MSc in Aerospace Systems
A large proportion of the engineering content of a modern aircraft is the airborne electronics or aerospace systems, which ensure the safe and accurate operation of the aircraft during flight. These are essential safety critical systems for monitoring and controlling all aspects of the aircraft’s performance. In addition, Aerospace Systems are particularly important for Autonomous Flight where the aircraft will fly itself. At present this technology is being advanced through the design and development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). These are small scale aircraft with no onboard pilot. These vehicles are either controlled remotely or fly autonomously using a preprogrammed flight plan. These airborne systems must be fully integrated with the performance and operation of the aircraft and must operate reliably during flight
MSc Programme
The MSc in Aerospace Systems is delivered by members of the Department of Aerospace Engineering to cover the salient engineering design concepts needed to develop Aerospace Systems technology. The course modules have been designed by members of staff with a reputation for high-quality aerospace systems research - in collaboration with industrial colleagues - to cover the most important industrial and academic research topics in this rapidly developing field such as:
- Flight Control Systems,
- Navigation Systems,
- Aircraft Management Systems and
- Communication Systems.
This is achieved through the combination of core and advanced courses reinforced by team and individual practical project work. The aims for this programme are outlined below:
- To provide an integrated, multi-disciplinary, programme of study which provides the student with knowledge and understanding of the multi-disciplinary engineering concepts involved in the design of Aerospace Systems;
- To enable the students to study in depth a selection of specialist topics in the field of Aerospace Systems;
- To enable the students to develop transferable problem solving skills and apply these to Aerospace Systems design problems in group and individual project work;
- To develop the student’s mathematical rigour, accuracy and numerate skills appropriate for professional engineering;
- To develop the student’s communication skills via written reports and oral presentation;
- To develop the students’ professional, team and management skills relevant to engineering industry.
The academic staff responsible for delivery of these modules include:
Dr Euan McGookin, Aerospace Engineering
Dr David Anderson, Aerospace Engineering
Dr Jongrae Kim, Aerospace Engineering
Dr Douglas Thomson, Aerospace Engineering
Dr Colin Goodchild, Aerospace Engineering
In addition, guest lecturers from world leading aerospace systems companies may deliver a series of professional development seminars (subject to availability). The degree programme is particularly suitable for graduates who work, or intend to work in the aerospace industry both in the UK and abroad.
General Programme Information
To apply for this master, please visit the International and Postgraduate Service website. For further information on the programme, contact Dr Euan McGookin.
Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for the MSc programme are at least a second class UK honours degree (or equivalent) in mathematics, physical sciences or an engineering subject. In some circumstances other academic or professional qualifications may be recognised as equivalent. Students with lower qualifications may be considered for the Postgraduate Diploma programme. Non-native English speakers may be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency.
Duration and Structure
The standard MSc programme will run for 12 months (October-September). All taught courses will be delivered at the University of Glasgow. During the first semester (October-January) students attend the core course modules, examined at the end of the semester. In the second semester (February-May) students attend the advanced course modules, which are again examined at the end of the semester. Students will also submit one group project in the second semester. Finally, an individual project, which will form the MSc dissertation, will be undertaken between June and September. As part of an existing EU/US International Masters Programme, students may have the opportunity to study at partner institutions during the summer months.
Assessment
In order to be eligible for an MSc award, students must complete all components of the programme satisfactorily. MSc students must obtain passes in all course modules and group project and also a pass in their individual project work. Students not meeting the requirements for the MSc programme at the end of the second semester may graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma if minimum requirements are met.
Fees and Funding
SAAS may provide funding for students who have been living in Scotland for more than three years. Other funding routes include career development loans and industrial sponsorship. Part financial support from the University of Glasgow may be available to outstanding candidates.
Programme Details
First Semester
Aerospace Control I
Aircraft Handling Qualities & Control
Aircraft Operations & Systems
Navigation Systems
Simulation of Engineering Systems
Aerospace Systems Team Design Project (phase I)
Second Semester
Aerospace Control II
Autonomous Vehicle Guidance Systems
Radar & Electro-Optic Tracking Systems
Fault Detection, Isolation & Reconfiguration
Real Time Control Hardware Implementation
Aerospace Systems Team Design Project (phase II)
Summer
Individual Project: MSc dissertation thesis