MSc Aerospace Engineering
- MSc
Overview
This programme is for engineering graduates like you, who want to build on your knowledge of advanced aerospace engineering topics and sharpen the skills you'll need to excel in the industry. As a graduate of this programme, you'll have the expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the aerospace sector and the skills to lead the development of next-generation solutions.
A world leading education
We are consistently ranked among the top universities for Aerospace Engineering in the UK, including being ranked 2nd by The Guardian University Guide 2024 and 3rd by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025. This reflects our commitment to research-led teaching from world-renowned experts in the field.
Is this programme right for you?
This programme is ideal if your first degree is in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or another engineering field that includes aerospace content. This programme welcomes a diverse array of students with different subject backgrounds. If you have a more general engineering degree, this programme will enable you to specialise in aerospace engineering, helping you transition directly into the aerospace sector.
Why Bristol?
The city of Bristol is widely recognised as a major global hub for aerospace engineering in the UK. You'll be just minutes away from the operations of global giants like Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GKN Aerospace, Leonardo, Boeing, and BAE Systems, among many other innovative companies such as Stirling Dynamics and Morson Projects.
This strong local industry presence provides unparalleled opportunities for networking, internships, and future employment.
Tailor your degree
What truly sets this program apart is its flexibility. You can customise your degree to focus on a specialism that genuinely interests you, or you can choose to maintain a broader scope. Our optional units are directly linked to the cutting-edge research expertise here at Bristol.
Beyond coursework, you'll engage in a group multidisciplinary design task. This isn't just an academic exercise; the brief is designed to mirror real-world industrial design problems in close collaboration with our industrial partners. You'll apply your advanced aerospace engineering knowledge and develop vital interpersonal skills like communication and teamwork as you work on the conceptual design of an aircraft.
The knowledge and skills you'll develop throughout this degree, supported by our world–leading academics and strong industry connections, will position you for a successful and impactful career in aerospace in the UK or globally. Are you ready to take the controls and shape the future of flight?
Programme structure
The MSc Aerospace Engineering programme is an advanced degree covering a broad range of aerospace subjects. It combines core units with diverse optional units, letting you tailor your degree to your interests and career goals.
Term 1: Foundational and Specialised Learning
In your first term, choose one foundational unit, supplemented by two additional optional units spanning advanced aerospace engineering, informed by Bristol's cutting-edge research.
Term 2: Collaborative Design and Advanced Research
During your second term, select a final optional unit, often led by a world-leading researcher. A major part of this term is the group design project. This multi-disciplinary project challenges you to apply learned concepts to the conceptual design of a full aircraft. The brief mimics industrial problems, developing essential team-working and communication skills.
Term 3: Pioneering Research and Innovation
Finally, your research project places you within one of Bristol's research teams. You'll engage in a cutting-edge research project, pushing the state-of-the-art. Examples include: reducing aircraft wing noise, developing simulation methods for large wind turbines, or designing deployable structures for spacecraft.
Ready to dive into these advanced concepts and contribute to aerospace innovation?
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in Aerospace Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.
OR
If your degree subject is not listed above, you will need a degree in another Engineering subject and to have studied units in Aerodynamics, Aeronautics, and Aerospace Structures with 40% or above (or international equivalent) in each unit.
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 qualifications. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing:
- 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.
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
- £15,900 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £34,900 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
This programme will provide you with key knowledge and skills to succeed in industry. You may choose to work for one of the many large, medium or small aerospace engineering businesses in the Bristol area. Alternatively, you may choose to work in the automotive sector, perhaps in Formula 1, which an aerospace degree can open doors to.
An engineering degree provides you with a broad skill set, with skills such as problem solving, team working, and communication. These skills mean engineering graduates are highly employable in a range of areas, including finance, consultancy and project management.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 121 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk