Overview

Our Aerospace Engineering MSc is designed to expand your knowledge and expertise in aerospace and aeronautical engineering.

Accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) for our 2021-22 intakes, this course includes subjects such as advanced computer aided engineering for aerodynamics and structures simulation, experimental methods to analyse structures and materials, and emerging aircraft technologies like unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones.

The aviation and aerospace industry are committed to a sustainable future and our course covers the appropriate techniques, methods and subjects within this ever-changing industrial environment in more detail. With an emphasis on applied technical work, particular prominence is given to the developments in aircraft autonomy, the design and analysis of aircraft structures, computational fluid dynamics, advanced materials and processes, flight simulation and experimental methods.

This master's programme provides you with the additional option to apply for a 'work placement' opportunity during your first semester with us. The 'work placement', which if secured, is designed to further develop your skills, knowledge and professional experience with the aim of maximising your employability prospects. Please note that the optional placement modules incur an additional tuition fee of £4,000, payable on completion of your placement.

Course information

The work carried out on this course is designed to provide the demonstrable expertise and skills necessary to help secure professional level employment in the highly demanding aviation and aerospace industries.

In addition to the eight mandatory modules, you will undertake a substantial project to further develop your analytical, critical communication and presentation skills.

Previous students have worked on projects proposed and in collaboration with companies which in the past have included: the control of satellites with actuator failures with Airbus Defence and Space; curve versus flat impact, analysing stiffness, strength and failure mechanisms with MBDA; the effect of surface preparation (roughness) on composite and metal joints with MBDA; and aerospace manufacturing processes with Rolls Royce.

Career prospects

The UK currently has the second largest aerospace industry in Europe and the third largest in the world, employing around 230,000 people in over 3,000 companies, including BAE Systems, GKN and Rolls-Royce, and a range of international companies with operations in the UK, such as Airbus, Cobham, AgustaWestland, Finmeccanica, Thales, Boeing and Bombardier. A global skills shortage continues to ensure engineers remain among the most in-demand professions; Engineering UK predicts 186,000 people with engineering skills will be needed annually through to 2024 to meet demand.

The specialist topics studied on the programme are designed to prepare you for work in companies involved with aeronautical engineering, but there are also many roles in related industries that rely on the same technology, such as the automotive industry. Possible destinations could include the fields of design, development, operations and management, as well as projects, systems, structural and avionics engineers.

Upon successful completion of the course you will have develop a wide range of transferrable professional and technical skills during your studies, including the ability to produce technical, written reports and deliver oral presentations, engage in self-directed study, operate as part of a team, demonstrate a critical awareness of professional, legal, social and ethical issues.