- UCAS course code
- H402
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Master of Engineering (MEng)
MEng Aerospace Engineering
Duration: 4 years
Year of entry: 2025
UCAS course code: H402 / Institution code: M20
- Key features:
Study abroad
Scholarships available
Field trips
- Typical A-level offer: A*AA including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: AAA including specific subjects
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: AAB including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 37 points overall with 7,6,6 at HL, including specific requirements
Course unit details:
Advanced Space Systems Engineering
| Unit code | AERO42112 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Unit level | Level 4 |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
The design and operation of spacecraft is a multidisciplinary operation covering many aspects of engineering. Building on the introductory space flight dynamics and systems modelling taught in prerequisite units, this course covers:
- actionable physics-based approaches for modelling spacecraft systems including payload design, more in depth orbital dynamics and mission analysis, and electric propulsion
- trending technologies within the space sector such as satellite constellation design, very low Earth orbits and enabling technologies, and space sustainability and how it impacts satellite design
- advanced system modelling techniques
- considerations of satellite configuration on conceptual system design and modelling
Aims
The unit aims to expand student knowledge of spaceflight dynamics and space systems engineering, with a particular focus on new trends in the space industry such as sustainability, satellite constellations, and the use of very low Earth orbits and enabling technologies. As an example of research led teaching, the unit will highlight the research strengths of the Space Systems Engineering team whilst preparing students for jobs in the rapidly changing space industry.
On completion of this unit students will have a detailed knowledge of spaceflight dynamics and spacecraft design considerations, including new trends in the space industry. They will be able to apply that knowledge to independently create mission concepts which meet the needs of the future space industry.
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Written exam | 50% |
| Oral assessment/presentation | 50% |
Feedback methods
Exam - After assessment period, overall grade, individual question solutions, group feedback on common errors.
Quizzes - Solutions to quizzes provided weekly in the first 5 weeks
Presentations - Individual and cohort-wide feedback online
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Assessment written exam | 2 |
| Demonstration | 1 |
| eAssessment | 80 |
| Lectures | 16 |
| Tutorials | 16 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 35 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Peter Roberts | Unit coordinator |