KL5011 - Aerospace Engineering Design

What will I learn on this module?

This module provides you with the knowledge and skills required to research, design, implement and manage the development of an aerospace engineering design. Specifically, you will learn:



FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING (25%):

This section provides an overview of the key principles in aerospace engineering, in particular the materials, structures, aerodynamics and propulsion. This section will also include the basic control principles.



AEROSPACE EXPERIMENTAL SKILLS (25%)

This section will provide an overview of the software required for the design of the prototype aircraft components using 3D printing, such as Solidworks, Fusion and Ultimaker Cura. During the workshop practice, you will also have the opportunity to learn how to use a wind tunnel for testing the aerodynamics of your design.

This section will also include an introduction to embedded system and stepper motors to control the airflow on your design. You will be using ARM Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to develop control algorithm for ARM based microcontroller.



AEROSPACE SYSTEM DESIGN (50%):

This section explores the application aerospace engineering principles and aircraft design. You will have the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary team to design, build and testing of an aircraft flight through experimental sessions.

How will I learn on this module?

The module is delivered through a combination of lectorial, problem-based learning workshops, directed learning and independent learning. You will be provided with lecture notes, technical reports and articles via the e-learning portal. Practical workshops in the laboratory will provide you with hands-on experience to hone your aerospace experimental skills.

Through the group interdisciplinary project, you will gain practical experience in conducting research, analysing results, and presenting findings in both written and oral formats. The laboratory sessions and project work are specifically designed to help you build confidence in delivering technical presentations and producing professional reports.

You will be inspired to explore aircraft design individually and by conducting an assigned group project to extend your knowledge and understanding in a wider context of the design and applications of various aspects related to the aerospace engineering.

The module is assessed by a group-based project work (50%), including a written group report (30%) and a group presentation (20%), and individual aerospace engineering system review in the form of an assignment (50%), for which you will provide a written report. The students are required to justify their contribution to the group project work. Feedback will be provided individually for both the report and the presentation. This feedback will focus on constructive advice to enhance your skills.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The module is delivered through lectures, seminars, and lab-based workshops, forming the core academic support. During workshops, lab tutors provide verbal feedback, which may include general technical guidance applicable to all students or more personalised advice to address individual learning needs. Blackboard is utilised effectively to provide access to lecture content, seminar exercises, coursework, and links to the reading list, ensuring comprehensive support.

To further develop your research, writing, and presentation skills, you will receive academic support for preparing your group project report and presentation. Workshops and seminars will include guidance on structuring reports, conducting literature reviews, and delivering effective presentations.

In addition to these sessions, you can contact the module team directly, usually via email, for further clarifications or support. This allows for the arrangement of ad-hoc individual or group discussions to address specific problems or concerns. You will also be referred to supporting resources, including texts, multimedia, and high-impact research publications, accessible through the e-learning portal and highlighted in lectures and seminars.

Individual advice and feedback will be provided on your assessments. The knowledge and skills gained in this module will significantly enhance your employability and career prospects in aerospace, renewable energy, and power systems engineering.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

Develop a solution to an engineering problem from cradle to grave. (AHEP4 C5, C7, C8, C11, M5, M5,M8,M11)



Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

Apply key engineering principles using integrated or systems approach to solve engineering problems using appropriate theory, methods, practical implementation, and IT tools, while undergoing a critical evaluation of the methods used (AHEP4 C2,C4 C6, C12, C13, M2, M4, M6, M12, M13)



Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

Work effectively as a team to manage the engineering design process and evaluate outcomes. (AHEP4 C8, C11, C16, M8, M11, M16)

Communicate technical and non-technical information about aerospace engineering by written report and oral presentation (AHEP4 C17)

How will I be assessed?

The module will be assessed through an individual report and group-based project, comprising a group presentation and a group report.



Formative assessment is made throughout the scheduled lab time where each team has discussions with the tutor about the work completed and next steps, while maintaining a weekly progress log for the project. The feedback received from the tutor will aid the team’s product development through a critical review of their work and time management. All LOs will be assessed through this assessment.



Summative assessment comprises of two components:



Individual report (50%)

This individual report comprise of the state-of-the-art review of the current aerospace engineering system. The report will have a maximum of 300 words. (Assessed LO: 4)

Group report and presentation (50%)

Group report (30%)

The group report will include introduction, the design objectives, the design methodology, experimental test, result discussion and conclusion. This report will have a maximum of 1500 words. (Assessed LOs: 1, 2, 3, 4)

Group presentation (20%)

This group presentation will involve all group members and will highlight the key learnings from the design. The presentation will last 15 minutes and 5 minutes questions and answer session. (Assessed LOs: 1, 4)

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module introduces the fundamental principles of aerospace engineering and aircraft design. In this module, you will be introduced to the key characteristics of an aircraft flight and you will have the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary system engineering design problem through the design, build and testing activities. In the workshop, you will have the opportunity to design control system using microcontroller and test your design’s aerodynamics in a wind tunnel. You will gain knowledge in materials, structures, aerodynamics, propulsion and control.



You will be taught via lectures, seminars and practical laboratory sessions. In addition you will also have access to a number of online support videos which will enhance your understanding of key topics in aerospace engineering. You will also get to experience practical sessions in our state-of-the-art facilities, which are highly regarded as being amongst the best in the UK. You will be introduced to a wide range of techniques used in the modern design projects. As technology is constantly evolving the syllabus is continuously updated to reflect this. Our academics are all heavily involved in researching new ideas and technology and this is reflected in our teaching, so you can experience the next generation of technology whilst it is still being developed.

Course info

UCAS Code H655

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2026

Fee Information

Module Information

Study at Northumbria

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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