Aerospace Engineering MSc

From the moment you begin your studies at Leeds, you’ll be immersed in hands-on, industry-relevant learning. The university equips you with the same advanced tools professionals use—specialist software, CAD facilities, wind tunnels, fully equipped labs, and an integrated workshop with 3D printers, lathes, and CNC machines. These resources give you the chance to design, test, and refine aerospace components just as you would in a real engineering workplace.

As you move into your core modules, you’ll take on both individual and team projects that bring your learning to life:

Professional Project (60 credits) – This is your chance to lead a major research or industry-linked piece of work. You’ll manage the whole process: planning, risk assessment, experimentation, analysis, and final reporting. Past student projects have explored exciting topics like:

• Designing titanium aerospace components for additive manufacturing

• Building optimization software inspired by swarm intelligence

• Analyzing the aerodynamics of supersonic vehicles using CFD

• Creating a Mars Rover umbilical mechanism

Team Design Project (15 credits) – Working with your peers, you’ll respond to a real, multidisciplinary brief. It’s not just about the technical side—you’ll also weigh up environmental, regulatory, and cost considerations to deliver an innovative, practical solution.

Beyond the core projects, you’ll have the freedom to specialize through a wide range of optional modules, such as:

• Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis – mastering commercial CFD software

• Engineering Computational Methods – applying numerical models to complex engineering problems

• Experimental Methods and Analysis – learning to design experiments and process data effectively

• Advanced Finite Element Analysis – simulating structural behavior with FEM tools

• Spacecraft Dynamics and Control – developing MATLAB models of spacecraft control systems

What makes Leeds stand out is that work experience isn’t just encouraged—it’s built into your degree. In your final months, you’ll take part in an 8-week virtual placement with a company. Working in a small team, you’ll tackle a genuine engineering challenge, supported by both an academic mentor and the EPS Employability Team. It’s a great way to apply your skills in a professional setting, build industry contacts, and even secure a reference letter that strengthens your career prospects.

Completing the MSc Aerospace Engineering doesn’t just give you a degree—it opens the door to an exciting and rewarding career. From graduate jobs with leading employers to long-term professional growth, you’ll be in a strong position to succeed.

University Services to Support Employment

From the very first day of your course, you’ll have access to the university’s award-winning Employability Team. They’ll be there to:

• Run tailored careers events and specialist fairs focused on engineering and aerospace.

• Offer one-to-one guidance on CVs, applications, and interviews.

• Support your placement applications if you choose the industrial placement year—previous students have secured roles with Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix, EDF Energy, Siemens, and more.

Plus, with MyCareer, you’ll always be connected—this platform lets you find job postings, book careers appointments, and access resources even after you’ve graduated.

Employment Statistics & Salary Insights

Graduates of this MSc go on to do well in the job market:

• 70% were employed within 15 months of finishing, with 85% in highly skilled roles.

• The majority of aerospace and engineering graduates report salaries in the £25,000–£30,000 range, a strong start compared to many other fields.

University–Industry Partnerships

Your degree isn’t designed in isolation—it’s built in collaboration with industry leaders. An Industrial Advisory Board (IAB), including experts from major aerospace companies, directly shapes the course. This means:

• The modules you study are always up-to-date and relevant.

• You’ll hear directly from professionals through guest talks.

• Many final-year projects are co-delivered with top aerospace employers, giving you invaluable hands-on experience and connections.

Long-Term Accreditation Benefits

The MSc is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS). This professional recognition boosts your CV, demonstrates the quality of your training, and supports your route to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status in the future.

Graduation Outcomes & Career Paths

Our graduates have gone on to impressive roles across aerospace and beyond. Here are just a few examples:

• Project Engineer – Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing

• Flight Physics Engineer – Airbus

• Gas Turbines Design Engineer – Assystem UK

• Avionics Technical Engineer – British Airways

• Nuclear Engineer – EDF Energy

• Helicopter Pilot & Licensed Engineer – Heli-Jet Aviation

• Manufacturing Engineer – Rolls-Royce Plc

• RAF Officer

• Test Engineer – Jaguar Land Rover

With career paths spanning from aircraft design and propulsion to advanced research, defence, and even piloting, this MSc sets you up for a future as dynamic as the aerospace sector itself.