INTRODUCTION
IN A NUTSHELL
Global aerospace is at the forefront of advanced engineering and technology. As we take flight further, you can learn how to drive innovation, deliver new efficiencies, and set new benchmarks with our MSc Aerospace Engineering postgraduate degree.
We focus our aerospace engineering course on the design and creation of aircraft, spacecraft and associated components. Across a range of specialist modules, you will refine your analytical skills and practical knowledge of engineering components and devices that are deployed in the production of civil and military aircraft, spacecraft, and weapons systems.
You will:
- Enhance your understanding of aerodynamics, system design and flight control
- Study in a purpose-built learning environment dedicated to aeronautics and robotics teaching and research
- Gain critical thinking skills and the confidence to make informed decisions on the design, development and manufacture of the next-generation craft and equipment
- Benefit from an expert teaching team, supported by strong connections within the aviation industry
THIS IS FOR YOU IF...
you are an engineering or numerate science graduate looking to refine your skills to develop a career in aviation and aerospace industries
you are an experienced industry professional looking to cement or enhance your existing knowledge for career progression or diversification
you aspire to be a leading aerospace engineer with long-term ambitions to work at a senior professional level in the aerospace industry
ALL ABOUTTHE COURSE
Course delivery
Our MSc Aerospace Engineering course is delivered through a range of industry-focused modules. The 180-credit MSc award comprises four 30-credit modules plus a 60-credit research dissertation. The 120-credit PgDip comprises four 30-credit modules.
The course starts each January and September. Flexibility is at the heart of our learning approach. You can choose to study full-time or part-time on campus:
- as a full-time student, you will complete four 30-credit taught modules in each of the first two trimesters on campus. In the final trimester you will complete a dissertation worth 60 credits.
- as a part-time student, you will complete a 30-credit module in each of the first four trimesters on campus. Across two additional trimesters you will complete a dissertation worth 60 credits.
Learning experience
The curriculum explores a range of specialist engineering topics. You will explore aerodynamics, engineering computation and aerospace system design, with options to explore aerospace assembly or flight dynamics and control. This programme is designed to meet the requirements of the Engineering Councils Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP).
With a focus on your future career in either research or industry practice, you will bring together all of your learning and strengthen your analytical skills by undertaking high-level academic and practical work to form part of your final assessment. Learn more about the current course modules in the section below.
To maintain real-world relevance and learning outcomes, the course team draw on long-standing professional relationships with aeronautics and aviation industry in the north-west, the wider UK and overseas. These links, developed through collaborative research, development projects and commercial testing of products/components, support teaching, foster networking and enhance your learning experience.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
TEACHING
The majority of the teaching and learning will be delivered through lectures and tutorials. Engineers from the industry will contribute to the specialist areas of the syllabus as guest lecturers. Group laboratory work will be conducted in a purpose built aeronautics facilities and will be used to relate theory to practical application. There will also be a strong emphasis in developing the skills for guided self-learning.
Some modules will include a structured factory visit to illustrate the processes and techniques and to enable investigations to be conducted.
ASSESSMENT
Taught modules are assessed using coursework and assignments. Typically, this is split 70% assignments and 30% coursework.
EMPLOYMENT
Aerospace is one of the world’s growth industries and is projected to continue experiencing ongoing growth. In 2018 alone, 62.5 million tonnes of valuable and time-critical air cargo was flown around the world. It is predicted that many as 7.8 billion passengers will use air travel by 2036 (in comparison to 4.4 billion in 2018). The forecasts highlight the potential for you to develop a successful long-term career in this field.
Popular career routes for aerospace engineering graduates range from the design, manufacture and operation of aerospace vehicles to working for aerospace-associated companies and their suppliers, governments and research institutions.
Today, you will find Salford alumni working at leading companies, including Airbus, BAE Systems, Roll-Royce, Thales, and Royal Air Force. Our graduates typically find roles at companies involved in the design and manufacture of major sub-units of aeroplanes and related aerospace vehicles, such as engines, structural parts, avionics or environmental control systems.
REQUIREMENTSWHAT YOUNEED TO KNOW
APPLICANT PROFILE
This course is recommended for graduates and experienced professionals with ambitions to become successful aerospace engineers working at a high level in industry.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, however we do accept a range of equivalent qualifications.
Additional costs
You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
International student scholarships
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships.

My name is Kavisha Prince Anthony, and I always had a dream of studying abroad. Thankfully, that dream came to life since I applied to the Study Advisor. I was able to receive my visa within four days. I also had some visa refusals in the past; I had about six UK visa refusals in the past, but thankfully, it was not an issue since the Study Advisor was able to make things work this time. I highly recommend Study Advisor for your dreams of going abroad, whether it be the UK or any other European country there is.