This four-year course covers a broad range of subjects organised into three streams:

• aerodynamics
• dynamics and control
• structures and materials.

These subjects are specialised from day one and are taught with aerospace applications and examples.

The first two years are devoted to core concepts, which are taught via lectures and backed up by practical experience through coursework and lab work. Further material, such as space applications and aviation operations, are covered in specialist units.

You will also learn skills that cross all the streams, such as computing, systems engineering and design. There is extensive mathematical content throughout.

In year three your research project allows you to tackle a problem in detail, such as the automated landing of an unmanned air vehicle (UAV), design of a potential space mission, or experimental testing of advanced composite materials.

In year four there is greater flexibility for you to pursue options that interest you. Some units relate to particular application areas, such as helicopter aerodynamics, space systems or wind power. Others study particular technologies, such as composites analysis or experimental aerodynamics or you can choose to undertake a research project.

The diversity of topics in aerospace engineering makes this a challenging degree but the reward is a uniquely broad education.