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Advanced Aerospace Engineering

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What you'll need

All applicants must have reached a minimum required standard of English language and are required to provide evidence of this.

You'll also need to submit:

  • School or college transcripts/certificates
  • University transcripts and certified translations if applicable
  • Degree certificates
  • Personal statement outlining your learning ambitions

Our application process

  • Sign into our online portal, Apply Yourself, and start your application
  • Submit your application
  • We'll email you to let you know we're processing your application
  • Track the progress of your application using the Postgraduate Application Tracker (we'll send you a link to the tracker)
  • We'll email you when a decision has been made
  • If you've been made an offer, you can then accept or decline it using the Postgraduate Application Tracker.

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Master of Science Engineering

A Master of Science in Engineering (MSc (Eng)) is a master’s degree awarded for a postgraduate programme in engineering. If you have already completed a bachelor’s degree, or have an MEng and want to specialise, this could be the route for you.

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Course overview

Discover how to design, build and test different aircraft on this MSc (Eng) for graduates in engineering and physical sciences. This accredited master’s includes a practical aircraft design project, independent research project, and opportunities to explore the principles of space flight and spacecraft design.

Introduction

Prepare for a career designing, developing and testing aircraft, spacecraft and satellites on this accredited master’s.

Building on your existing knowledge of engineering, you’ll learn flight handling qualities for different types of aircraft and design tasks for use in piloted simulation missions.

We’ll provide an overview of the aerodynamic characteristics of aircraft components and reveal the role of computer-based design techniques, computational fluid dynamics, flow diagnostics and finite element analysis in aerospace engineering.

You’ll put theory into practice on an aircraft design project where you’ll work as part of a small team to develop an aircraft from an initial conceptual design to simulated flight testing. To further enhance your employability, we’ll also immerse you in a variety of entrepreneurial activity and hone your project management skills.

Optional modules include opportunities to discover the principles and challenges of space flight and explore spacecraft design, navigation and operations for planetary missions.

Accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the programme includes a supervised independent research project. This enables you to enhance your skills and knowledge in an area of aerospace engineering of your choice, supported by our specialist research and flight simulation facilities.

Who is this course for?

This programme is designed for engineers and physical scientists who want to develop specialist skills and knowledge in advanced aerospace engineering.

What you'll learn

  • Flight handling qualities for fixed and rotary-wing aircraft
  • The aerodynamic characteristics of aircraft components
  • Advanced understanding of computational fluid dynamics
  • How to conduct static and dynamic structural analyses of rods, shafts and beams
  • How to undertake an aerospace design project, from the conceptual design phase to a flight test exercise
  • Fundamental techniques in project management, risk management and cost management
  • Knowledge of static and dynamic aeroelasticity
  • Key concepts of space flight and space mission design
  • Entrepreneurial concepts, activities and challenges
  • Transferable skills in problem solving, critical analysis, teamwork and communication.

Accreditation

This programme is accredited by:

  • The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), the world’s only professional membership association dedicated to the aerospace and aviation industry
  • The Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE), the professional body for mechanical engineers in the UK.

This means that successful completion of the programme will contribute towards the academic requirements for registration with RAeS and IMechE as as a Chartered Engineer.

Accreditations in detail

Accreditations

This programme is accredited by:

  • The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), the world’s only professional membership association dedicated to the aerospace and aviation industry
  • The Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE), the professional body for mechanical engineers in the UK.

This means that successful completion of the programme will contribute towards the academic requirements for registration with RAeS and IMechE as as a Chartered Engineer.

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Semester one

Compulsory modules

FLIGHT HANDLING QUALITIES (15cr) (AERO401)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module covers the fundamentals of Flight Handling Qualities for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Students will work in groups to assess handling qualities of different aircraft. The module adopts a Problem Based Learning approach and contains a number of lectures, desktop modelling and flight simulator sessions. The module is assessed through a group presentation and final report, both of which will contain an element peer assessment for the final mark.

Advanced Fluid Mechanics and Aerodynamics (AERO406)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

To reinforce and deepen the students’ understanding of:

— the mathematical description of fluid kinematics.

— the physical laws expressed by the equations of fluid motion.

— the assumptions associated with particular limits of the equations of fluid motion.

— simple exact solutions of the equations of motion.

— the differences between laminar and turbulent flow.

— the origins of laminar-turbulent flow transition

— the physics of turbulence

— the need for turbulence modelling and fundamental concepts of turbulence modeling.

To introduce students to advanced concepts in potential flow theory building upon existing knowledge of:
— the analytical generation of inviscid flow over two-dimensional objects using elementary potential flows.
— the mathematical description of potential flow from the incompressible to the supersonic regime.
— the analytical calculation of resulting forces and moments on lifting surfaces.
— the numerical computation of aerodynamic properties using panel methods
— the numerical computation of flow properties using the Method of Characteristics in compressible potential flow

To introduce students to:

— the mathematical nature of different classes of partial differential equations and the implications for their numerical solution.

— the concept of scientific computing and its basic elements: solution of linear and nonlinear systems, eigenvalue problems, differentiation and integration.

To enable student to:

— solve simple fluid mechanics problems in Matlab and analyze the results.

— recognise the capabilities and weaknesses of CFD.

— choose appropriate levels of CFD analysis for a specific problem.

— use a suitable CFD package, including meshing and setting up a simulation.

— solve laminar and turbulent flow examples using a CFD package and analyze the results.

FURTHER AEROSTRUCTURAL ANALYSIS (AERO417)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

Structural analysis forms the basis behind structural design in the aerospace industry. The module builds on basic knowledge of linear elasticity to introduce physical phenomena relevant to real-life structural design, as well as demonstrating applications to practical problems. The module proceeds to put this knowledge in the context of advanced computational analysis methods relevant to aerospace, automotive and the wider engineering sectors. The module will also provide skills in operating industry-standard simulation software, as well as first-hand experience in coding simple solutions to structural problems.

AEROSPACE CAPSTONE GROUP DESIGN PROJECT (AERO420)

Credits: 30 / Semester: whole session

This module is the culmination of your Aerospace Engineering degree. It allows you to demonstrate all that you have learned as applied to an aircraft design project. You will work in a small team to satisfy an aircraft design proposal. You will start with a conceptual design exercise and then move into a more detailed design phase of activity. The ultimate demonstration of your aircraft’s capabilities comes with a flight test exercise either in the School of Engineering’s flight simulation facility or in hardware for small unmanned air system projects. The design exercise is marked using group-based coursework assessments which are moderated by a webPA exercise.

TECHNICAL WRITING FOR ENGINEERS (ENGG596)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

To develop technical writing skills for engineers. English Language Centre deliver the module for non-native English speakers, Engineering staff deliver identical syllabus, assessments and learning outcomes for other students.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT (MNGT502)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

Project Management is a core skill for professional engineers of all types and a sound education in this subject area is required by the professional accrediting bodies. The knowledge and skills developed in this module will equip students for their future UG project work and for their careers ahead.
This module teaches students the theory of fundamental techniques in project management, risk management, and cost management.

In this modules student undertake a group "virtual project" in which they undertake all stages of project management involved n a major construction projects. The five virtual project tasks require students to apply their theoretical learning; and they provide an opportunity to develop key professional skills.

Optional modules

ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS (MATS301)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

This module aims to understand advanced engineering materials, focusing on non-ferrous alloys and composite materials. It covers the processing, heat treatment, microstructure and properties of Al, Ti and Ni alloys. It introduces constituent materials, manufacturing methods, test methods and mechanical response of composite materials.

SPACEFLIGHT (AERO319)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

An introduction to the main concepts of space flight is provided, including princples of space propulsion, space launch vehicles and orbital mechanics of spacecraft.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Placement opportunity

This course offers a placement opportunity so you can combine your studies with practical experience with industry professionals. It is a great way to develop key employability skills and get a head start in your career with key industry partners. View more information on the course page.

Explore more about Careers and Employability at Liverpool.

Your experience

The School of Engineering has world-class, modern, engineering teaching and learning facilities. Within the School there are traditional lecture theatres as well as teaching laboratories, PC teaching centres, smaller study rooms and one of the University’s largest PC teaching/study rooms with over 160 high-specification workstations with specialist engineering software installed. The School also houses impressive specialist engineering research laboratories and research facilities that provide the setting for student practical work and many student projects.

Virtual tour

Careers and employability

If you’re seeking a career designing, developing and testing aircraft, spacecraft, satellites and missiles, well-qualified and industry-ready engineers are in high demand in the aerospace industry in both the UK and abroad.

The programme includes a strong practical element and incorporates the latest academic and industry research, enabling you to work effectively at the forefront of engineering.

Our professional accreditation with the Royal Aeronautical Society and Institution of Mechanical Engineers means you’ll graduate with a recognised qualification on the route to Chartered Engineer status.

Career planning

Three career coaches standing outside the Careers Studio

Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.

From education to employment

Two graduates in postgraduate robes.

We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.

Networking events

Postgraduate students hold a discussion while sat round a table in in the Liverpool Guild of Students.

You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.

Your future

You’ll graduate from this MSc (Eng) ready for a career in the aerospace industry. Your skills can also be applied to a range of other exciting opportunities in engineering, manufacturing or industrial research.

Career destinations for our previous graduates include working for:

  • Agusta Westland
  • National Health Service
  • BAE Systems
  • Ford
  • Jaguar
  • Unilever
  • Armed Forces
  • QinetiQ
  • National and international bodies such as the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the European Commission.

You’ll also be well placed to pursue PhD study. Some of our previous graduates have secured fully-funded PhD studentships.

4 in 5 of our engineering students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.

Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £12,400
International fees
Full-time place, per year £28,000
Fees stated are for the 2024-25 academic year.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

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Postgraduate Global Advancement Scholarship

  • International students

If you’re a new international student starting this course with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a discount of up to £5,000 off your tuition fees.

This includes £2,500 if you have a first-class degree, or equivalent qualification, and £2,500 if you’re from a Commonwealth country.

Graduate Loyalty Advancement Scholarship

  • Home and international students
  • University of Liverpool current students and alumni only

Completed your undergraduate degree, or studied as an undergraduate exchange student, at the University of Liverpool?

You could get a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off the tuition fees for this course from September 2024 entry.

  • £1,500 tuition fee discount for eligible UK University of Liverpool graduates
  • £2,500 tuition fee discount for eligible international University of Liverpool graduates.

ANID Chile Scholarship

  • International students
  • Chile

Postgraduate taught and research students from Chile are eligible for this scholarship.

Chevening Scholarships

  • International students

The University, in partnership with Chevening, is delighted to offer this generous scholarship to students who are studying a master’s programme and who have future leadership potential. Please note that there is a fee cap applied to MBA programmes that requires applicants to cover any additional tuition costs over £18,000. You will still receive all additional allowances.

CONACYT Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

The University of Liverpool has an agreement with CONACYT to support postgraduate taught and research students from Mexico.

FIDERH Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

20% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate taught and research programmes. Must be Mexico national.

Fulbright Scholarship

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool alumni only
  • United States

One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US and another is available for a postgraduate research student to undertake a three to six month research stay from the US

FUNED Awards

  • International students
  • Mexico

Up to ten awards are available for Masters or Research students from Mexico in receipt of FUNED loans. The award gives students a 20% reduction in fees for all applications received.

Graduate Association Hong Kong & Tung Postgraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • China
  • Hong Kong

The University is able to offer competitive scholarships for both postgraduate taught master’s and research programmes.

HRM Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)

  • International students
  • Thailand

The University is able to offer one award to a new postgraduate taught master’s student from Thailand.

The scholarship is open to all subjects offered as a one-year taught master’s programme.  However, priority will be given to those students who wish to study in a subject area associated with HRH Princess Sirindhorn such as science, IT, medicine, the arts, geography, history and languages.

JuventudEsGto Scholarship

  • International students
  • Mexico

Residents of State of Guanajuato, Mexico, wishing to study at postgraduate taught and research levels are eligible for this scholarship.

Marshall Scholarship

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool alumni only
  • United States

One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US to cover the cost of tuition fees. Another, to the value of £20,000, is available for Doctoral study visit: https://www.marshallscholarship.org/

Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship

  • International students
  • Turkey

Postgraduate taught and research students from Turkey are eligible for this scholarship, see the Turkish Ministry of Education website https://meb.gov.tr/ for more information.

University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships for Master’s Programmes

  • International students

The three awards available cover full tuition fees, visas and support for accommodation and living expenses.

This scholarship is open to support people who have recognised status as either refugees or are under humanitarian protection under the 1951 Refugee Convention. This status must be held outside of the UK.

The scholarship is open for all postgraduate-taught programmes, excluding medicine, dentistry, veterinary and nursing.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

The University of Liverpool will award five University of Liverpool International College students, who achieve the highest academic excellence (minimum 75%) in their UoLIC Pre-Master’s programme, the prestigious UoLIC Excellence scholarship.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

  • International students

University of Liverpool International College recipients of the Kaplan awards will receive the £3,000 Progression Impact Scholarship, deducted from first-year tuition fees, on successful progression to their UoL degree programme.

To be eligible for our Impact Progression Scholarships, students must apply for one of the Kaplan Impact Scholarships demonstrating their commitment to making an impact across issues of importance to the University and Kaplan. Themes include:

Sustainability
Women in STEM
Community
Career Focus (Employability)

Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship for China

  • International students
  • China

Details are:
1 (one) Full scholarship
2 (two) £10,000 scholarships
5 (five) £5,000 scholarships
10 (ten) £1,000 scholarships
All scholarships will be awarded after the formal registration at the University and will take the form of a fee waiver.

Please note: This scholarship cannot be combined with any other scholarships or bursaries provided by the University.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

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Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

Postgraduate entry requirements

You will normally need a 2:1 honours degree, or above, or equivalent. This degree should be in engineering or science and provide appropriate knowledge of core aerospace engineering topics.

Applicants with a 2:2 honours degree will be considered on an individual basis.

International qualifications

If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

English language qualification Requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20
Hong Kong use of English AS level C
Duolingo English Test 120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic 61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic 70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC C6 or above

PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH

Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.

Pre-sessional English

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-Sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score Pre-Sessional English course length On campus or online
6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 6 weeks On campus
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 10 weeks On campus and online options available
6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 12 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 20 weeks On campus
5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 30 weeks On campus
4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 40 weeks On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-Sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-Sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5, with no component below 6.0, for further details.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new application cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted on the website.

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Why Liverpool?

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Accommodation

To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.

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Fees and Finance

Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.

Changes to Advanced Aerospace Engineering MSc (Eng)

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

23 March 2023: New postgraduate taught course pages

New course pages launched.