MSc Aerospace Engineering

At the University of Bristol, the MSc in Aerospace Engineering isn’t just about theory—it’s a launchpad into the future of aerospace. You'll dive into hands-on work from day one: collaborating with peers on multidisciplinary design challenges, using simulation tools, and developing industry-ready soft skills like communication and teamwork. Bristol’s close proximity to major aerospace players—Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GKN, Leonardo, Boeing—means you're studying in the heart of the UK's aerospace hub, with doors to industry wide open 

You'll be able to tailor the program with optional units reflecting Bristol’s cutting-edge research strengths—think aerodynamics, composites, aeroacoustics, space engineering, control systems. That means you can dive deeper into what excites you most, while also getting to apply your learning in a real design context.

Here’s how that translates into practical learning for you:

• Group Multidisciplinary Design Task: You’ll work in teams on a project that mirrors real-world industrial design briefs—conceptual aircraft design, soft-skill development like teamwork and communication included.

• Optional Research-Driven Units: Modules in aerodynamics, composites, control, aeroacoustics, space engineering—guided by faculty research strengths—let you specialize in your interests..

• Proximity to Aerospace Industry: Being in Bristol gives you strategic access to leading firms—Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GKN, Leonardo, Boeing—making internships, placements, and networking highly accessible.

Additional Experiential Elements

Though not every detail is spelled out on the public page, here’s what you can reliably expect based on the university’s broader infrastructure:

• Advanced Laboratories and Simulation Tools: The program's focus on aerodynamics, composites, structures, and control implies access to dedicated aerospace labs and computational facilities—used to support both teaching and your group design tasks.

• Strong Research Environment: Within Bristol, postgraduates in aerospace (including MSc and MSc by research/PhD students) work across vibrant research groups like Fluid Flow & Aerodynamics, Bristol Composites Institute, Dynamics & Control, and Robotics. These groups include dozens of academics, research staff, and postgraduate researchers—supporting a collaborative and technically rich learning environment.

• Access to University Libraries & Resources: As a Bristol MSc student, you’ll have full access to the university’s libraries and academic support—indispensable for assignments, projects, and enabling deep dives into your specialism.

• Industry-Relevant Projects: Group tasks mimic real industry scenarios, preparing you to contribute from day one after graduation. Many students move into roles with aerospace, automotive, space missions, etc.—your degree sets you on that track

Graduates from this MSc are well-on their way to leadership roles in aerospace design, research and development, or cross-sector technical consultancy. Typical job paths include:

• Aerospace Design Engineer

• R&D Engineer (e.g. aerodynamics, composites, control systems)

• Systems Integration Specialist (aviation or space systems)

• Technical Project Manager or Consultant in high-tech industries

Progression & Future Opportunities:

• University services to boost your employability: The Industrial Liaison Office connects students with industrial mentors, secures internships or project input from industry experts, and supports you in gaining real-world insight and experience. Engineers from partner companies also contribute directly to the group design project, giving you invaluable industry engagement.

• Employment statistics & salary figures: Across aerospace and aeronautical engineering at Bristol, median starting salaries are around £30,000 fifteen months after graduation, rising to about £32,000 after three years and £37,000 after five. Employment rates are strong, with over 80% working or studying 15 months post-graduation. In Bristol specifically, Aerospace Engineers earn on average around £40,500, with a typical range between £33,482 and £50,030.

• University–industry partnerships (specific): The University of Bristol benefits from close ties to major aerospace industry players based in the region—including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GKN, Leonardo, and Boeing—all just minutes from campus, offering a vibrant industrial ecosystem and potential collaboration opportunities. Boeing UK, for instance, partners with the University, supporting programmes such as unmanned aerial systems (UAS), offering scholarships, funding, and even project prizes for standout MSc project work.

• Long-term accreditation value: The programme is rooted in Bristol’s nationally leading aerospace teaching and world-class research. The university ranks 5th in the UK for research, with 94% of its research judged world-leading or internationally excellent. This gives your degree long-lasting credibility, whether you're working in industry or advancing academically.

• Graduation outcomes: You’ll graduate equipped with cutting-edge technical know-how (in areas like aerodynamics, composites, control, or space systems), practical teamwork skills from multidisciplinary design tasks, plus research experience via a project with one of Bristol’s renowned research groups.