Enter OTP
18 Months On Campus Masters Program
University of HertfordshireThis 18-month master’s gives you a strong mix of advanced technical knowledge and practical design, analysis, and management skills. It’s built for people who already have a background in engineering (mechanical, aerospace, or related fields) and want to take their expertise further. By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to take on complex aerospace challenges and move into roles in design, simulation, propulsion, and aerodynamics — with a qualification recognised as meeting the requirements for Chartered Engineer status.
Curriculum structure
The course doesn’t split neatly into “Year 1” and “Year 2” since it runs as an 18-month programme. Instead, you’ll move step-by-step from foundations through to advanced study, finishing with a major research or design project.
Early to mid-stage (first modules):
You’ll start by building strong foundations in areas like Aerospace Aerodynamics, Flight Mechanics, CFD and Applications, and Aerospace Materials and Manufacturing. This is where you’ll gain key skills in computational fluid dynamics, aerodynamic theory (from potential flow to hypersonics), and aircraft stability and control, while also exploring material selection, composites, and manufacturing methods. Expect plenty of hands-on lab work and extensive use of specialist software and simulation tools.
Middle stage:
The focus then shifts to advanced analysis and simulation. You’ll study Finite Element Methods (FEM), Propulsion Technology (including emerging electric propulsion), Flight Simulation, and Aeroelasticity. These modules take you deeper into structural dynamics, flutter, control reversal, propulsion design, and flight modelling — with an emphasis on using modern simulation techniques to solve real engineering problems.
Final stage – Project / Dissertation:
The course culminates in a substantial project, either individually or as part of a group. This is where you put everything into practice — applying theory, simulations, and potentially experimental work to demonstrate that you can research, design, and solve complex aerospace engineering problems at a professional level.
Focus areas
Aerodynamics, flight mechanics, and aircraft stability
Propulsion systems, including electric propulsion
Simulation and computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
Materials and manufacturing for aerospace, including composites
Aeroelasticity and structural dynamics
What you’ll learn
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:
Carry out advanced aerodynamic and fluid dynamics analysis with CFD.
Design and evaluate propulsion systems, including gas turbines and electric engines.
Model and analyse aircraft flight dynamics, stability, and control.
Select and apply aerospace materials with an understanding of manufacturing processes and structural behaviour.
Use flight simulation tools and experimental methods.
Combine technical insight with management awareness to approach aerospace engineering challenges from multiple angles.
Professional recognition
The MSc is accredited by both the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). It fully meets the further learning requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration.
Reputation and rankings
With over 50 years of experience teaching aerospace, the School has a long-established reputation in the field. It was ranked 1st in the East of England for Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering in the 2023 Complete University Guide, and 7th in the UK for engineering and technology postgraduate experience in the 2024 PTES survey.
From day one, you won’t just be learning theory — you’ll be putting it into practice in real engineering contexts. Whether it’s through simulation, design, testing, lab work, or flight mechanics, the course is built so you’re not only mastering the fundamentals but also applying them in hands-on projects. You’ll work with industry-standard software and hardware, collaborate with peers, and get access to specialist facilities. All of this is based in Spectra, the brand-new engineering and physics building, designed specifically to support applied learning.
Hands-on tools, labs & facilities
Spectra building: You’ll use its modelling, simulation, and research labs, including the Merlin Flight Simulator, which lets you experience realistic aircraft behaviour.
Wind tunnels: Test airflow, aerodynamics, and see how theory translates to real-world flight conditions.
Controls testing suite, welding bay, and automotive workshop: Including an electric vehicle facility to explore engineering beyond aerospace.
Open-access laboratories and computer labs: Spaces where you’ll run simulations, complete assignments, and experiment with designs.
Software, projects & coursework
CFD & Applications and Aerospace Aerodynamics modules: These make strong use of professional Computational Fluid Dynamics software to model airflow.
FEM & Applications module: Learn finite element analysis and simulate how different structures behave under stress.
Flight Mechanics and Flight Simulation modules: Use advanced simulation tools for navigation, dynamics, and aircraft behaviour modelling.
Team-based work, projects & research
Every stage of the course includes projects, case studies, and design challenges where you apply analysis and creativity.
You’ll take part in group work — designing and testing components or systems alongside your peers in labs or workshops.
Many modules are structured around projects, so you’re building practical experience as you learn.
Industry focus & professional preparation
Accreditation: The program is accredited by RAeS and IMechE, putting you on the pathway toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. That means everything you do is aligned with industry expectations.
Strong industry links: You’ll benefit from skills sessions and insights from leading organisations such as Rolls-Royce, Thales, and MBDA.
StudyNet: The university’s online platform gives you easy access to teaching materials, tutorials, and discussion forums with staff and fellow students.
Where graduates go:
Most students who finish this programme move into specialist or leadership roles in aerospace and defence. That could mean becoming a technical specialist, an engineering manager, or a design and analysis engineer. Common pathways include working as an aerodynamics engineer, propulsion or flight mechanics specialist, or systems engineer. Because the course combines in-depth technical modules—like CFD, aerodynamics, and flight mechanics—with project and management experience, you’ll be well-prepared both for hands-on technical roles and for stepping into leadership positions later on.
Support for your career at Herts:
You won’t be on your own when it comes to planning your future. The Careers and Employment team offers tailored one-to-one advice, helps with CVs and applications, and organises events and webinars that connect you directly with employers. Alongside that, the Academic Support Hub provides extra employability training, mentoring, and academic skills development. You’ll also have access to “My Career Portal” and professional networks like Handshake, which regularly list placement and graduate opportunities from industry partners.
Employment prospects and salaries:
Starting salaries for aerospace engineers in the UK are typically between £25,000 and £34,000, depending on location, employer, and your experience. With more experience—or by gaining Chartered Engineer status—you could see your earnings rise to £45,000 and in many cases well beyond £80,000. At Hertfordshire more broadly, around 93.5% of engineering graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, showing the strong employment outcomes our students achieve.
Industry connections and facilities:
This course is accredited by both the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, which means it directly supports your journey to becoming a Chartered Engineer. The programme also has close relationships with leading aerospace and defence companies including Rolls-Royce, Thales, and MBDA. On campus, you’ll work with industry-level facilities like wind tunnels, advanced CAE software, and professional flight simulators—so you’ll graduate with experience that mirrors the tools and environments you’ll use in the workplace.
The value of accreditation and reputation:
Having a degree accredited by RAeS and IMechE is a major advantage—it signals to employers that your qualification meets the highest professional standards and counts towards Chartered Engineer status, which is key for long-term career progression. The University of Hertfordshire also has a strong reputation in this area, ranked 1st in the East of England for Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering in the Complete University Guide 2023.
Life after graduation:
Many of our graduates step into roles such as aerodynamics engineer, flight mechanics specialist, technical or project engineer, or engineering manager. Alumni have gone on to work with top-tier employers in defence, aerospace, and even motorsport—proof that this programme opens doors to highly competitive and exciting industries.
Honours degree: Applicants should hold an honours degree in aerospace or aerospace systems engineering, with at least a UK 2:2 equivalent. Degrees from other technical subjects may also be considered, depending on relevance and performance.Minimum undergraduate score: A typical requirement for international students is a minimum of 55–65% in undergraduate studies, depending on the exact subject. IELTS: 6.0 overallPTE Academic, Duolingo, TOEFL IBT: equivalent to IELTS 6.0.Academic documentation: Submission of two signed academic references, official transcripts, and degree certificates is required. Personal statement: Must include the motivation for choosing this course, reasons for choosing the University of Hertfordshire and the UK, and future career aspirations. Start date: Students can apply at any time before the course starts; places are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Part time £1495 per 15 credits for the 2026/2027 academic yearAmerica: Completion of a 4 year bachelors degree with GPA 2.5 out of 4India: Completion of Bachelor degree in a relevant subject area with 55-65% or above depending on course.Aerospace EngineerAerodynamics SpecialistFlight Test EngineerPropulsion EngineerAircraft Design EngineerStructural EngineerSystems EngineerAvionics EngineerManufacturing EngineerCAD Design EngineerResearch ScientistSpacecraft EngineerMaintenance EngineerQuality Assurance EngineerDefence Technology SpecialistProject EngineerAerospace ConsultantLecturer/Academic ResearcherUnmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) EngineerSatellite Systems Engineer
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