Aeronautical Engineering Linköping University

Overview

Aerodynamics, structure, propulsion, actuation systems and other on-board systems - all these disciplines need to be optimized in order to achieve the function and the efficiency required in an aircraft. The programme involves a project in the later part when all these disciplines come together and challenge students to design, build and fly an aircraft, or a subscale version of it.

Linköping is the aviation capital of Sweden and one of the few aviation cities in the world, with Saab Aeronautics, the producer of the highly successful Gripen fighter aircraft, as the major actor in the region. There are also other related companies, as well as military aviation establishments which further support Linköping’s aviation character. The Aeronautical Engineering programme at Linköping University benefits from this, as some of the teachers have affiliations to the industry. Moreover, there is close research collaboration between the university and the industry.

The first year of the programme deals with the fundamentals in aeronautics, such as: aircraft design, aerodynamics, engineering system design, product modelling, and aircraft systems and installation. 

Throughout the programme, special attention is given to a thorough progression with significant use of contemporary engineering design tools. A project is started in the second half of the first year and continued through the first half of the second year. There are also elective courses that students can take in order to get a broader knowledge in other areas, such as vehicle aerodynamics and wind turbine engineering. The final semester constitutes of a master thesis and the student is expected to make an individual project with a written paper.

Career opportunities

The Aeronautical Engineering master's programme offered by Linköping University is designed to prepare students for careers within the aerospace industry, ranging from conceptual aircraft design and aircraft engineering to related fields such as vehicle engineering or wind turbine engineering. Students will also be prepared for a research career.