem from various sources, and apply this
information, using computer based engineering tools when appropriate, to obtain a
solution or create deeper understanding.
d. Apply knowledge and understanding to solve novel and challenging problems in the
field of aerospace engineering, and be aware of the limitations of the solution.
e. Generate innovative designs for aerospace systems, components or processes to
fulfil new needs, taking account of a range of commercial and industrial constraints.
f.
1.2.3
Work beyond the limits of current knowledge and understanding to solve unfamiliar
problems, by exercising original thought and judgement.
Professional and Subject Specific Skills
By the end of the programme you will be able to:
a. Understand the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in all
aspects of engineering.
b. Apply an extensive knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering
materials in the context of aerospace engineering product design.
c. Use relevant materials, equipment, tools, processes and products in workshop and
laboratory situations.
d. Use and apply information from technical literature including appropriate codes of
practice and industry standards.
e. Interpret engineering drawings.
f.
Work safely and apply safe systems of work.
g. Understand the framework of relevant legal requirements governing engineering
activities, including contractual obligations, responsibilities to personnel, health,
safety, and risk (including environmental risk) management.
h. Appreciate the broader obligations of engineers to society and the environment.
1.2.4
Key Skills
By the end of the programme you will be able to:
a. Identify personal educational and training needs, plan self-learning and improve
personal performance.
b. Establish good working relationships with others, manage people and work
effectively as a group member; demonstrate leadership qualities.
c. Communicate effectively engineering concepts and ideas verbally, in writing, by
drawings, by use of computer generated images and by other media.
d. Manage tasks efficiently and solve problems; undertake major projects of a practical
investigative nature, applying a well developed, sound experimental technique, with
due recognition to the multidisciplinary nature of engineering and commercial
imperatives.
e. Use mathematics and computer modelling techniques as tools for problem solving,
demonstrating advanced analytical skills.
f.
I1.3
Use IT facilities to process written information; assimilate, interpret and evaluate
information from a wide range of sources, including modern data base systems,
internet sites and sources, abstracts and search engines relating to published
academic and commercial literature; acquire, manipulate and evaluate numerical
data; and assist engineering design, analysis and control.
LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT
Section A3 describes the Departmental Approach to Learning, Teaching, Assessment and
Feedback. Section A4 emphasises the approach to supporting employability within the
Professional Engineering Programmes and the provision for work-related and work-based
learning. This section gives you additional information specific to this programme.
1.3.1
The Approach to Learning and Teaching within the Programme
The learning and teaching methods appropriate for the modules within the programme are
varied, but are individually specified for each module. In general terms, the teaching
strategies employed in the programme will involve a balanced mix of the following methods:
a)
Lectures, problem solving tutorials and seminars, supported by computer based
learning and open learning materials where appropriate. The teaching of some
modules may be supported by the use of internet web sites or the use of virtual
learning systems such as 'Blackboard'.
b)
Project and laboratory work which emphasises the application of knowledge to
practical situations and reflection upon outcomes. Workshop activities to develop
practical engineering skills.
c)
Problem based learning which requires students to discover what they need to learn
through being confronted with real problems.
d)
Personal and professional skills development delivered systematically and supported
by open learning materials.
e)
Independent study, which as the course progresses, increasingly involves the student
in self or group directed learning, thereby instilling the skills and qualities for continuing
personal development that will carry forward into your future career.
The total study time for a 10 credit module is 100 hours and for a 20 credit module is 200
hours. Timetabled class contact will typically be 24 hours for a 10 credit module and 48
hours for a 20 credit module, the balance of the module time allowance being delivered by
student centred, directed study.
1.3.2
The Approach to Assessment and Feedback within the Programme
Modules are assessed by various combinations of coursework and examination.
In general, modules which are more practical or involve case studies or project work are
assessed entirely by coursework. Modules which are intended to develop more fundamental
concepts and apply them to practical situations are partially assessed by coursework, but
with a formal examination at the end.
A variety of forms of coursework assessment are employed on the programme. These
include written descriptive and numerical assignments, short tests, laboratory and workshop
appraisals, personal projects, group work, self- and peer-assessment, portfolio preparation
and case studies.
When a piece of coursework is set, a deadline for the completion and submission of the work
will also be specified. Coursework will normally be marked and returned within two weeks of
the submission date, with written or verbal feedback, depending on the nature of the
assignment.
In addition to formal coursework which contributes to your module mark, you will also be
involved in a variety of other activities, such as laboratory work, workshop skills, computing
and computer aided design classes, problem solving tutorials, etc. which are designed to
develop your understanding of the topic, as well as enhance your personal and professional
skills. In these situations you can expect more informal, direct verbal feedback from the
lecturer concerned.
At the end of each semester and academic year, you will receive a written statement of your
results for every module completed. Meetings will periodically be held with your personal
tutor and/or course leader to review your overall progress. In this way you will have a clear
picture of how your studies are progressing.
1.3.3
How Student Employability is supported within the Programme
Throughout the programme and indeed due to the requirements of the Professional Body
and the UK-SPEC, the programme aims to deliver learning and knowledge as well as skills
that improve graduate employability. The programme aims and learning outcomes specify
which skills are being developed and how the individual modules meet the requirements of
these learning outcomes. A student who engages well and performs to a standard required
on this course to achieve a pass will meet the learning outcomes well. The UK-SPEC
specifically asks for skills related to employability and Table 3.3 demonstrates how these
criteria are met and within which modules. Below is the summary of the criteria within the
UK-SPEC which specifically improve graduate employability.
Underpinning science and mathematics and associated engineering disciplines:
U2
Um2
Knowledge and understanding of mathematical principles necessary to underpin education
in the engineering discipline and to enable application of mathematical methods, tools and
notations proficiently in the analysis and solution of engineering problems;
A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computer models
relevant to the engineering discipline, and an appreciation of their limitations;
Engineering Analysis:
E2
E3
Em2
Em3
Ability to identify, classify and describe the performance of systems and components
through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques;
Ability to apply quantitative methods and computer software relevant to their engineering
discipline, in order to solve engineering problems;
Ability to apply mathematical and computer-based models for solving problems in
engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases;
Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply in its solution using
computer based engineering tools when appropriate.
Design :
D2
D5
D6
1.3.4
Understand customer and user needs and the importance of considerations such as
aesthetics;
Manage the design process and evaluate outcomes;
Identify and manage cost drivers.
Main type of Work-Based or Work-Related Learning featured in this Programme
Work-based learning is provided to students who apply for and take up a placement in the
sandwich programme. The module Engineering Business Management enables them to
prepare for this sandwich year by giving students guidance in preparing CVs, applying for
jobs, attending interviews and preparing for employer assessments and selection processes.
Indeed all students benefit from this mandatory requirement as they are required to take this
module regardless of whether they intend to go on placement.
Work-related learning is featured in the Engineering Practice (Level 4), Environment and
Society (Level 5), the Individual Project (Level 6) and the Group Project (level 7) for all
students on the programme. Indeed students will be required to undertake a 6 week team
project for an industrial client for Environment and Society through the University's Venture
Matrix programme exposing students to real life industrial challenges relevant to their
programme of study. Furthermore, for students who do not undertake a placement, there
will be strong guidance for them to undertake a final year individual project through the
Venture Matrix programme which will be industrially focussed, providing the student with an
opportunity to work for a client in a work- based context. They will be supported within the
University by a supervisor with relevant academic knowledge of the area of investigation.
Further information regarding this innovation can be found in Section A6.
I1.4
PROGRAMME DESIGN AND STRUCTURE
The tables in Section I4 list the modules studied at each stage of the programme.
The first year is a common programme of core modules taken by all aerospace and
aeronautical students. The aim is to provide a common foundation of engineering principles,
knowledge and fundamental skills, while addressing the areas of Engineering Applications
and personal skills development.
It is anticipated that students will be from a diversity of educational backgrounds with a range
of academic abilities when they start the course. The teaching methods adopted in the first
year are particularly sensitive to student needs and will support and guide you through the
terminology and methodology of the subject areas. Improving student confidence,
enthusiasm, knowledge and skills are each considered to be equally important at this stage
of the programme. To prepare students for the requirements of degree course study at
higher levels, the amount of independent learning and the ability to evaluate and analyse
information gradually increases throughout the first year.
The second year of the course continues to develop the principal themes of aerospace
engineering and engineering analysis through the modules Thermofluid Dynamics and
Aerospace Materials and Aerospace Structures and Design, which enables the application of
computer aided design methodology learned in year one to the solution of design problems.
The implications of engineering development upon our surroundings are considered through
Environment and Society and students are introduced to Dynamics and Control and
Instrumentation and Electrical Systems. An introduction to business and management is
provided to broaden the students' knowledge of the commercial aspects of engineering
industry.
Instead of continuing directly into the third year of studies, students are encouraged and
supported to undertake a period of supervised work experience. The sandwich route allows
the student to spend a year on work placement, perhaps in a design department, or in a
manufacturing organisation or even in commercial research and development. The student
will be able to apply their knowledge gained on the course to commercial engineering
practice, gain new skills and learn how industry works. The Professional Experience and
Employability Unit (PEEU), helps students find a placement and negotiate a sensible salary.
In the third academic year of the course, there is continued development of the specialist
subject areas of aerospace engineering through Propulsion Systems and Aerodynamics,
Aircraft Design and Flight Mechanics. A module of Computational Fluid Dynamics provides
opportunities to simulate, analyse and evaluate the performance of a variety of possible
solutions to engineering design problems. Students also undertake Structural and
Component Integrity. A major individual project forms a significant part of their third year
study.
In the final year of the course the student encounters the most intellectually demanding
modules, which are right at the forefront of our understanding of aerospace engineering
systems analysis and design. These are designed to stretch their abilities to create new,
innovative and exciting solutions to aerospace engineering problems. These include studies
in Flight Stability and Control and Astronautics. An important feature of the final year is a
multidisciplinary major group project.
The modules studied on this course are:
Level 4:
Aerospace Engineering Principles
Engineering Practice: Mechanical
Engineering Mathematics
Aerodynamic Principles
Materials and Manufacturing Processes
Computer Methods for Engineering Design
Level 5:
Aerospace Structures and Design
Aerospace Materials
Dynamics and Control A
Further Mathematics for Mechanical Engineers
Engineering Business Management
Thermofluid Dynamics
Environment and Society
Instrumentation and Electrical Systems
Level 6:
Individual Project
Structural and Component Integrity and Finite Element Analysis
Propulsion Systems and Aerodynamics
Project and Quality Management
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Aircraft Flight Mechanics
Aircraft Design
Level 7:
Group Project
Applied Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics
Flight Stability and Control
Astronautics
Advanced FE/FV Methods
Business Process Management
Advanced Vibration and Acoustics
I1.5
PROGRESSION/CAREER ROUTES
1.5.1
Course Progression Opportunities
This course has been accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the
Institution of Engineering and Technology as satisfying the academic requirements for initial
registration as a Chartered Engineer. To achieve full registration status as a Chartered
Engineer usually requires a further five years of responsible employment in an appropriate
working environment. Throughout this period the student will be expected to undertake
continuing professional and academic development, and indeed throughout their whole
career, to maintain and update their knowledge base and skills. The Faculty runs a number
of post graduate programmes and short courses that can help the student achieve this.
Some students may wish to continue their studies after graduation for a research
qualification such as an MPhil or PhD. The Faculty has a number of strong research groups
and also undertakes collaborative development work with industrial and commercial firms in
the region.
1.5.2
Career Routes
Aerospace technology is a global industry. As a consequence, graduate employment
opportunities are excellent and there are good opportunities to travel and work abroad.
There are employment opportunities in primary aircraft design and manufacture, whether this
is for the commercial market, such the Airbus A380, or military aircraft, such as the Typhoon
(EFA). In addition there are a variety of specialist organisations involved in, for example, the
research and development of flight control and simulation systems, communications
satellites, navigation aids, remote sensor systems, rocketry, missiles and space vehicles, to
name but a few. International travel would not be possible without the myriad of ground
based staff maintaining aircraft and operating aircraft management systems, providing still
more opportunities for employment.
This course is for people wanting a fast track career to the highest level of engineering in
cutting edge product development or senior management in a wide range of aerospace
industries. The course aims to produce graduate engineers who will be able to contribute to
research and development, product design and innovation, manufacture and maintenance of
components and systems in any of the aerospace related industries. The demand for
engineers in the area of aerospace technologies is growing and the range of opportunities
that will be open to you involving the application of modern engineering technology are
extensive. The extra year of study that the MEng course requires, will provide the student
with a broader and deeper understanding of aerospace engineering, that will make them
very attractive to employers.
The knowledge and core skills obtained are not just confined to the aerospace industries, but
are applicable to a much wider range of mechanical engineering based industry and
commerce, giving graduates a wider variety of employment opportunities to explore, should
they wish.
The sandwich route, with its year of supervised experience, affords the opportunity to
experience aerospace industry at first hand. Some students return from industrial
placements with sponsorships and job offers.
I1.6
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND ENTRY PROFILE
1.6.1
Specific Entry Requirements
All candidates must satisfy the following criteria:


They candidate must hold passes at Grade C or better in the General Certificate of
Secondary Education, or equivalent qualification, in four subjects including
Mathematics and English Language or a subject which tests the use of English.
For applicants whose previous studies were not undertaken in the English language,
in particular for international applicants, the following qualifications may be used as a
guide to an appropriate level of competence in English language:
British Council International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) overall band 6;
Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) grade B;
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) grade C;
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score 550 for paper-based tests, or 213 for
computer-based tests, or 79 for internet based tests.
Candidates must additionally possess one of the following:
i.
At least three A-level passes, one of which must normally be Mathematics or
an alternative acceptable mathematics-based subject, and at least one other
from Physics, Physical Science, Engineering Science, Computer Science,
Technology, Chemistry, Electronics or other mathematically based
science/technology subject. A UCAS tariff score of at least 300 points,
achieved at the same sitting. Two ‘AS’ level passes are considered equivalent
to one ‘A-level’ pass. In accordance with advice from the relevant professional
bodies, strong performance in one or more of the A levels may be used to
compensate for, say achievement only at AS level in another. A/AS General
Studies and also Key Skills are not considered appropriate to contribute to the
above UCAS tariff calculations.
ii.
An AVCE in an appropriate engineering/manufacturing topic with a UCAS tariff
score of at least 300 points.
iii.
An EdExcel/ BTEC/ SCOTVEC National Certificate or Diploma in a science or
technology based subject, with at least 3 distinction grades including
mathematics and two other mathematically based science/ technology units at
NIII level, with the majority of the other units being at merit grade.
iv.
To have passed the SHU Preparatory Year of the Extended Degree
Programme in Engineering, or other suitable science/ technology based
foundation or access course containing an appropriate level of mathematics,
with an overall average mark of at least 75%.
v.
A qualification which is deemed to be equivalent to any of the above.
Academic Qualifications (including A / AS level grades
and subjects, where applicable)
Level of English language capability
Any other specific, formally certified qualifications
Previous relevant work or work-related experience
Any specific articulation arrangements recognised for
this programme
Professional qualifications
Any other specific entry requirements
1.6.2
300 UCAS points including A2
Maths and Science
IELTS band 6 or equivalent
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Applicant Entry Profile
A student wishing to study on this course should be motivated, inquisitive and able to take
on an academic challenge. They should possess an inherent desire to know why and how
things happen, and how things work. The course will help them to develop the skills to
answer these questions.
The basis of admission to the programme is that a student should have the potential to
benefit from, and with diligence and application, succeed on the programme. Such potential
is normally assessed by previous attainment, supported as necessary by confidential
references and a personal interview.
1.6.3
Non-Standard Entry
Candidates who have other, non-standard qualifications will be considered on their individual
merits by the Course Leader and Admissions Tutor. The primary criteria will be that the
candidate will have the ability and commitment to progress satisfactorily on the Programme.
1.6.4
Prior Credit (APCL/APEL)
Accredited Prior Experiential Learning may be accepted, provided that the candidate is able
to demonstrate that, by virtue of their other studies and learning, they are capable of
benefiting from and successfully completing the course.
Students with an Edexcel-BTEC Higher National Certificate, Higher National Diploma or
Foundation Degree or an equivalent qualification in an appropriate engineering discipline,
may be eligible to join the programme at level 5, the second year of the full-time/sandwich
route.
1.6.5
Transfer from BEng Programme to MEng Programme
The BEng (Hons) degree course in Aerospace Engineering is a subset of the MEng course
in Aerospace Engineering. It thus follows that successful students enrolled upon the BEng
course may wish to be considered for transfer to the MEng route.
The course team must have confidence that the student will be able to naturally progress to
and be successful in study at MEng level 7. The course team will thus be looking for a level
of achievement at each transfer opportunity that will instil such confidence. Transfer
opportunities are normally available at the end of level 5. In order to be offered the transfer
the requirements are that:
 The student must have completed the level of study prior to the transfer point without
any referrals.
 The overall average module mark at each level of study prior to the transfer point
must be at least that of an average upper second class honours degree (i.e. 60%).
 The student must demonstrate a good score in key core engineering and
mathematics modules of a minimum 55% at each level of study prior to the transfer
point.
Notwithstanding the above provisions for transfer at level 5, it is accepted by the professional
bodies that, where the BEng and MEng are common up to level 6, retrospective transfer to
the MEng can be considered upon request before the BEng (Hon) is awarded subject to the
following conditions:
a. The student must have achieved at least a lower second class performance, in line
with the usual entry requirements for postgraduate study at SHU.
b. The BEng (Hons) degree will not be awarded once transfer has been approved. In
the event that the student does not complete the level 7 stage, the BEng (Hons)
degree would still be available as an intermediate award of the MEng route.
c. There must normally be continuity of study from the BEng (Hons) course to level 7
studies on the MEng.
Note: Direct entry to level 7 from another non-articulated course at SHU or from one external
to SHU is not permitted.
Disclaimer
Programme Specification produced by
Faculty
ACES
Department
Engineering and Mathematics