Transfers-Fluids-Materials in Aeronautical and Space Applications (TFM-ASA)

• TFM-ASA Master

Program factsheet

• Cooperation: University of Bordeaux (UBx), Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) (Germany) and Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL) (Belgium).
• Admission requirements: Hold a Bachelor degree in the fields of Engineering, Sciences and/or Technology. Students must provide strong academic records within the domain of sciences, particularly in solid and fluid mechanics, thermal sciences, thermodynamics and material sciences.
• Program duration: 2 years (4 semesters, 120 ECTS).
• Language requirements: Courses are taught in English.
  • TOEFL, a minimum of 550, 213 or 79 points respectively for paper-based, computerbased and Internet-based.
  • IELTS test at least 6.0 (out of a total of 9). 
• Level: Master degree.
• Participation fees: Students pay common participation fees which cover the national enrolment fees and services of each partner university. First year: 1,500€ for all students. Second year: 2,000€ for all students.

Program outline

The TFM-ASA program combines studies and research based on aerodynamics, thermodynamics, compressible flows, turbulence, propulsion, combustion, turbomachinery, material science, to name a few. These themes are all directly connected with technical and fundamental studies as well as with aircraft, spacecraft, drone issues, etc. The program is jointly managed by three academic European partners (France, Germany and Belgium) together with the support and expertise of:

• Bordeaux / France: Industrial partners such as IRT St Exupery (Technological Research Institute), BAAS Society (Bordeaux Aquitaine Aéronautique et Spatial) and Aerospace Valley. Leading research laboratories, strongly involved in the aeronautic field such as I2M, LCTS, IMB (UBx).
• Louvain-la-Neuve / Belgium: Applied Research Center CENEARO. Research Laboratories: IMMC (UCL).
• Cottbus-Senftenberg / Germany: Close collaborations with space agencies (ESA, DLR), ROLLS ROYCE, MTU Aero Engines. Research Laboratory: CFTM² at BTU

These industrial partners provide specialized classes and internships to the program, thus providing the students with an overview about the actual issues faced by companies today. The result is a top-quality, highly-renowned international Master degree that meets the 120 ECTS syllabus requirements and corresponds with current job market criteria.

Program structure

All students follow the same curriculum with some optional courses. The program is organized as follows:

Semester 1 to 4: Content

Semester 1: UBx: Material Science and Structures (30 ECTS)

Simulation and design of structures (9 ECTS)

Continuum mechanics and finite element method applied to solid mechanics (6 ECTS)

Fatigue and fracture (3 ECTS)

Materials and aeronautical structures (6 ECTS)

Non-destructive evaluation for aerospace applications (3 ECTS)

Assembly-bonding (3 ECTS)

Semester 2: UCL: Aeronautical Engineering (30 ECTS)

(6 mandatory courses out of 7)

Internal combustion engines (5 ECTS)

Aerodynamics of external flows (5 ECTS)

Introduction to turbomachinery (5 ECTS)

Advanced numerical methods (5 ECTS)

Quality management and control (5 ECTS)

Gas dynamics and reacting flows (5 ECTS)

Thermodynamics of irreversible phenomena (5 ECTS)

Semester 3: BTU: Advanced Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer (30 ECTS)

Compulsory Elective Modules I (3 courses to be chosen out of 5)

Computational fluid dynamics (6 ECTS)

Engineering acoustics - sound fields (6 ECTS)

Turbulence modeling (6 ECTS)

Thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer (6 ECTS)

Flow measurements (6 ECTS)

Compulsory Elective Modules II (1 course from IIa, 1 course from IIb) 

IIa: Mechanical Engineering, Aerodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science

IIb: Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science

Semester 4: Master thesis linked to the internship within a research institute, an other scientific institution or a company.

Strengths of this master program?

• International program taught by experts (academics and industrial partners) from three different universities in Europe.
• Joint French/German and Belgian Master degree.
• International mobility period in the partner countries (2 semesters).
• Close collaboration with industrial partners and research institutes with a guarantee of intensive training periods.

After this master program?

After graduation, students may access career opportunities such as:

• Engineers in companies / engineering departments of aeronautical and space sectors.
• Continuing their studies as PhD students and, after completion of their PhD, becoming postdoctoral researchers or assistant professors in universities or engineering schools.