Aerospace Engineering
A postgraduate aerospace engineering degree allows students to advance their knowledge of the design, development, and optimisation of aircraft, spacecraft, and related technologies. It provides a rigorous grounding in advanced engineering principles while offering opportunities to specialise in areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, aerospace materials, and space systems.
The programme offers the opportunity to study core subjects including computational fluid dynamics, advanced flight mechanics, structural analysis, propulsion systems, and control engineering. Many courses also incorporate laboratory work, design simulations, research projects, and industry collaborations, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical aerospace challenges.
Why study Postgraduate Degree in Aerospace Engineering?
Studying aerospace engineering at postgraduate level is a chance to combine technical expertise with innovation, preparing graduates to contribute to cutting-edge developments in aviation, space exploration, and defence. Career opportunities span roles in aerospace design, research and development, systems engineering, and project management, with the option to progress into doctoral research or professional engineering accreditation.
Top Ranking Universities List for Aerospace Engineering
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
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A Master’s degree (Merit or Distinction) in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related engineering or physical science discipline.
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Applicants must also hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least a UK 2:1 (Upper Second-Class Honours) or international equivalent in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or another relevant technical field.
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Strong academic preparation in aerodynamics, flight mechanics, propulsion, materials, control systems, and computational modelling is expected.
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Candidates from related disciplines such as Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Applied Mathematics may be considered if their proposed research aligns with aerospace applications.
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International qualifications must meet UK equivalence standards (verified via UK ENIC, if required).
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Leading universities such as Cranfield, Imperial College London, Cambridge, Bristol, and Southampton typically expect first-class undergraduate results and Distinction-level Master’s grades for research admission.
Work Experience Requirements
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Work experience is not mandatory, but research or industry experience in aerospace, defence, or related sectors is highly desirable.
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Applicants with experience in aerodynamics testing, CFD (computational fluid dynamics), structural analysis, or propulsion systems are particularly competitive.
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Industrial internships or employment with aerospace companies, aviation research centres, or defence organisations can significantly strengthen an application.
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Experience with simulation tools (e.g. ANSYS Fluent, MATLAB, CATIA, or SolidWorks) and coding (e.g. Python, C++, or Fortran) is highly valued.
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Applicants with published research, technical reports, or conference presentations demonstrate strong research readiness.
English Language Requirements
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IELTS (Academic): Overall score of 6.5–7.0, with no component below 6.0.
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TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 90–100, with section scores typically above 22.
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PTE Academic: Overall score of 62–70, with no component below 62.
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Applicants who completed their degrees in English or studied in a majority English-speaking country may be exempt from testing.
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Top engineering institutions may require IELTS 7.0 overall or higher for research programmes involving extensive technical communication and collaboration.
Additional Application Documents
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Official academic transcripts and degree certificates for all completed qualifications (with certified English translations if applicable).
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Comprehensive research proposal (typically 1,500–3,000 words) outlining your intended topic, background, objectives, research methods, and potential contribution to aerospace innovation.
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Personal statement describing your academic interests, research motivation, technical skills, and long-term career goals.
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Curriculum vitae (CV) listing education, research experience, technical skills, publications, and professional memberships.
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Two or three academic references, including at least one from a research supervisor or lecturer familiar with your technical or analytical ability.
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Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable).
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Some programmes may require a portfolio of prior research or design work (e.g. simulation models, CAD projects, or technical reports).
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Applicants may also be invited to an interview or technical assessment, particularly for competitive or industry-funded research positions.
“Entry requirements may vary by university and subject. For personalized guidance, consult with Htiko Education.”
