Besides getting up to speed with the core mathematics, a good revision of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics is essential as Genghis the Engineer has touched on! This is the basis for aerodynamics low and high speed and for propulsions as well. The basics I presume would be covered under a foundation year.
Education is very much delivered now through 'Problem Based Learning'. Much now is applying equations and theorems to solve a particular problem, rather than testing your knowledge on the actual Theory! However, this does vary between courses and universities.