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The MSc in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Manchester blends world-class research with practical application, giving you the skills to excel in one of the most exciting and fast-moving industries. From aerodynamics and heat transfer to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and aerospace design, this course helps you build expertise that’s both cutting-edge and industry-relevant.
It’s a perfect fit if you’re:
A recent graduate in engineering, physics, or mathematics ready to specialise, or
A professional aiming to move into aerospace and broaden your career horizons.
This programme equips you not just with technical mastery but also with the confidence and creativity to thrive in a global aerospace career.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1 (12 months, full-time)
You’ll gain a solid grounding in advanced aerospace engineering while sharpening your problem-solving and project skills. Core units include:
Experimental Methods – learn how to design, test, and validate experiments.
Engineering and Society – explore the ethical, professional, and societal impact of engineering.
Aerospace Group Design Project – work as part of a team to tackle a real aerospace challenge, just like in industry.
Dissertation Phase
Your year culminates with a 60-credit dissertation project where you’ll take on an independent piece of research or design. Projects often involve computational modelling or experimental investigations, giving you the chance to showcase your expertise on a real-world aerospace problem.
Focus Areas
You’ll have the opportunity to specialise in areas that drive today’s aerospace industry forward, including:
Aerospace design and aerodynamics
Rotorcraft and helicopter engineering
Heat transfer and flow diagnostics
Turbulence modelling and CFD
Learning Outcomes
By the time you graduate, you’ll be able to:
Confidently design and evaluate aerospace systems.
Apply both experimental and computational tools to real engineering scenarios.
Critically reflect on the societal and ethical implications of aerospace technologies.
This is more than just technical training—it’s preparation for leadership in a sector where innovation meets responsibility.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The MSc is in the process of reaccreditation by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) for the 2025–2030 intake, continuing its long-standing accreditation history since 2009.
Accredited graduates will have met part or all of the academic requirements needed to register as a Chartered Engineer (CEng)—a credential highly valued worldwide.
Reputation & Employability
Studying at Manchester puts you in the heart of opportunity:
The university is the UK’s most targeted by leading graduate employers (Graduate Market in 2023).
The Faculty of Engineering ranks 2nd in the UK for Research Power (REF 2021).
You’ll benefit from strong ties with global aerospace leaders such as Airbus, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, and DSTL.
Graduates leave not just with an MSc, but with a competitive edge in a sector that demands innovation, rigour, and adaptability.
✨ In short, the MSc Aerospace Engineering at Manchester is your launchpad into a career where you’ll help shape the future of flight.
You won’t just be sitting in lectures—you’ll be getting hands-on from day one. The program is designed to build your skills in real aerospace environments, using the same tools, labs, and methods professionals rely on. From wind tunnels to simulators, every facility is there to make engineering theory come alive. By the time you graduate, you’ll have worked with the same cutting-edge setups that drive the aerospace industry forward.
Here’s what experiential learning looks like in this course:
World-class facilities and software: You’ll get access to a huge range of specialist labs, including low- and high-speed wind tunnels, shock tubes, and flight simulators. You’ll also work with advanced setups for flow and heat-transfer testing, combustor rigs, composites labs, and even impact and explosion research. On top of that, you’ll use powerful computational tools such as Finite Element and CFD software, with access to dedicated high-performance computing clusters.
Team projects and research freedom: A highlight of the program is the Aerospace Group Design Project, where you’ll collaborate on real engineering challenges. Then, through your dissertation, you’ll choose an area—experimental, computational, or theoretical—that excites you most and take a deep dive into it.
Practical specialisations: You can shape your learning around your interests, with options like Advanced CFD, Autonomous Mobile Robots, Helicopters, Launch & Re-entry Gas Dynamics, Composites and Polymers, and more. Each one combines hands-on learning with advanced analysis.
Research-led teaching: The course is powered by Manchester’s world-renowned aerospace research. This means you’ll learn directly from experts solving the latest industry challenges—often in partnership with companies like Airbus, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, ESA, and MBDA.
Industry-focused experience: From aerodynamics and turbulence modelling to structural integrity and design, the program connects your coursework to real-world aerospace applications, giving you the kind of practical edge employers look for.
Professional and career support: You’ll also benefit from Manchester’s huge careers network, including annual fairs that bring together 600+ employers and over 20,000 visitors. Plus, the course is accredited by IMechE and the Royal Aeronautical Society, helping you take clear steps toward Chartered Engineer status.
Graduates from this programme are in high demand with leading aerospace and engineering companies, giving you a clear route into exciting roles in design, development, and advanced technology. Many go on to careers such as Aerospace Engineer, Satellite or Spacecraft Systems Engineer, Design Engineer, or Engineering Consultant.
University career support:
From the moment you join, you’ll have access to Manchester’s specialist careers service. That means one-to-one career advice, CV and application workshops, and tailored networking opportunities with employers—all designed to help you stand out in a competitive job market.
Employment and salary outlook:
Engineering master’s graduates from Manchester have an excellent track record—95% are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their course. The average starting salary sits around £32,000, with graduates typically progressing to around £38,500 just five years after graduation.
Industry connections:
The Department has strong relationships with some of the biggest names in the field—including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, EADS, Dstl, MBDA, and ESTEC/ESA. These connections bring real-world insight into your studies and open doors to placements, live projects, and collaboration opportunities.
Professional accreditation:
The MSc is accredited by both the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Royal Aeronautical Society. This means your degree counts directly towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status—the highest professional recognition in the field and a major advantage for your career progression.
Where our graduates go:
Manchester graduates are highly regarded by employers such as Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GE Aviation, Bombardier, BAE Systems, MBDA, and GKN Aerospace. On top of that, the University hosts one of the UK’s largest careers fairs every year, attracting more than 600 employers and 20,000 visitors—giving you unmatched access to recruiters from across the sector.
The standard academic entry requirement for this programmeis an Upper Second Class UK Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant science or engineering discipline.All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. IELTS: overall score of 7.0 with no sub-test below 6.5.TOEFL iBT: at least 100 overall with no sub-test less than 22. We do not accept 'MyBestScore'. We do not accept TOEFL iBT Home Edition.Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.The application deadline for this course is 31 March 2026. We may consider late applications if it is possible. All places are subject to availability. We therefore recommend that you apply early.Supporting documents: evidence of qualifications (certificates or transcripts);Transcript of your studies to date including credit weighting and grades achieved. If your academic documents are in languages other than English, please provide them in their original version and official translations. 2+2 and 3+1 applicants must provide official transcripts and certificates from both institutions.An official document from your university verifying your current weighted average mark (not arithmetic average) if this information is not included in your transcript of study. Please note : where grades are given as a percentage, the weighted average mark must also be recorded as a percentage, not as a GPA grade. If still studying, please provide an official list of all the modules you are taking in your final year.Degree certificate if you have already graduated. A CV if you graduated more than three years ago.Self-funded international applicants for this course will be required to pay a deposit of £1,000 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. This deposit will only be refunded if immigration permission is refused. We will notify you about how and when to make this payment.Please upload a copy of your current valid passport with your application showing the photograph page with your application. For CAS purposes, this must show your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number and the date the passport is valid until, which must be later than the date of your planned arrival in the UK, and the start date of your course.For Indian Applicants: Students who have completed a minimum of a three-year degree and who have obtained First Class from a reputable university are considered for postgraduate study. India: The minimum requirement typically ranges from 60-80% overall, depending on the quality of the university of prior study and grading scale.For US Applicants: The UK operates a system of 'conditional' and 'unconditional' offers. If we want to make you an offer, but you haven’t graduated, then we’ll usually make you a conditional offer (subject to you achieving a certain GPA). An undergraduate degree. A minimum GPA of 3.0, preferably 3.3 or above.aerospace engineeravionics engineerpropulsion engineerflight test engineerspacecraft systems engineeraerodynamics specialiststructural engineersystems integration engineerresearch scientistdefense technology specialistaircraft design engineerunmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) engineersatellite engineerproject manager in aerospacecomputational fluid dynamics (CFD) analystmaintenance and repair engineermanufacturing engineerquality assurance engineeracademic researcherconsultancy roles in aerospace and defense
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University of Manchester
