This programme offers a holistic view on aircraft design. An aircraft is a complex, integrated, closely connected system of various technologies and disciplines such as aerodynamics, structure, propulsion, actuation and other on-board systems.

Aeronautical Engineering, Master's Programme

Autumn 2024 / Full-time / Linköping

Aeronautical Engineering, Master's Programme - Second admission round mainly for Swedish and EU/EEA students

Autumn 2024 / Full-time / Linköping

Aeronautical Engineering, Master's Programme

Autumn 2025 / Full-time / Linköping

Aeronautical Engineering, Master's Programme - Second admission round mainly for Swedish and EU/EEA students

Autumn 2025 / Full-time / Linköping

The aircraft industry faces major challenges in the transition towards sustainable transportation. After graduating from this programme you will be qualified to work independently and take on a leading role in the development of tomorrow’s aircraft. You will be introduced to the entire design process, from conceptual design to the final prototype. Problem-based learning, with frequent use of interdisciplinary courses, is a central part of our teaching. Several courses follow the CDIO (Conceive – Design – Implement – Operate) philosophy. The latter part of the programme involves a project in which these disciplines come together as you and your fellow students will design, build and fly an aircraft, or a subscale version.

Contemporary tools

The first year of the programme deals with the fundamentals of aeronautics, such as aircraft design, aerodynamics, engineering system design, product modelling, and aircraft systems and installation. Throughout the programme, progression is important and a mix of elective and mandatory courses prepares you for the thesis in the final semester. The use of contemporary engineering design tools is extensive and necessary in a multidisciplinary field such as aeronautical engineering.

Three profiles

During the studies you will choose one of the following profiles:

  • Aircraft Aerodynamics
    The air flow around an aircraft affects its performance substantially. In order to achieve acceptable and competitive results, modelling and simulation are vital parts of the development process. In this profile you will study how the flow affects performance and how to systematically improve it using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Learning methodology is central.
  • Aircraft Structures
    Reducing the weight of the aircraft is a classic challenge. The structural modelling, design and analysis of the components, in relation to the strict weight, strength and fatigue requirements placed on these components, are addressed in this profile. The final project involves the design and computational analysis of a component with relevance to the aircraft industry.
  • Aircraft Systems Design
    This profile teaches the holistic design concept, from customer needs to design parameter/characteristics and vehicle performance. This includes several courses focusing on overall and detailed design, but also engineering skills for modelling, simulation, and design analysis. You will also learn about systems engineering, in particular the technology and system architecture engineering of on-board propulsion, electric, and hydraulic systems.

Industry affiliations

Linköping is one of few places in the world where aircraft are designed and manufactured. There are several aeronautical and military aviation businesses in the city, most notably Saab, the producer of the Gripen aircraft and a tier-1 partner to Airbus and Boeing, various UAV manufacturers, and space company Beyond Gravity (former RUAG). As a student you will benefit from our location through close research collaboration between the university, the aerospace industry and our industry-affiliated teachers. Linköping University’s central position within aeronautical engineering is also manifested through our hosting of the Swedish Aerospace Research Center (SARC), which incorporates multiple collaborations with worldwide research actors.

Application and admission

Essential information

Testimonials

Bartosz Likoński

Meet Bartosz and hear what he has to say about the programme and life in Sweden.

Contact us

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Syllabus and course details

A detailed syllabus, curriculum and information on courses, including literature, can be found in our Study Information database via the link below. For entry requirements and tuition fees, please click the ”Admission requirements” tab at the top of the page.

Webinar

Watch a webinar about the Aeronautical Engineering programme, recorded in November 2018. It features Ingo Staack, Assistant Professor, and Owais Shahid, a second-year student on the programme.

Testimonial

Programme Coordinator David Lundström talks about the relevance of the Aeronautical Engineering programme, possible career paths, and what background you should have to apply.

Career opportunities

After graduation you will be prepared for a career within the aerospace industry, ranging from conceptual aircraft design to aircraft systems engineering and aircraft engineering. You will be capable of taking on leading roles and working independently. Alternatively, you can work in related fields such as vehicle or wind turbine engineering, complex systems and product development, general systems engineering, or you may opt to continue your career within academia.

Stories from the programme

Research

LiUBOT