BSc (Hons) Aircraft Engineering and Maintenance Systems (Top Up)
Top in Wales for Aerospace Engineering Guardian University Guide 2023
The Aircraft Engineering & Maintenance Systems (AEMS) Top-Up course is specifically aimed at those that would like to build on the industry qualifications and experience they already have (such as an appropriate EASA Part-66 certification) and those that hold a relevant HND, or equivalent qualification, to attain an engineering degree.
In many cases, due to reasons such as working full-time, people who would like to study for a degree in their chosen career are unable to do so.
Therefore, the course offers multiple modes of study, with the full-time version taking only one academic year. The part-time route takes two academic years, which consists of 60 credits each year at level 6.
The part-time course will be delivered in two ways - a traditional method, where students attend for one or (possibly) two days a week and a purely online distance learning delivery with no requirement to attend university on a full-time basis.
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the advertised delivery method may be different to that advertised. This particularly applies to on-campus lectures.
This academic year requires students to undertake a significant aviation maintenance related project which will draw on the previous study/experience. It will also introduce the concept of new and emerging technologies in the aviation industry, alongside the planning and resource management of maintenance activities.
Individual Project
Students will undertake a substantial project requiring them to carry out in-depth research or demonstrate appropriate problem-solving skills related to an aircraft maintenance engineering problem.
Engineering Project Management
Students will gain knowledge and understanding of managing aircraft maintenance projects using standardised models for project management.
Emerging Aerospace Technologies
Students will be given an insight into new and emerging technologies and have the ability to appraise these developments from an engineering perspective.
Aviation Maintenance Resource and Planning Management
During this academic session, students will be able to plan and evaluate maintenance schedules based on available resources in order to ensure the safe, efficient and financially viable aircraft maintenance operations.
Advances in Aerospace Propulsion
Students will be introduced to recent and forthcoming advances in aircraft propulsion technologies, including the investigation of the driving factors behind these developments.
Teaching
Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, demonstrations, and external visits, as well as both directed (including online learning) and independent study.
On average you can expect to be in classroom-based activities for around 12-14 hours per week
Subject to availability guest lectures will also take place.
Support
The aviation academy operates an open-door policy in providing student support. Students are allocated a Personal Academic Advisor (PAC).
Assessment
Students will be assessed through examinations and coursework.
Facilities
The University has recently invested another £3.3m into its existing aerospace facilities. A two-storey Aerospace Centre extension adds 1,000m2 of practical workshop and laboratory space for engineering students. This includes two aircraft hangars with civil and military aircraft, and a MP521 engineering flight simulator.
The Aerospace Centre is home to a Jetstream 31 Twin Turboprop aircraft, assembled with Honeywell TPE331 Engines and Rockwell-Collins Proline II Avionics, alongside a Jet Provost T-Mk 3 military training jet.
The Centre also includes a gas turbine maintenance workshop, simulated aircraft shell riveting area, hand tools workshops and welding bay, plus clean and dirty composite workshops for specimens and repairs. Dedicated laboratory space for electronic practical tasks, avionics systems, hydraulics and pneumatics also feature providing students with hands-on practical experience.
Our sub-sonic wind tunnels are used for basic aerodynamic instruction, testing and demonstrations on various aerofoil shapes and configurations. Whilst our single-seater, full motion, three axes Merlin MP521 engineering flight simulator can be programmed and simulate any existing aircraft type.
Our EASA-approved facilities have also been fully approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
Lecturers
We regularly revalidate courses for quality assurance and enhancement
At USW, we regularly review our courses in response to changing patterns of employment and skills demand to ensure we offer learning designed to reflect today’s student needs and tomorrow’s employer demands.
If during a review process course content is significantly changed, we’ll write to inform you and talk you through the changes for the coming year. But whatever the outcome, we aim to equip our students with the skillset and the mindset to succeed whatever tomorrow may bring. Your future, future-proofed.
Entry to the BSc (Hons) Aircraft Engineering and Maintenance Systems Top-Up will be from applicants who have completed a Higher National Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering or equivalent. Applications from EASA qualified Aircraft Maintenance Engineers with relevant industrial experience (minimum 2 years) will also be considered on an individual basis.
Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course.
August 2022 - July 2023 Fees
Full-time UK: £9000
Full-time International: £14000
Part-time UK: TBC
August 2023 - July 2024 Fees
Full-time UK: £9000
Full-time International: TBC
Part-time UK: £740 per 20 credits
August 2024 - July 2025 Fees
Full-time UK: TBC
Full-time International: TBC
Part-time UK: TBC
Student Perks
At the University of South Wales, you’re investing in so much more than a degree. We strive to provide our students with the best possible experience, no matter what you chose to study. Whether it’s access to top of the range mac books and PCs, state-of-the-art facilities packed with industry-leading equipment and software, masterclasses and events led by industry experts, or a wide range of clubs and societies to meet likeminded people, better tomorrows start with extra perks.
Each course also has their own unique student benefits to prepare you for the real word, and details of these can be found on our course pages. From global field trips, integrated work experience and free course-related resources, to funded initiatives, projects working with real employers, and opportunities for extra qualifications and accreditations - at USW your future, is future-proofed.
Click here to learn more about student perks at USW.
Additional Costs
As a student of USW, you’ll have access to lots of free resources to support your study and learning, such as textbooks, publications, online journals, laptops, and plenty of remote-access resources. Whilst in most cases these resources are more than sufficient in supporting you with completing your course, additional costs, both obligatory and optional, may be required or requested for the likes of travel, memberships, experience days, stationery, printing, or equipment.
Funding
Funding to help pay for (or cover) course tuition fees and living costs
Whilst you’re studying, you’ll have two main financial obligations – tuition fees and living costs. There’s lots of financial help available from the University of South Wales and external funding sources, that may provide loans (which have to be paid back) and grants, scholarships and bursaries (that don't).
To learn about course fees, funding options, and to see if you are eligible for financial support, visit our Fees and Funding pages.
UK students
Apply via UCAS if you are a UK residing applicant, applying for year one of a full-time undergraduate degree, Foundation Year, Foundation Degree or HND and you have not applied through UCAS before. If you are applying to study part-time, to top up your Foundation Degree or HND, or to transfer to USW from another institution, please apply directly.
International and EU students
Apply directly to the University if you live outside the UK.
This course addresses the market’s requirement for attaining specialist knowledge in the managerial aspects of aircraft maintenance. This course focuses on the management and planning of line and heavy maintenance scheduling, which is usually a shortfall amongst practicing Aircraft Maintenance Engineers.
Engagement with aviation companies such as Ryanair, British Airways and JMC has produced a large number of employment opportunities for our students.
The Pontypridd Campus is made up of two sites: Treforest and Glyntaff. Our students love the community atmosphere, as well as living and studying in the same place. It’s quieter than the cities, with green open spaces and views across the valley.
It’s the community and friendships you’ll build that make this place special. Outside your studies you can experience our amazing sport facilities and Students’ Union.
Living in Halls is a great way to meet new people and make friends. We have high quality accommodation in Treforest, Cardiff and Newport.