MSc. in Aerospace Engineering, professional focus in aerospace engineering

Programme content

Aeronautics and space are, by definition, fields where high performance is mandatory: utmost quality, reliability and security are requirements that come before cost.

Since its very beginnings, the aerospace sector has played a pioneering and driving role in developing new technologies, whether this be improving the materials available or developing new ones, from designing appropriate methods for building very high-resistance, light structures, to optimising the structures and means of propulsion or guiding the development of electronic, IT and telecommunications systems.

A few percentage points of weight saved at great expense can often increase the success of a project tenfold, and can even sometimes be the decisive factor in its viability. To achieve these objectives, computer-aided design and manufacturing methods are now used systematically.

A UNIQUE TRAINING PROGRAMME IN FRENCH-SPEAKING BELGIUM

Our goal is clear : to train engineers specialised in aeronautical and space technologies and prepare them for international careers. We therefore teach you to master cutting-edge techniques in mechanics and computer simulation of the physical phenomena related to the field. The training focuses on the knowledge required to join an engineering team and, more specifically, on advanced knowledge in aerodynamics, continuous media, structural analysis (static, dynamic, thermal and fluid mechanics), CAD (Computer-Aided Design), materials and means of propulsion.

All students also have the opportunity, upon selection, to benefit from the TIME program. This network of more than 50 engineering schools allows students to obtain a second master's degree by extending their studies by one year.

A MASTER'S PROGRAMME TAUGHT ENTIRELY IN ENGLISH

The courses in this programme are delivered in English, thus ensuring that you receive an education at international level that will better prepare you for the challenges related to the globalisation of the aeronautics and space fields. A part of the course may also be completed in a university abroad through the Erasmus or T.I.M.E schemes. The latter may lead to a dual degree with one of our partner universities (Cranfield, ISAE, formerly SUPAERO, etc.).

SPECIALISATION

The programme enables you to develop and deepen your knowledge in space technology and aeronautics. You have to choose a core specialism for a total of 10 credits and a set of options for a total of 20 credits. The courses offered cover highly-specialised technical fields such as aerodynamics, fracture mechanics, space equipment and satellite design, propulsion techniques in space, the principles of analogue and digital telecommunications, etc.

A PROGRAMME FOCUSED ON PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

The ideas developed in the theoretical classes are systematically applied to practical cases, generally through project work, individually or in teams, and in the Master's thesis. The course also includes a compulsory long-term internship at a company or research centre, accompanied by an introductory course in business management organised in collaboration with Liège HEC. The business management course is aimed at familiarising you with the professional world. The internship must be combined with your Master's thesis.

Learning outcomes

I.  Understand and be able to apply sciences and concepts within the field of engineering

Engineers master and are able to apply fundamental concepts and principles of various fields of science and technology. 

I.1 Master the concepts, principles and laws of the basic sciences (mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, etc.).

I.2 Master the concepts and principles of the engineering sciences. In particular, to have a solid background in the fields of statics, dynamics, thermals and structures, fluid mechanics, mechanics of materials, virtual prototyping and digital simulation.

II.  Learn to understand

Engineers have a strong capacity for autonomous learning, which enables them to seek out and appropriate relevant information to address emerging issues and to engage in continuous learning.  They may also engage in research to advance the state of understanding.

II.1 Demonstrate autonomy in learning. In particular, know how to appropriate and summarise scientific and technical information from various sources (lectures, literature, references, manuals and technical documentation, online resources, etc.).

II.2 Research, evaluate and use (through scientific literature, technical documentation, the web, interpersonal contacts, etc.) new information relevant to understanding a problem or a new issue.

II.3 Carry out fundamental or applied research work to produce original scientific and technical knowledge.

III.  Analyse, model and solve complex problems

Engineers are capable of conducting structured scientific reasoning, demonstrating the capacity for abstraction, analysis and management of the constraints necessary to solve complex and/or original problems and thus are part of an innovative process.

III.1 Formalise, model and conceptualise a scientific or technical problem related to or inspired by a complex real-life situation in rigorous language, e.g. using mathematical or computer language, to obtain results. Be capable of abstraction.

III.2 Critically analyse hypotheses and results and compare them with experimental reality, taking into account uncertainties.

III.3 Identify and manage the constraints associated with a project (technical constraints, specifications, deadlines, resources, customer requirements, etc.). In particular, be able to find a compromise between the multiple and often contradictory constraints inherent in the realisation of an engineering project. 

III.4 Innovate through the design, implementation and validation of new solutions, methods, products or services.

IV. Implement the methods and techniques in the field to design and innovate while adopting an engineering approach

Engineers implement the methods and techniques specific to their field of specialisation and work as part of a multidisciplinary team to develop engineering projects and ensure the achievement of specific objectives in their working environment.

IV.1 Use a numerical/computational approach to investigate a problem and test hypotheses or solutions. In particular, be able to implement a computer-aided design, modelling and numerical simulation approach in the fields of fluid mechanics, solid mechanics and mechanics of materials.

IV.2 Use an experimental approach to investigate a problem and test hypotheses or solutions. 

IV.3 Apply advanced aeronautics and/or space technology to the fields of propulsion and turbomachinery, theoretical and experimental aerodynamics, flight mechanics, aerospace structures, satellite engineering, atmospheric physics and space instrumentation.

V. Develop their professional practice within the context of a company

Engineers are responsible members of society and the professional world. They integrate economic, social, legal, ethical and environmental constraints and challenges into their work. 

V.1 Integrate human, economic, social, environmental and legal aspects into their projects.

V.2 Position themselves in relation to the professions and functions of an engineer, taking into account ethical aspects and social responsibility. Adopt a reflective stance, both critical and constructive, with regard to their own way of acting, their approach and their professional choices.

V.3 Develop an entrepreneurial activity.

VI. Work alone or in groups

Engineers are able to work independently and collaborate within a group or organisation. They demonstrate responsibility, team spirit and leadership.

VI.1 Work independently.

VI.2 Work in a team. Be open to collaborative working. Make decisions together.

VI.3 Manage a team. Distribute work and manage deadlines. Manage tensions. Demonstrate leadership skills.

VI.4 Work in an environment with different hierarchical levels, different skill levels and/or different expertise.

VII. Communicate

Engineers are capable of communicating and sharing their technical and scientific approach and results in writing and orally. Their command of at least one foreign language, in particular English, enables them to work in an international context.

VII.1 Understand general and technical documents related to the professional practice of the discipline (plans, specifications, etc.).

VII.2 Write a scientific or technical report by structuring the information and applying the standards in place in the discipline.

VII.3 Present/defend scientific or technical results orally using the codes and means of communication appropriate to the audience and the communication setting.

VII.4 Understand and write general and technical documents in a foreign language.

VII.5 Understand and present a general or technical oral presentation in a foreign language.