Mechanical & Aeronautical Engineering

DATES, FEES & AVAILABILITY 2025

Updated: 4th March, 2025

2-Week Summer Course in Aeronautical & Mechanical Engineering | University of Cambridge, Oxford, or UCL

This comprehensive 2-week program is open to students aged 18-24, focusing on aeronautical, mechanical, and aerospace engineering. Designed for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, the course combines theoretical learning with practical workshops, where you'll design and construct mechanical and aeronautical structures.

You’ll benefit from hands-on experience, collaborating with a diverse group of international peers from over 80 countries. The course is available at three of the UK's top universities: University of Cambridge, Oxford University, and University College London (UCL), offering an exclusive opportunity to study in world-class institutions.

By the end of the course, you’ll have gained valuable engineering insights, expanded your professional network, and had the chance to live and study in the historic surroundings of Cambridge, Oxford, or London.

Embark on an immersive intellectual journey with our 10-day Intensive Summer Course in Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering. Hosted in the prestigious academic environments University of London UOL and Cambridge University, this program is meticulously crafted to provide participants, aged 18-24, with a deep understanding of the principles and applications of Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering. The course integrates theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experiences, offering a holistic and enriching learning adventure.

Syllabus Summer 2025

Here’s the detailed 2-week timetable for the Summer Course in Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering:

Week 1

Week 2

Program Highlights:

• Expert-Led Instruction:
  • Receive instruction from experienced professors and industry experts in Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering.
• Hands-On Learning:
  • Engage in practical labs, workshops, and a group project to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Site Visits:
  • Explore cutting-edge facilities and gain insights into the industry through site visits to aerospace or mechanical engineering establishments.
• Networking Opportunities:
  • Connect with like-minded peers, industry professionals, and guest lecturers, fostering valuable networks for future collaborations and career opportunities.
• Dual Location Experience:
  • Enjoy the unique opportunity to learn in two of the UK's most renowned universities—University of London UOL and Cambridge University—providing a comprehensive academic experience.

Join us for this transformative 2 week intensive journey, where academic excellence meets hands-on exploration in the dynamic fields of Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering. Elevate your understanding, refine your skills, and prepare for the challenges of the aerospace and mechanical industries.

In the age of global warming and green house gases concerns, there is a need for today’s engineers to be aware of this critical issue and tackle these problems head on. Aviation is one of the largest contributors to emissions producing 918 million metric tons of CO2 emission or will make up 25% of the worlds carbon emissions by 2050. Emission of a journey by jet from London to New York is the same as that of heating a house for a year, or recycling items for 8 years, or not eating meat for 2 years.

This course is for all UK and overseas engineers that want to use their current engineering knowledge and learn through lessons, intimate tutorials (university style) and workshops, to reinforce and increase their engineering knowledge in mechanical, aerospace and aeronautical engineering . The course will lead students to research the development in building larger, more efficient and near zero emissions aircrafts.

Students will learn about the underlying engineering principals in the propulsion and design of flying objects.

Students will learn about the current commercial trends in commercial aircrafts and then during the course students will be expected to design and build a small working scale model and prototype of an aircraft capable of carrying 600+ passengers.

Topics Covered

• Introduction to aeronautical and aerospace engineering
• Calculus I , II, III, understanding the Maths needed for engineering and flight and propulsion
• Foundation differential equations
• Strength and choice of materials in building aeronautical and aerospace technology
• Rigid body dynamics
• Thermodynamics
• Aircraft vrs aeronautical structures and aerodynamics
• Mechanical engineering of design and engineering of propulsion systems
• Aircraft design and rocket design and the future of aeronautical design
• Dynamics of stability and thrust
• Dealing with vibrations and control
• A look into current and future engine types and future engines and propulsion methods
• Future technology and future engineering

Workshops

Students will learn about engineering behind the current and proposed future flying machines.

The aim is to design and build a potentially zero emission “flying object” capable of carrying large numbers of passengers long distances without the need for refuelling. Students in small groups or individually during the course will be required to design and build a working prototype and model of one of zero emission engine. The aircraft should be capable of flying. The students will be required to explain their design concept and propulsion system to the other class engineers and lecturer.

• Electric Plane – Students will study the engineering behind the current hybrid aircraft propulsion systems and in particular study the aeronautical and mechanical engineering behind the 2MW power producing E-fan-X.
• Solar Power Planes - The use of solar energy to power engines is increasingly becoming viable to make airplanes or commercial weather aircrafts stay airborne 24/7.
• Nuclear Power Planes – Is this possible given the size and weight of the nuclear reactors needed to create fusion and power and shield wall necessary for the neutrons.
• Alternative Fuels - a look into other future energy forms – for example liquid hydrogen and hydrogen fuel cells.

Visit to Rolls Royce Trust Museum Derby

Student of the Aeronautics, aerospace and mechanical engineering course will have a unique tour by former senior engineers to tell the story about the development of working of the 100 engines from the earliest engine to the latest jet engine such as the Trent 1000.

University Visit and Guest Speaker

Our students will be pushed to their limits to learn and importantly enjoy the course through learning and collaborating with other students from all over the world. Engineering students will have guest speakers and learn from leaders in engineering. Students will also have visits to leading Universities in engineering – such as Imperial College, UOL, Cranfield, Oxford and Cambridge. Students will forge friendships that will last a lifetime.

Recommended Reading

This is a recommended (not obligatory)  pre-course reading list for undergraduate students wishing to attend the 2-week Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering Course at Oxford, Cambridge or London University :

1. "Introduction to Flight" by John D. Anderson

• A comprehensive textbook covering the fundamental principles of aerodynamics and flight mechanics.

2. "Fluid Mechanics" by Frank M. White

• Essential for understanding the behavior of fluids, an important concept in both mechanical and aeronautical engineering.

3. "Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics" by J.L. Meriam & L.G. Kraige

• A foundational text on the principles of mechanics, motion, and forces, crucial for mechanical engineering.

4. "Aircraft Structures for Engineering Students" by T.H.G. Megson

• Introduces key concepts related to aircraft structures and materials.

5. "Mechanical Engineering Design" by J.E. Shigley

• A must-read for students wanting to learn about mechanical design principles and applications.

These books will provide foundational knowledge in both mechanical and aeronautical engineering concepts, setting you up for success in the course.

This publication deals with the foundation engineering maths then moving to the maths necessary for all engineering disciplines

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312220301_Engineering_Mathematics_with_Examples_and_Applications

The LITE Regal Summer School isn’t all about work! Our dedicated Events Team has created an exciting action packed social programme to complement your studies to ensure you have as much fun as possible, make friends and get the most out of your stay with us.

Please visit our activities page for more details: Cambridge  London

Cultural Excursions

Excursions take a full advantage of an excellent transport network both from London and Cambridge, giving you a real taste of life in England.
Destinations can include: Harry Potter World, Windsor Castle & Eton College, Oxford, Brighton, Chessington World of Adventure.

After School Activities

There is so much going on in London and Cambridge and we don’t think you’ll be bored. After classes you’ll have a range of activities to enjoy too.
Here are a few examples of the kind of activities you might have the opportunity to enjoy this summer:
visiting London Eye, Madame Tussauds or the famous Houses of Parliament, film nights, punting down the river, visiting a West End Theatre, themed parties, sports including tennis, swimming, dancing and many more.

Free Time

We understand that students will want some free time to relax, attend to personal administration and contact their families. Some free time will be provided for rest and relaxation, however, we believe the most valuable experience to the student is a fully immersive, packed programme of activities and so students should expect to be engaged in team activities for the majority of time.

Please Ensure that you fulfill the following criteria :

• Be aged 18+
• Be from the UK or Overseas and currently Studying an Engineering Degree or Postgraduate
• Be serious about attending an Advanced Engineering Course and further your knowledge of Mechanical , Aeronautical  and Aerospace Engineering
• Have a level of English minimum B1, Intermediate, IELTS4-5, TOEFL 42-7 1 if you are unsure of your English level please contact us