PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Master of Science in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Design Awarding institution Teaching institution JACS Code Programme Duration Language of Programme Subject benchmark statement Programme accredited by Description of accreditation Validated target and alternative exit awards Liverpool John Moores University LJMU H410 Full-Time: 1 Year All LJMU programmes are delivered and assessed in English Engineering Benchmark Statement Master of Science in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Design Postgraduate Diploma in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Design Postgraduate Certificate in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Design Programme Leader Christian Matthews Educational aims of the programme This MSc programme is designed to allow for the academic development of engineering graduates such that after completion of the programme they can contribute to the development of unmanned aircraft systems in civil, scientific or industrial applications. To achieve this, the programme has specific educational aims: 1. Development of the technical knowledge which is required to specify an unmanned aircraft to meet a set of operational requirements in a civil, scientific or industrial application. 2. Development of specialist knowledge regarding the design processes which are applied when developing aircraft systems. 3. Development of a deep understanding of flight dynamics for both fixed wing aircraft and rotorcraft. 4. Development of a strong appreciation for the safety and reliability requirements of unmanned aircraft systems. Generally the programme imparts state-of-the-art knowledge in the area of unmanned aircraft systems design. It provides the necessary skills for individuals to maintain their specialist knowledge and to actively extend that knowledge beyond its current limits. The MSc Project module builds on the knowledge and skills imparted in the taught element and stresses the self-driven execution of a research orientated task. It imparts to students the necessary further skills and intellectual perspectives to conduct and report upon individual scholarly research which advances the current state of knowledge. Alternative Exit/ Interim Award Learning Outcomes - Postgraduate Certificate For the award of Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert), students will be able to engage with advanced levels of theories and concepts in relation to unmanned aircraft systems design, demonstrating appropriate levels of critical analysis and contextual awareness within the discipline. Alternative Exit/ Interim Award Learning Outcomes - Postgraduate Diploma For the award of Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip), in addition to the outcomes for PG Cert, students will be capable of applying a broader and deeper range of techniques to unmanned aircraft systems design. This would typically require a student to meet the learning outcomes for all taught components of the programme.
Target award Learning Outcomes - Master of Science A student successfully completing the programme of study will have acquired the following subject knowledge and understanding as well as skills and other attributes. 1. Evidence a comprehensive understanding of unmanned aircraft as complex systems of systems. 2. Demonstrate a deep knowledge and understanding of the sub-systems of both fixed-wing and multi-rotor UAVs. 3. Evidence a fundamental knowledge of the component elements of an unmanned aircraft including the principles of operation, limitations and directions of future development. 4. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge regarding the dynamics of flight for unmanned fixed wing and multi-rotor aircraft. 5. Demonstrate a knowledge of design processes which are required to develop unmanned aircraft for safe and legal operation in a range of different applications. 6. Carry out an informed critical evaluation of evidence. 7. Develop and evaluate new knowledge. Independently extending existing knowledge from external resources. 8. Accurately, objectively and critically summarise knowledge, data and information. 9. Analyse and synthesise concepts and ideas. 10. Evidence innovative and original problem solving. 11. Apply appropriate analytical and modelling techniques to understand the theoretical performance of unmanned aircraft.demonstrate the ability to apply the appropriate strategies to the application of analysis tools to solve practical design problems. 12. Plan and execute experiments, analyse results and draw comprehensive conclusions based on observed results and published data. 13. Prepare and present technical reports and presentations to a professional standard and to speak with authority on their engineering discipline. 14. Conduct research and scholarly activity in an effective manner and apply new methods to solve novel engineering problems in such a way as to deliver the identified outcomes. 15. Produce a design which satisfies a given specification. 16. Undertake academic research and demonstrate the ability to present findings using a range of appropriate information technologies including an ability to select appropriate data sets and present them in a format appropriate for the intended recipient 17. Communicate effectively in a professional manner by the means of written and spoken English and through the medium of diagrams, engineering drawings and 2D/3D CAD files. 18. Display and evidence enhanced self-learning skills appropriate to the attainment of a FHEQ level 7 qualification. 19. Critically evaluate own academic and professional performance, and organise/plan self-learning for the purpose of continuing professional development. 20. Work within time constraints and an ability to prioritise workloads in order to deliver to deadlines. 21. Generate and synthesise evidence required in the solution of complex engineering problems. Teaching, Learning and Assessment The methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated are as follows: Lectures are used for the dissemination of primary information which complements course notes and other materials which are provided to students through the virtual learning environment VLE. Lectures are used to deliver a wide range of content which may include presentations on theoretical, operational or practical aspects of the subject area. Lecture sessions will also be used to deliver case studies. Tutorials are used to reinforce learning and to offer students with the opportunity to complete example exercises with guidance. Practical sessions are used to give students direct experience using hardware or software. These activities may involve experimental work in a laboratory, using industry standard software in a computer room or operating equipment in the field. Learning outcomes which require students to carry out design tasks, or to synthesise solutions are principally
assessed by report, portfolio and project work. These modes of assessment reflect engineering industry practice and give students experience of disseminating information in a relevant format. In the case of knowledge based learning outcomes, assessment may be carried out using online testing or time limited examination. In all cases, assessment methods are constructively aligned with learning outcomes. Programme structure - programme rules and modules The programme is studied for one year in full-time mode. Students are required to achieve: 180 credits at Level 7 (120 from the taught element of the programme and 60 from the Masters Project) for a Masters degree Students who obtain 120 credits from the taught element of the programme would be eligible for the alternative exit award of a Postgraduate Diploma. Students who obtain at least 60 credits from the taught element of the programme would be eligible for the alternative exit award of a Postgraduate Certificate. Level 7 Potential Awards on completion Master of Science Core Option Award Requirements 7000MSC MSc Project (60 7001MSC Research Skills (10 7016MSC Safety and Reliability (10 7101UAS Aircraft Systems Design A (20 7102UAS Aircraft Systems Design B (20 7103UAS Flight dynamics and Simulation (20 7304DRO Drone Applications (20 7305DRO Sensors and Data Analysis (20 180 core credits at level 7 0 option credits at level 7 Information about assessment regulations All programmes leading to LJMU awards operate within the University's Academic Framework. https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/public-information/academic-quality-and-regulations/academic-framework Opportunities for work-related learning ( location and nature of activities) There is no formal specific element of work-related learning in the programme. However the programme incorporates significant professional practice. Wherever possible, case studies are taken from real world industrial and research sources. Criteria for admission Other The normal requirements for entry to the award Programme are as follows: 1. An upper second class (2:1) or higher honours degree in an appropriate engineering subject such as; Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering. 2. An upper second class (2:1) or higher honours degree in another engineering discipline outside of the list given above provided the applicant can establish, by providing details of the curriculum of the award, that sufficient engineering science has previously been studied to enable them to successful follow the programme. 3. Applicants with a lower second class (2:2) honours degree in an appropriate engineering subject such as Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering will be considered on an individual basis and are encouraged to apply. 4. Other qualifications or experience deemed to be equivalent to the above. In particular, applications from
individuals without the above qualifications, but with substantial and significant experience in the field of the programme are welcomed. Such applications must be accompanied by a portfolio providing detailed evidence of the applicants relevant experience and ability to successfully follow the programme. References will normally be required for all candidates. The Programme actively supports the University Equal Opportunities policy and strategy in its underlying philosophy to value and respect individuals, and its commitment to maximize the potential of each student. The Programme is committed to complying with legislation, in particular the Race Relations Amendment Act 2000 and the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001. Applications from students with disabilities are positively welcomed. All applicants must provide evidence of competence in English. The level of English language required should be equivalent to 6.0 for IELTS within the previous 24 months. Equivalents to this score are: 1. UK GCSE English grade C or above 2. Cambridge Examination Board: Advanced Certificate of English, grade C or above. Applicants who have studied and successfully achieved a UK Degree programme within the previous 24 months are exempt from the requirements to produce evidence of competence in English. Overseas applicants should check if they require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme or ATAS certificate. It can take four to six weeks to receive an ATAS certificate, so please make sure you apply as early as possible. You can find out more on the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website. Alternatively, contact LJMU's International Admissions Team for guidance. External Quality Benchmarks All programmes leading to LJMU awards have been designed and approved in accordance with the UK Quality Code for Higher Education, including the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in the UK (FHEQ) and subject benchmark statements where applicable. The University is subject to periodic review of its quality and standards by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Published review reports are available on the QAA website at www.qaa.ac.uk Programmes which are professionally accredited are reviewed by professional, statutory and regulatory bodies (PSRBs) and such programmes must meet the competencies/standards of those PSRBs. Support for students and their learning The University aims to provide students with access to appropriate and timely information, support and guidance to ensure that they are able to benefit fully from their time at LJMU. All students are assigned a Personal Tutor to provide academic support and when necessary signpost students to the appropriate University support services. Students are able to access a range of professional services including: Advice on practical aspects of study and how to use these opportunities to support and enhance their personal and academic development. This includes support for placements and careers guidance. Student Advice and Wellbeing Services provide students with advice, support and information, particularly in the areas of: student funding and financial matters, disability, advice and support to international students, study support, accommodation, health, wellbeing and counselling. Students studying for an LJMU award at a partner organisation will have access to local support services Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning Student Feedback and Evaluation The University uses the results of student feedback from internal and external student surveys (such as module evaluations, the NSS and PTES), module evaluation questionnaires and meetings with student representatives to improve the quality of programmes. Staff development The quality of teaching is assured through staff review and staff development in learning, teaching and assessment. Internal Review All programmes are reviewed annually and periodically, informed by a range of data and feedback, to ensure
quality and standards of programmes and to make improvements to programmes. External Examining External examiners are appointed to programmes to assess whether: the University is maintaining the threshold academic standards set for awards in accordance with the FHEQ and applicable subject benchmark statements the assessment process measures student achievement rigorously and fairly against the intended outcomes of the programme(s) and is conducted in line with University policies and regulations the academic standards are comparable with those in other UK higher education institutions of which external examiners have experience the achievement of students are comparable with those in other UK higher education institutions of which the external examiners have experience and to provide informative comment and recommendations on: good practice and innovation relating to learning, teaching and assessment observed by external examiners opportunities to enhance the quality of the learning opportunities provided to students Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content, teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in module and programme guides.