Foundation Degree

This course will provide the Knowledge and Skills necessary to progress in to a career in Aircraft Maintenance Repair and Overhaul sector.

Enable students to meet changing technological and environmental issues; whether these arise from a shift in their own sphere of employment, promotion to supervisory or management roles or from general changes in the Aircraft Maintenance Repair and Overhaul sector.

Provide a professional foundation for advancement in to a range of technical and management careers in the Global Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul industry.

Enable students to make an immediate contribution in employment through the knowledge and skills learnt. Provide flexibility, knowledge, skills and motivation as a basis for career development and as a basis for progression to graduate and postgraduate studies.

Develop one’s ability in engineering, design and management through effective use and a combination of the knowledge and skills gained in different parts of the programme and in the workplace.

Develop a range of skills, techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for reflective learning and practice leading to successful career in aircraft engineering.

The essential facts, concepts, theories and principles that underpin Engineering in general and Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Engineering in particular.

The Aircraft, Maintenance and Overhaul (MRO) industry.

The roles, responsibilities and legal obligations of Aircraft Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Engineers and the effects of them exercising their engineering judgement.

Communication skills; both oral and technical report writing.

Typical aircraft manuals and documentation, an understanding of how they are used, and the ability to use them correctly and effectively.

An understanding of the need for ensuring a clean working environment, to follow all safety precautions with regard to self, equipment and aircraft and to have a responsible attitude in respect to flight safety and airworthiness of aircraft.

Year 1:

Introduces students to the Aerospace Industry, followed by a basic understanding of key concepts associated with the modern jet aircraft. This includes the theory of flight, gas turbine engines, propellers, aircraft performance, and aircraft structures and aircraft mechanical, electrical, avionic and fluid systems. Aircraft Safety is a fundamental and continuous theme throughout the two year programme, therefore emphasis is placed on the regulatory requirements, documentation control, maintenance requirements and standards with tool control and cleanliness being integrated throughout the course. There is a statutory requirement for aircraft engineers to be highly literate and numerate and have good communication skills; consequently, report writing, maths and presentation skills will be taught from the beginning.

Year 2:

Depending on one’s progress, aptitude and assessed ability in the 1st year, there are three elective pathways: Mechanical, Avionic and Design. Either pathway builds upon the knowledge and skills learnt in the 1st year. This will include advanced Mechanical Airframes and Engines structures and systems, Advanced Avionic and Electrical systems or Design principles and application in an Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul environment.

Learning Outcomes:

• Knowledge and Understanding
• Cognitive (thinking) Skills
• Practical Skills
• Key Skills
• Self Awareness Skills
• Communication Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Research and Information
• Literacy Skills
• Numeracy Skills
• Management and Leadership Skills
• Creativity and Problem Solving

Teaching:

• Course material will be delivered by lectures and instructional techniques
• Virtual Learning Environment such as Moodle
• Associated tutorials
• Laboratory activities and workshops
• Work-based activities and workshop integrated different disciplines and provide applications/real world emphasis.

Assessment:

• The assessment strategy is designed to assess the theoretical aspects of the course and the workshop and work-based learning that are acquired by the students during the course of study.
• In any one module a range of assessment methods may be used, this will include:
  • Class written tests
  • Multiple Choice questions
  • Timed examinations
  • End of Module examinations
  • Oral
  • Assessed practical work
  • Attitude and aptitude toward Health & Safety, punctuality, workshop and aircraft cleanliness.

The aerospace industry employs 250,000 people and has an annual turnover in excess of £18 billion in the UK. (Society of British Aerospace Companies data 2009).

The 21st century will continue to see revolutionary changes to aircraft design – from environmentally-friendly aeroplanes to space tourism vehicles. Aeronautical or aerospace engineers design, develop and maintain products such as airliners, helicopters, fighter jets, satellites and space vehicles.

Working for an Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) organisation, you can become highly skilled on airframes or other components which make up the aircraft such as the landing gear, engines or avionics systems and offers some of the best hands-on jobs in the world.