(Full time) 2020 start
Aerospace Engineering MSc
Overview
For the latest information for offer holders and applicants, please visit our covid-19 frequently asked questions.
Demand for aerospace engineering graduates is rising, both in the UK and overseas. In fact, the UK aerospace industry is the second biggest in the world after the USA, and it’s home to some of the world’s leading aerospace companies such as Airbus, Astrium, BAE Systems, GKN, Leonardo and Rolls-Royce.
Taught by expert academics in a leading research environment, this programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in an exciting and challenging sector. You’ll study aerospace structures and systems engineering, along with optional, specialist modules in areas such as aerodynamics and computational fluid dynamics, optimisation methods, rotary wing aircraft and propulsion. Our Aerospace Engineering Industrial Advisory Board is actively engaged in ensuring this course meets the needs of industry and reflects trends in the sector.
In addition to our advanced CAD facilities for design work, we have the latest industry-standard software for computational fluid dynamics and finite element modelling of material stress analysis, programming and structural and multidisciplinary optimisation.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council.
Course content
You will take specific compulsory modules on advanced topics, from aerospace structures and the theory behind structural analysis, to systems engineering and understanding how engineering psychology and human factors influence aircraft design. You’ll also develop and apply your knowledge to solving real-world problems and situations.
This will inform the rest of your studies where, depending on your background, you’ll select from a range of optional modules allowing you to pursue the topics that appeal to your interests or suit your future career plans. You could gain sophisticated knowledge in areas such as aerodynamics and aerospace propulsion, rotary wing aircraft, computational methods (CFD and advanced FEA) or materials failure analysis.
Throughout the programme you’ll complete a team based design project in semester 1, and a Professional Project in semester 2 – an independent piece of research on a topic within aerospace engineering that allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. You’ll review the literature around your topic and plan the project, before completing the design, analysis, computation, experimentation and writing up in the summer months.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Aerospace Structures 15 credits
- Professional Project 60 credits
- Team Design Project 15 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Design Optimisation - MSc 15 credits
- Aerodynamics and Aerospace Propulsion 20 credits
- Engineering Computational Methods 15 credits
- Engineering Psychology and Human Factors 15 credits
- Advanced Finite Element Analysis 15 credits
- Rotary Wing Aircraft 15 credits
- Vehicle Systems Engineering 15 credits
- Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis 15 credits
- Spacecraft Dynamics and Control 15 credits
Learning and teaching
Our groundbreaking research feeds directly into teaching, and you’ll have regular contact with staff who are at the forefront of their disciplines. You’ll have regular contact with them through lectures, seminars, tutorials, small group work and project meetings.
Independent study is also important to the programme, as you develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed using a range of techniques including case studies, technical reports, presentations, assignments and exams. Optional modules may also use alternative assessment methods.
Applying, fees and funding
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in aeronautical/ aerospace, mechanical, civil or general engineering. Successful applicants will have strong grades in relevant modules including advanced mathematics, strength of materials, dynamics and basic fluid mechanics. We may ask for further detailed module information if these are not clear on your transcript.
All applicants will need to have GCSE English Language at grade C or above, or an appropriate English language qualification.
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information please contact the Admissions Team.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Engineering (10 weeks).
If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.
How to apply
Application deadlines
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
September start
31 July 2020 – International applicants
10 September 2020 – UK/EU applicants
January start
30 September 2020 – UK, EU and international applicants
This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
The UK Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) operates a scheme called the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). If you are an international (non-EU/EEA or Swiss citizen) applicant and require a student visa to study in the UK then you will need an ATAS certificate to study this course at the University of Leeds.
To apply for an ATAS certificate online, you will need your programme details and the relevant Common Aggregation Hierarchy (CAH) code and descriptor. For this course, the CAH code is: CAH10-01-04 and the descriptor is Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering.
More information and details on how to apply for your ATAS certificate can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Postgraduate Admissions Policy 2020
Fees
- UK/EU: £11,000 (total)
- International: £24,000 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.
Career opportunities
The aerospace industry is one of the most successful parts of UK engineering and is truly global in nature.
You’ll be able apply the skills you gain from this course to numerous areas of the aerospace industry, such as aerospace fundamental research, airline management and operations, satellite operations, aerospace design and manufacture in both the civil and military environments as well as motorsport racing.
By taking the MSc, you will develop skills that will allow you to enjoy a rewarding and challenging career, whether you choose to join an aerospace company in the UK – such as Airbus, BAE Systems or Rolls-Royce – or elsewhere in the world.
Read our alumni profiles to find out more about where our students are working.
Links with industry
During this course you will meet employers from organisations operating within this sector through seminars and talks and by attending our careers fair. In previous years there have been talks from colleagues at Airbus, Astrium, BAE Systems, Leonardo, Rolls-Royce to provide additional industrial perspectives to the course and career guidance to students.
Careers support
You’ll have access to the wide range of engineering and computing careers resources held by our Employability team in our dedicated Employability Suite. You’ll have the chance to attend industry presentations, book appointments with qualified careers consultants and take part in employability workshops. Our annual STEM Careers Fairs provide further opportunities to explore your career options with some of the UK’s leading employers.
The University's Careers Centre also provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate.
Projects
The professional project allows you to apply what you’ve learned to a piece of research focusing on a real-world problem, and it can be used to explore and develop your specific interests.
Typical projects could include:
Design of a stiffened titanium aircraft structural component for additive manufacturing
Development of software based on Swarm Intelligence Methodologies for Structural Optimisation
Circulation control using air jets to improve the performance of aircraft wings and wind turbines
Design and optimisation of a Flexible Structural Support for a Mars Rover Umbilical Release Mechanism
Aerodynamic analysis of the Bloodhound supersonic car using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Computational Fluid Dynamics modelling of turbulent combustion processes
The control of flow separation using vortex generators
A proportion of projects are formally linked to industry, and can include spending time at the collaborator’s site over the summer.