MSc Composites Engineering
- MSc
Overview
Why Choose Composites Engineering?
Do you want to be at the forefront of future technologies driven by material innovations?
The MSc in Composites Engineering is designed to equip ambitious engineers with the expertise to develop lightweight, high-performance solutions that drive innovations in aerospace, automotive, energy and beyond. From hydrogen storage systems and ultra-scale wind turbines to next-generation aircraft platforms, lightweight vehicle strucutres, and rocket components, composites are breaking barriers where conventional materials have reached their limits.
With a strong emphasis on industry links and building fundamental knowledge through hands on-experience, this programme will prepare you to make an impact in a rapidly evolving industry. We welcome a diverse array of students from a wide variety of subject backgrounds and we can support you to transform into a composites engineer.
Learn from World-Leading Experts at the Heart of Composites Innovation
You will be taught by experts from the Bristol Composites Institute (BCI), a world-leading research institute which is home to over 30 leading academics advancing composites technologies with strong industrial partnerships. You will benefit from extensive use of state-of-the-art research facilities at the BCI. You will engage in cutting-edge research addressing the technological challenges of tomorrow, guided by leading industry partners such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus, GKN, etc.
Your Path to a High-Impact Career
This close integration with industry will prepare you for exciting career opportunities worldwide. Whether your passion lies in designing next-generation transport systems, developing sustainable energy technologies, or leading aerospace innovations, you will graduate with the skills and knowledge to succeed. These opportunities extend to any industry where advanced materials are key to step-changing breakthroughs. Potential roles include composites design engineer, material specialist, structural analyst, manufacturing engineer, production engineer, or R&D leader - all highly sought after by top global employers.
Take the next step in your engineering career and be part of the next industrial revolution.
Programme structure
You will build a strong foundation in the composite materials science and mechanics as well as the design, analysis, and manufacture of composite structures. Our curriculum places strong emphasis on practical, hands-on experience and industrial relevance.
The programme includes a research-based dissertation project, which allows you to apply your learning to highly industry-relevant problems supported by our industrial partners, enhancing your skills for a professional career in composites engineering.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree (60% or higher) or an international equivalent in an Engineering degree from one of the follow areas; Mechanical, Aeronautical, Aerospace, Automotive, Structural, Civil, Manufacturing, Chemical, Physics, Textile, Composites, Materials (Metallurgy, Composites, Polymer), Science (Polymer Chemistry, Physics) or Design (Engineering, Industrial).
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 your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional relevant work experience or qualifications. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing:
- evidence of one year work experience within the Composites industry working as an engineer
- a relevant postgraduate qualification.
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.
If 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
- £14,900 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £34,400 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
International students can apply for a range of funding. https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/fees-finance/scholarships/
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
This MSc is a great career development route for students with engineering or non-engineering backgrounds to develop and expand their expertise in composites. Our graduates are well-positioned to pursue careers across a wide range of rapidly growing industries, including aerospace, marine, automotive, wind turbine engineering, composite materials, materials testing and manufacturing, and engineering consultancy.
With a strong emphasis on practical skills and close industry engagement, the programme provides a robust platform for high employability. Some graduates choose to continue their academic journey through PhD research, aiming for senior engineering roles or academic careers.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk