MSc Aerial Robotics
- MSc
Overview
The MSc Aerial Robotics will provide you with the knowledge required to become an innovator in aerial robotic systems and tackle the latest challenges for Uncrewed Air Vehicles (UAVs) or drones, from urban utility operations through to remote scientific investigation. Foundational skills such as flight dynamics, control and avionics will be complemented with disruptive technologies such as autonomous navigation and bio-inspiration.
This programme will expose you to a wide range of advanced engineering and computer science concepts and offers the opportunity to apply these to an aerial robotics project. Flight testing may be carried out at one of our world-class facilities including an indoor flight arena at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory or the outdoor flying site at Fenswood, Long Ashton.
The University of Bristol has a long history associated with aerospace, with the city providing a home to Airbus, Rolls-Royce, QinetiQ, Leonardo helicopters and a range of smaller SMEs. Drawing on this expertise, the Aerial Robotics programme will cover not only conventional vehicle design and onboard systems, but wider supporting robotics technologies including AI, ethics and the legal framework in which they operate.
MSc Aerial Robotics will also emphasise a systems approach, considering integration at technology, operational and environmental levels. Graduates will be able to deliver cutting-edge drone research and development in a variety of contexts.
Programme structure
The programme comprises several core and optional units. During your second term, you will start working on a substantial piece of research work that will make up one-third of your overall MSc. This will be working in partnership with one of our aerospace industry partners or aligned with one of our existing aerial robotics research projects. There are a wide range of different themes from which projects may be chosen, from advanced control to bio-inspired technologies and commercial applications.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc Aerial Robotics.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in any subject. All applicants must also have a module in C/C++, Java, Python, MATLAB or other similar formal programming languages. Alternatively, experience in these programming languages can also be demonstrated in a CV, personal statement, or a programming statement.
Details about requirements for the programming statement can be found in the Admissions Statement for this programme.
If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.
If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications:
- evidence of significant, robotics-related work experience (minimum six months);
- a relevant postgraduate qualification.
Specific module requirements would still apply.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
Go to admissions statementIf English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £15,700 per year
- Home: part-time (two years)
- £7,850 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £35,400 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
The programme covers the core technologies and underlying theory that is needed to support the rapidly growing commercial market in drones and small urban air mobility. Career opportunities include SME and large industrial manufacturers, research institutions, operators, regulatory bodies and the transport sector.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk