Masters by Research Aerospace Engineering

As a research student, you won’t just be reading about aerospace theory — you’ll dive straight into hands-on, cutting-edge research from the very start. You’ll be guided by supervisors who are leaders in areas like aeroelasticity, control systems, aerodynamics (both steady and unsteady), flapping wing design, nonlinear dynamics, and structural analysis under uncertainty. Alongside them, you’ll spend your time in specialist labs set up for exactly this kind of work.

Over the 12 months (or 24 months if you study part-time), you’ll design, carry out, and present your own original research. There are formal checkpoints, like vivas, but the focus is on developing your independence as a researcher while always having expert support close by.

Key tools and facilities you’ll use include:

• Dedicated supervision and mentorship: You’ll be matched with a Principal Supervisor and a second supervisor who are experts in your research area. They’ll provide regular feedback, direction, and encouragement to keep your project moving forward.

• Specialist laboratories: Research takes place in well-equipped labs designed for aeroelasticity, dynamics, and control systems, giving you the right environment to test and refine your ideas.

• Advanced software tools: You’ll use industry-standard CAE packages and computational simulations for modelling, analysis, and design. These tools help bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.

• The new Spectra building: This facility brings together engineering, physics, and computer science under one roof. It houses a £2 million suite of wind tunnels, flight simulators, robotics labs, structural testing strong floors, and control system testing suites. These resources are invaluable for experimental validation and prototype development.

• Clear progression milestones: Early in your research, you’ll complete a registration assessment (a viva) to confirm your project setup and direction. The programme culminates in your thesis and final viva, assessed by both internal and external examiners.

At Hertfordshire, you won’t be on your own. You’ll have two dedicated supervisors — a Principal Supervisor and a Second Supervisor — both experienced in aerospace research. They’ll guide you throughout your project, making sure you have the right balance of academic and practical support. You’ll also get access to state-of-the-art labs in Hatfield, with facilities covering areas like aeroelasticity, aerodynamics (steady and unsteady), nonlinear dynamics, and structural analysis.

On top of this, the university’s career and employment services are there to help you with everything from job applications and placements to networking opportunities. Because many of the projects are connected to industry or supported by grants, there’s also the chance to build valuable links with employers while you study.

Employment stats and salary figures
While Hertfordshire doesn’t publish salary data specifically for this research programme, we can look at the aerospace field more broadly. In the UK, starting salaries for aerospace engineers are typically between £25,000 and £34,000. With experience or higher qualifications like a research Masters, that can rise to £30,000–£50,000 and beyond.

For students on similar Hertfordshire aerospace degrees, the median salary 15 months after graduation is around £28,000 — and this usually grows steadily as your career progresses.

University–industry partnerships
One of Hertfordshire’s strengths is its close ties with industry. Aerospace research here is supported by funding from organisations such as the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the De Havilland Trust, and other industry partners. Even though this Masters by Research is more academic in nature, those industry links mean your project will be grounded in real-world challenges, often with direct input or support from companies.

Long-term value
The University of Hertfordshire has a strong reputation in aerospace. In fact, they were ranked first in the East of England for Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering in the 2023 Complete University Guide. A research Masters also carries significant weight if you’re thinking long-term. It’s a real advantage if you want to work towards Chartered Engineer status, move into high-level R&D roles, or simply show employers you can handle advanced research and problem-solving.

Graduation outcomes
When you finish, you’ll submit a thesis and defend your work in a viva with both internal and external examiners — a real academic milestone that demonstrates your ability to carry out independent, novel research.

Graduates from this pathway are well prepared for a wide range of careers: from research laboratories and aerospace companies to defense, space agencies, or even academia. Compared to a taught Masters, this programme sets you apart with deeper expertise, independence, and industry relevance.