Why an MSc in Aerospace?
Propel your career
Whether you're building on an aerospace background or switching from related fields like mechanical engineering or physics, our MSc in Aerospace Engineering gives you the skills and credibility to thrive in this fast-moving industry.
This comprehensive MSc provides you with the ideal balance of pioneering research and hands-on application, thrusting you into innovation and specialisation. You will navigate complex problems, orbit the latest research, and collaborate with experts who are actively shaping the future of flight and space exploration.
The future of aerospace isn’t on the horizon — it’s already in flight. Be part of it.
Meet Ciara McGrath
Blast off with Ciara McGrath, an aerospace engineer who's reaching for the stars and breaking boundaries.
In this video, she shares her journey from knocking on her lecturer’s door to working on Scotland’s first spacecraft. Now, she’s on a mission to orbit real-world problems with smarter satellites.
Ciara proves that engineering isn’t just nuts and bolts, it’s rocket fuel for change.
Master’s course
Our master's in Aerospace Engineering
Study an engineering degree in the world's first industrial city and let your career in aerospace take flight.
How you’ll learn
Teaching
Experience a dynamic mix of lectures, lab work, and small-group tutorials led by expert academics. Our hands-on, interactive approach ensures a rich, well-rounded learning experience every week.
Research and self-study
Learning goes beyond the classroom. Each week, you’ll deepen your understanding through group projects, independent research, and self-directed study that build your skills and confidence.
Dissertation project
Your MSc culminates in an in-depth research project exploring a specific question in your field. This may involve lab or workplace investigation, data analysis, or a systematic review, giving you the chance to apply your knowledge in a real-world context.
Where this MSc can take you
Who do our graduates work for?
Our Aerospace Engineering graduates go on to work for employers such as:
- Airbus
- GMF AeroAsia
- Jaguar Land Rover
- Rolls-Royce
- Zodiac Aerospace
- Aerostar Drone Solutions Inc.
- Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited
- Hungarian Space Cluster
- Singapore Technologies Aerospace
- Tesla Engineering Ltd
- ... and more.
What do our graduates do?
The roles you can step into upon graduation include:
- Aerospace engineer
- Mechanical design engineer
- Project engineer
- Software engineer
- Aerodynamics engineer
- Global privacy manager
- Defence laboratory specialist
- Drone developer
- Satellite engineer
- Power train systems engineer
- Stress analysis engineer
- Transport researcher
- UAV pilot and thermal imaging specialist
- ... and so much more.
Our careers service
We don’t just teach you, we support you in planning your future from day one. Whether you're exploring career options, applying for internships, or preparing for graduate roles, you’ll have access to one-to-one support, advice and workshops, equipping you with the confidence to succeed in a competitive job market.
Why Manchester?
World-leading research and facilities
Study an engineering degree in the world's first industrial city.
- Access cutting-edge wind tunnels, propulsion labs, and simulation tools.
- Study within a Russell Group institution ranked 2nd in the UK for Research Power in Engineering.
- Be part of a vibrant research community tackling climate change and sustainability.
Connections and reputation
As the first English university to offer an engineering degree, we’ve continued to lead the way — from computational fluid dynamics to how engineering impacts public policy.
- We’re the most targeted university by top graduate employers, and ranked 4th nationally for Aerospace Engineering.
- Our strong links with industry include Airbus, Rolls-Royce, EADS, Dstl, MBDA, and ESTEC/ESA.
Support for international students
From day one, feel welcomed, supported and set up for success.
- Receive guidance on visas, funding and settling in.
- Access dedicated academic, career and wellbeing support.
- Join a diverse and inclusive campus community with students from 160+ countries.
MSc projects
Examples of current and past projects
Our MSc students conduct their final dissertation across a range of themes, from space area to environmental aspects, modelling and simulation to experimental. Below are some research projects undertaken as part of their final dissertation:
- Nano Satellite Thermal Control
- Orbital Capacity and the Future of Low Earth Orbit
- The Environmental Cost of Satellite Data
- Evaluation of Aircraft Environmental Emissions
- CFD Modelling of Wall Jets
- CFD of an Inertial Particle Separator
- Design/Validation of a Mach 3 Wind Tunnel Nozzle
- Implementation and Test of a Shock Tube.
How to apply
Apply for our Aerospace Engineering MSc course
If you’re interested in applying to our taught master's at Manchester, here’s what you need to know.
Contact us
Have any questions? Get in touch
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Postgraduate Admissions
- Tel: +44 (0)161 275 5300
- Email: pg-mace@manchester.ac.uk