The Aircraft Engineering & Maintenance Systems (AEMS) Top-Up course is specifically aimed at learners who 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.
The undergraduate course requires students to undertake a significant aviation maintenance related project which will draw on the previous study or 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. This course addresses the market’s requirement for attaining specialist knowledge in the managerial aspects of aircraft maintenance. It also focuses on the management and planning of line and heavy maintenance scheduling, which is usually a shortfall amongst practicing Aircraft Maintenance Engineers.
Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, demonstrations, and external visits, as well as both directed (including online learning) and independent study. Subject to availability guest lectures will also take place. The aviation academy operates an open-door policy in providing student support. Students are allocated a Personal Academic Advisor (PAC).
USW 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. This 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. It 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. The sub-sonic wind tunnels are used for basic aerodynamic instruction, testing and demonstrations on various aerofoil shapes and configurations. Whilst the single-seater, full motion, three axes Merlin MP521 engineering flight simulator can be programmed and simulate any existing aircraft type. The EASA-approved facilities have also been fully approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
Engagement with aviation companies such as Ryanair, British Airways and JMC has produced a large number of employment opportunities for the Aircraft Engineering & Maintenance Systems students.
