Aerospace Propulsion

Starts: October and March

Duration: 1 year full-time

Course overview:

The key technological achievement underlying the development and growth of aerospace industry has been the design and development of efficient and economical propulsion systems. This sector has experienced a consistent growth in the past and is expected to do so in the future. Major efforts are also now being dedicated to the development of new technologies relevant to the propfan, variable cycle engines and air-breathing space launchers.

The Aerospace Propulsion option within the MSc in Thermal Power is designed to prepare you for a career in this existing industry.The Aerospace Propulsion option of the Thermal Power MSc gives a comprehensive background in the design and operation of different types of propulsion systems for aerospace applications to individuals seeking a career in the design, development, operation and maintenance of propulsion systems. Since the course provides skills that allow graduates to deliver immediate benefits in a very demanding and rewarding workplace, our aerospace propulsion graduates are in great demand.

Structure:

A thorough grounding is provided in the design and operation of different types of propulsion systems for aerospace application in a course structured to meet the different needs of individual students. The teaching programme comprises a series of lecture courses and an extensive Research or Design Project.

Modules:

The lecture programme consists of twelve or more courses; eight of these are compulsory and the remainder are selected from a list of eleven options. Typical lecture courses are:

• Turbomachinery
• Rockets and Ramjets
• Piston Engines
• Spacecraft Systems
• Engine Systems
• Fuels and Combustion

An intensive two-week industrial management course is offered to all MSc students; this course assists in achieving exemptions from some engineering council requirements. The students also benefit from invited lectures from senior engineers and managers in the propulsion and power industries.

Research Project:

In addition to the lecture programme, the candidate is required to submit a written thesis describing a research project carried out during the course. This thesis is examined orally in September in the presence of an external examiner. Typical titles of project undertaken recently are:

• Optimum design of a cooled turbine stage
• Design of a Propfan Engine
• Procurement Criteria for Civil Aero-Engines
• Airbreathing Propulsion for Space Launchers
• Advanced Air-breathing Propulsion Systems
• Influence of Layout on High Bypass Turbofan Performance
• Diagnostics of Jet Engines in  Test Beds
• Gas Path Analysis of a Low Bypass Jet Engine Assessment

Assessment:

The final MSc assessment is weighted equally between the assessed lecture courses and the project thesis.

Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma:

A post-graduate certificate in the Aerospace Propulsion option is available for candidates who are only able to devote a limited part of the year to their studies.  The postgraduate certificate in Aerospace Propulsion will entail attendance at the courses which are run between October and December and which are examined in late January.  Obtaining the post-graduate diploma will entail attendance at the courses, which are run from October through to April the following year which are examined in late January and April.

Part-time options:

The department offers a part-time MSc by research in Aerospace Propulsion. The MSc by research is assessed entirely on the basis of a research project/thesis which will normally take between 2 and 3 years to complete, depending on work commitments.  Candidates will be required to attend 5 continuing professional development short courses (generally lasting one to two weeks each) at Cranfield in the first 2 years of the programme to provide specific academic background to the project.

Entry requirements:

1st or 2nd class UK honours degree (or its equivalent) in engineering, mathematics, physics or an applied science. Candidates with a degree in a less applicable discipline, or mature applicants with alternative qualifications may be accepted onto a two-year programme in which the preliminary year is directed to the establishment of the necessary engineering background.

English Language Requirements - Our normal minimum requirement is a TOEFL score of 580 (paper test) or 237 (computer test), essay rating 4.5 or 92 (Internet test), all skills 19 or an IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 for writing, a TOEIC overall score of 830, or a Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English grade C or Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English grade C, although a number of our programmes require higher scores.

Funding:

A variety of sources including industrial sponsorship. Details of each prospective student's financial position will be discussed and appropriate advice and help given during a selection interview.

Want to know more?

Contact our Enquiries Office for further details, E: enquiries@cranfield.ac.uk, T: +44 (0)1234 758008

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