The courses start in September

Swansea University is launching the aerospace degrees in September giving students the chance to study all aspects of the industry - including space missions.

The scientific and technological developments that led to the recent launch of the Beagle 2 mission to Mars is just one of the study options.

Colin Pillinger studied at Swansea University and is now Professor of Planetary Sciences at the Open University and the project's leading scientist in the search for life on Mars.

The spirit of adventure that the Wright brothers demonstrated one hundred years ago is still with us and students can experience it through an aerospace course Professor Nigel Weatherill

Organisers say the course will prepare students for a career in the hi-tech industry that directly employs 150,000 people and supports a further 300,000 jobs.

Head of the School of Engineering, Professor Nigel Weatherill said: "The aerospace industry is one of the most technically-advanced, challenging and exciting industries there is.

"People are inspired by the work and the fascination with flight is every bit as strong now as it was in its earliest days.

"The difference now is that the achievements can vary widely from the development of fighter aircraft and helicopters to the technology behind space satellites.

"And the expertise extends into the automotive industry, electronics and communications."

Supersonic car

The launch of the two courses this year come 100 years after the Wright brothers' first flight in 1903.

The full-time degree programmes in aerospace engineering and aerospace communications, starting in September, lead to BEng (Hons) and MEng (Hons) qualifications.

Practical work includes laboratory experience using the university's wind tunnel, the jet engine test stand and flying sessions offered in conjunction with the flying school at Swansea Airport

Swansea University has a long history of collaborating on aerospace projects and staff and students regularly work with Airbus, BAE Systems, Rolls Royce and Boeing as well as NASA and its European equivalent ESA.

It also contributed to the aerodynamic design of the world's only supersonic land car, the Thrust SSC.

Professor Weatherill added: "The aerospace industry is more far-reaching than ever before and this means that there are broad opportunities in this exciting industry.

"The spirit of adventure that the Wright brothers demonstrated one hundred years ago is still with us and students can experience it through an aerospace course."