MSc Aviation Engineering and Management
01 Jul 2023 - 31 Aug 2029
| Course Leader | Emily Simba |
|---|---|
| Course Team | Lalita Gandhi, Gary Dornan |
| Awarding Body | University of South Wales |
| Teaching Institutions | University of South Wales |
| Modes of Study | Full Time, Part Time |
Document Version
| Version | 8 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Jul 2023 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2029 |
QAA Benchmarks
Educational Aim
This MSc course aims to provide students with a range of transferable skills and high-level expertise which will enable them to play a leading role at both a technical and managerial level. It aims to build competency in providing creative, original and sustainable solutions to complex engineering challenges.
The programme aims to enable students who have completed this course to critically evaluate, manage and design processes in the aviation industry and be able to devise solutions to industrial problems by selecting appropriate tools and techniques. This will provide a platform for progression to a senior position in the industry or further research.
The course will operate in both part-time and full-time modes of study with common teaching on some modules to mixed groups of students from academia and industry, providing valuable input on current industrial practice from engineers working in the industry.
The course is modular to cater for a wide range of experience and qualifications and provides a progressive route to obtaining an MSc by allowing entry to the course both in September and February.
In general the course aims to:
• Provide an in-depth technical and non-technical understanding of aviation engineering theory and practice, informed by recent research and developments in the profession.
• Produce highly professional engineers who are competent in the holistic integration of technical and non- technical skills in providing creative, original and sustainable solutions to complex engineering challenges and contexts within aviation related operations.
• Provide training in the development of competent skills necessary to undertake applied research.
• Build on students' existing academic and professional expertise and further enhance their ability for logical thought, critical judgment and assessment of relevant issues.
• Develop the critical faculties and abilities necessary for effective decision-making and problem-solving, and the skills for effective and participatory communication, team work and use of Information Technology.
Learning Outcomes
| A1 | Graduates will exhibit the ability to use fundamental knowledge and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of techniques to investigate new and emerging technologies, together with a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their own research or advanced scholarship within the field of aviation engineering and management and leadership practices that underpin their professional practice. |
| A2 | Graduates will be able to continue to advance their knowledge and understanding within aviation engineering and management, and to develop new skills to a high level while promoting sustainable development and the ability to apply quantitative techniques where appropriate. |
| A3 | Graduates will have the knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes and methodologies and have the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations |
| A4 | Graduates will develop an advanced level knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials, components and processes requiring the application of engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and industrial constraints within the aviation sector. |
| A5 | Graduates will have demonstrated a conceptual understanding that enables an individual to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship within the field of aviation engineering and management; and to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses to advance knowledge and sustainability in managing and optimizing activities and processes within aviation engineering. |
| A6 | Graduates will have demonstrated an originality in application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in aviation engineering and the enabling management practice |
| B1 | Graduates will critically evaluate and reflect on their ability to develop, monitor and update a plan, to reflect a changing operating environment, while generating an innovative design for products, systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs; |
| B2 | Graduates will have the knowledge, understanding and skills to work with information that may be incomplete or uncertain, quantify the effect of this on the design and, where appropriate, use theory or experimental research to mitigate deficiencies |
| B3 | Through the collection and analyses of research data and the use appropriate engineering tools to tackle unfamiliar problems, the graduates will exhibit an ability to use uncertain or incomplete data or specifications, through the appropriate innovation, and the use or adaptation of engineering analytical methods |
| B4 | Graduates will have developed their capacity to learn new theories, concepts, methods etc relating to aviation engineering and management and to apply these effectively and efficiently in unfamiliar situations. |
| B5 | Graduates will have the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment within the wider aviation sector, including the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development and decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations. |
| B6 | Graduates will have the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment within the wider aviation sector requiring and including having a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights most of which are at, or informed by, the forefront of aviation engineering and management which will have the ability to integrate their prior knowledge and understanding of the discipline and engineering practice with development and cognitive advancement shown in the ability to solve a substantial range of engineering problems, some of them complex or novel." |
| C1 | Graduates will develop the ability to monitor and adjust a personal programme of work on an on-going basis, and to learn independently; |
| C2 | Graduates will develop an awareness of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in aviation engineering and to take account of the commercial and social contexts in which they operate. |
| C3 | Graduates will have a knowledge and understanding of management and business practices, their limitations, and how these may be applied while showing compliance with relevant regulatory requirements governing engineering activities in the context of aviation engineering and management |
| C4 | Graduates will have a thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations, and some appreciation of likely new developments within aviation engineering and management. |
| C5 | Graduates will be able to demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks within aviation engineering at a professional or equivalent level |
| C6 | Graduates will have the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment within affiliate industries requiring and including the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility |
Course Structure
Level 7 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NG4H252 | MOD001345 | Research Methods for Engineers | Running | 10 | specified |
| NG4H432 | MOD013081 | Condition Monitoring Techniques | Running | 10 | specified |
| NG4S244 | MOD001356 | Safety Health and Environmental Engineering | Running | 20 | specified |
| NG4S258 | MOD010514 | Professional Engineering Management | Running | 20 | specified |
| NG4S414 | MOD010763 | Human Engineering | Running | 20 | specified |
| NG4S415 | MOD010768 | Lean Maintenance Operations and Certification | Running | 20 | specified |
| NG4S416 | MOD010769 | Aircraft Management and Operation | Running | 20 | specified |
| NG4T201 | MOD002229 | Dissertation | Running | 60 | core |
Teaching and Assessment
Learning and Teaching Methods
Lectures
The modules will be mainly taught through lectures, supplemented by a combination of methods comprising of tutorials, seminars, practicals, site visits, subject work, integrated case-study analyses, interactive on-line exercises, discussion groups, multimedia presentations and attendance at relevant conferences or seminars Many of the modules will be supported by lecturer produced notes or other learning materials, which will be distributed throughout the learning session and will contain all lecture and tutorial material. This will allow students to review the lecture material prior to the timetabled lecture session and will also enable students to control their pace of learning. Information is also made available using the University’s Blackboard MLE system.
Practical Sessions
Where necessary laboratory practical sessions will be used to consolidate the understanding of engineering principles. The practical work will be demanding, requiring the student to demonstrate a deep understanding and knowledge of the subject and may well take the form of experimental-based design projects.
Project Work General –
Some modules will include individual and group project based assignments and also poster presentations, appropriate for the level of study. This will develop the students’ ability to apply a holistic and critical approach to providing engineering solutions and presentation skills to both technical and non-technical audiences. Wherever possible assignments will be based on “live” projects and case studies, with an active contribution from specialist practitioners from industry. Some of the modules will be taught across other M level programmes in the school of engineering providing a great opportunity for students to develop the skill to work in a multidisciplinary environment. Each student will undertake an individual dissertation. The purpose of the dissertation is to develop skills linked to research methodology, problem definition, literature review, time management, collection and analysis of information and synthesis and communication of conclusions through the medium of a dissertation report and presentation. Many of these project based dissertations are linked to the research activity currently being undertaken in the School of Engineering. Additionally, a number of these projects result in joint publications between the Student and the Supervisor.
Employer Engagement
The RAeS and two experts within the field of aviation: Prof. Andrew Thomas (Cardiff Met) and Alexander Dawe (Investment Banker and BA pilot), have reviewed the proposed programme. Their reviews informed the production of the final edition of the new course structure and syllabus. Mr. Gary Fuller, Configuration Management Leader at GE Wales is part of the panel reviewing the course.
Means of Assessment
Assessments have been designed to meet the learning outcomes of the modules and courses. The course will be submitted for professional body accreditation at CEng level, and as such the course and module learning outcomes have been designed to be compliant with the UK-SPEC and RAeS requirements.
The development and review process for modules has been to map the modules to the required professional learning outcomes and then design assessments to meet these outcomes. If all the learning outcomes can be met by all assessments then the module is a bonded module, if not it is designed as a non-bonded module.
The assessment regime for each course aims to measure the skill and competence of the individual student by means of a structured and integrated approach to a defined coursework schedule. The assessment strategy has been devised to reflect the diverse nature of the module content with a balance between those modules assessed through assignments, coursework and class tests, and others that are examined at the end of the session.
The criteria set for each element of coursework in each module is designed to meet the learning outcomes of that bespoke module hence meeting the level of achievement for the given level of study as set out in the learning outcomes matrix for the course. This is in keeping with the University’s strategy for assessing and quantifying standards of achievement expected by QAA benchmark statements and professional guideline documents.
Modules which are used to develop the student's understanding of fundamental principles are assessed through the formal, end of year examinations. These examinations generally contribute between 50% and 100% of the available marks for the module, with the remainder being allocated to assignment work. There are some modules that are assessed by 100% coursework, these include Research Methods for Engineers and Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering Management.
Poster/oral presentations, group work, and the individual project are examples of other forms of assessments used in the course. This addresses modern industry requirements for graduates to be able to confidently present information. Elements of self and peer assessment are used, especially in group projects and other classroom activities primarily for formative assessment.
The assessment profile, together with its weighting and number of assessments (student workload), is presented in the table within this course specification document.
The development of key skills is incorporated throughout the course. It is located within the modules and related to relevant assessments, as appropriate.
Learning Support
The faculty and the subject area plans and runs a programme of induction activities during the first week of attendance. Early enrolling students have immediate access to their modules and introductory course material on Unilearn. USW's ICIS system also provides access to course information and module definitions.
All Students starting this award are assigned a personal academic coach (PAC). These students will also be allocated a project supervisor for their final year dissertation, so a more informal approach will be adopted, still following the PAC principle. However, the project supervisor takes the lead point of contact concerning academic issues.
Staff are expected to acknowledge all student's emails within 48 hours between 9 am and 5 pm, Mon-Fri.
Tutorials:
These sessions allow students to engage with a topic and apply/develop/practise their learning through group and class discussions, problem-solving, undertaking short exercises, working through set tasks, and demonstrating their work. The more personal nature of these sessions facilitates personal and tailored student academic support.
Seminars:
These sessions provide opportunity for students to discuss a relevant topic, learn about latest information/technologies and skills. Students are encouraged to take active part in the discussions.
Formative Assessment:
Lectures/tutorials/seminars contain formative exercises to encourage students to apply their knowledge and gain feedback.
Progress meetings:
This is initially conducted by the PAC. The subject area also conducts regular staff meetings to discuss student progress and identify at-risk students. The team will decide on the best approach to bring these students back on track. During the dissertation period, the PAC supervision is undertaken by the project supervisor and a more informal approach is taken, but regular review takes place.
Research Supervision:
Students undertaking the project module, which is mainly self-directed, receive academic support from a project supervisor who meets with the student regularly, typically weekly, to ensure the projects are progressing satisfactorily. An academic staff member is appointed to manage the allocation and overall running of projects within the subject area and produces a student project handbook to aid the students in the project delivery.
Online Resources:
Course booklets, module booklets, teaching materials and coursework assessment materials are made available online through USW's virtual learning environment (Unilearn). Many supporting textbooks and other reading material are available electronically via the library.
Advice Zone
The University operates an Advice Zone located in the library.
Disability:
The University runs a DS Service that can agree on an Individual Support Plan. The plan summarises the programme of support that feeds back to module leaders regarding additional requirements.
IT/Library:
The University has a modern Library that provides access to textbooks, journals, online materials, and equipment. There are open-access computer laboratories in the library.
Course Exit Points
| Award | Criteria | Final |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Science | 180 credits of which at least 150 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6 | Final |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 120 credits of which at least 90 must be at level 7 and no more than 30 at level 6 | Exit |
| Postgraduate Certificate | 60 credits with at least 40 at level 7 and no more than 20 at level 6 | Exit |
Progression Route
N/A
Entry Requirements
Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:
A minimum 2:2 Honours degree in a related engineering discipline e.g. Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, Aircraft Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering with relevant Aircraft experience, Electrical & Electronic Engineering with relevant Aircraft experience
or if you are an EASA licensed engineer with five years relevant industrial experience and relevant academic qualification.
The course welcomes international applicants and requires an English level of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component or equivalent.
Inclusive Curriculum Statement
The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/
Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution
N/A
Methods Of Quality Standards
N/A
Quality Of Standards Indicators
N/A