Master of Science - Aviation Engineering and Management

University of South Wales - Treforest

World leading aircraft manufacturers predict the number of in-service commercial aircraft doubling to over 43,500 in the next 20 years. USW's MSc Aviation Engineering and Management course will provide learners with the skills, knowledge and expertise to succeed in the aviation industry.

Students will develop key problem-solving skills within the field of aviation including airlines, corporate aviation, general aviation, component manufacturing organizations, and related industries, and civil aviation governmental agencies. They'll gain an understanding of the various complexities facing aviation businesses through a breadth of industry related modules. Their studies will also cover a wide variety of tools, techniques, and research methods, and how they may be applied to research and solve real-life problems within the aviation industry.

Teaching includes lectures, tutorials and practical laboratory work. Learners will undertake a substantial piece of investigative research work on an appropriate engineering topic and further develop their skills in research, critical analysis and development of solutions using appropriate techniques.

USW has recently invested another £3.3m into its existing aerospace facilities. A two-storey Aerospace Centre extension adds 1,000m2 of practical workshop and laboratory space for engineering students. This includes two aircraft hangars with civil and military aircraft, and a MP521 engineering flight simulator. This centre is home to a Jetstream 31 Twin Turboprop aircraft, assembled with Honeywell TPE331 Engines and Rockwell-Collins Proline II Avionics, alongside a Jet Provost T-Mk 3 military training jet.

It also includes a gas turbine maintenance workshop, simulated aircraft shell riveting area, hand tools workshops and welding bay, plus clean and dirty composite workshops for specimens and repairs. Dedicated laboratory space for electronic practical tasks, avionics systems, hydraulics and pneumatics also feature providing students with hands-on practical experience.

The sub-sonic wind tunnels are used for basic aerodynamic instruction, testing and demonstrations on various aerofoil shapes and configurations. Whilst the single-seater, full motion, three axes Merlin MP521 engineering flight simulator can be programmed and simulate any existing aircraft type. The EASA-approved facilities have also been fully approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Aerospace engineering is an area where demand exceeds supply. As a highly skilled professional in aircraft maintenance engineering, students will be well placed to gain employment in this challenging industry. The aircraft industry is truly international, so there is demand not only in the UK, but throughout the world.

Careers available after graduation include aircraft maintenance planning, engineering, materials, quality assurance or compliance, technical services, logistics, NDT, method and process technical engineering, aircraft or engine leasing, aviation sales, aviation safety, reliability and maintainability, operations and planning, airworthiness, technical support, aircraft surveying, lean maintenance, certification, production planning and control. The MSc Aviation Engineering and Management graduates may also progress to an engineering research degree.