This course aims to advance your skills as an aerospace professional engineer in the area of aircraft design. The course builds on the main principles underlying aircraft design, including the different design phases and the impact of specifications and relevant standards and regulations in the design process. The use of Systems Engineering principles will be covered as a complementary tool to provide a thorough understanding of all the development stages of an aircraft, from cradle to grave.

Based on the design requirements set for an aerospace vehicle or component, you will learn how to use sizing methods to develop adequate conceptual designs and utilise both analytical and numerical tools to address key areas in the detail design of an aircraft (such as aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, performance, stability and systems). You will also be introduced to multidisciplinary systems design optimisation tools to develop complex engineering solutions benefiting from the best trade-off between performance and efficiency.

This course is primarily project based and you will work in design teams mimicking the working environment of a design organisation, which will foster your skills on project planning/management, communication and leadership.