Aerospace Engineering MSc
Subject and course type
- Engineering, Electronics and Robotics
- Postgraduate
Get your career off to a flying start with the Aerospace Engineering MSc from Kingston University. This course meets the requirements of the Engineering Council for the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). It’s also accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society, under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council.
You are reading:
Get ready to launch your career into space
Undertake real-world problems in a virtual engineering environment.
At our Roehampton Vale campus, you will have access to a modern environment with the latest technology, including:
- The Merlin flight simulator - you can programme a mathematical model of your design into the simulator and then monitor the results
- Large-scale wind tunnels that enable testing in winds of up to 90 miles per hour
- Industry-standard test and experimental equipment for metrology, robotics, rapid prototyping, fatigue and quality control
We also have a dedicated postgraduate workroom with high spec PCs and a range of software. Computer-aided design facilities include:
- A range of CAD/CAM packages, such as Ideas, SolidWorks and AutoCad
- Finite element analysis
- Computational fluid dynamics
- Virtual instrumentation
The recently-enlarged library at Roehampton Vale provides collections of specialist engineering books and journals. The Graduate Centre, exclusively for postgraduate students, provides space for private study, meetings and socialising.
The £4 million Hawker Wing provides three floors of extra space for students and staff at Roehampton Vale, including improved learning and teaching facilities.
Kingston University has given me the knowledge, confidence and enthusiasm to pursue the discovery of engineering principles. I've had the opportunity to gain a unique insight into the complex nature of aerospace beyond atmosphere and up into space.
Why choose this course
This course provides a strategic and practical overview of aerospace engineering and management. You will apply techniques such as advanced computer-based design, Computational Fluid Dynamics and Finite Elements Analysis. Complementary subjects include advanced CAD/CAM and green engineering and energy efficiency.
Each module combines a stimulating mix of lectures, practical laboratory work, group work, case studies and presentations. Towards the end of the course, the Aerospace Group Design Project will enable you to undertake a real-world problem in a virtual engineering environment. You will also develop an awareness of working in a multidisciplinary team within an engineering organisation with real industrial constraints.
Many of our staff are research active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies.
The Aerospace Research Group specialises in space activities, ranging from electric propulsion and planetary robotic exploration to in-orbit servicing technology development. Current research projects are investigating topics within:
- computational fluid dynamics
- aircraft structures
- astronautics and space systems
Accreditation
The Aerospace Engineering MSc course is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).
An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees. An accredited degree is also likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
Find out more about the full criteria and validity for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status and Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status.
Course content
You will gain a broad understanding of the practical requirements of aerospace engineering, as well as an in-depth knowledge of aerospace stress analysis and advanced materials, alongside computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for aerospace applications. Complementary subjects covered include computer-integrated product development, advanced CAD/CAM plus green engineering and energy efficiency. In addition, the Engineering Research Techniques, Entrepreneurship and Quality Management module will develop your business and management skills. The Aerospace Individual Design Project module provides you with the experience of working in a multidisciplinary team within an engineering organisation – with real industrial constraints. You'll get the chance to apply the theory you've learnt to real-world contexts and evaluate methodologies, whilst developing your critical thinking and creativity.
As well as the professional, analytical and management skills necessary for employment, the course will provide you with the transferable skills required in the workplace, such as communication, IT, teamwork, planning, decision making, independent learning ability and problem solving.
For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
Please note
Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Modules
Core modules
30 credits
Research Techniques, Innovation and Sustainability equips you with the skills and knowledge required to select and justify a research topic and then to plan and execute that research project.
Research is a broad topic covers a variety of activities that range from undertaking a project as part of an academic programme, through research and development in the commercial environment, to acquiring information to inform projects undertaken as part of routine business practice. This module introduces research in these contexts and allows you to develop your own research plan.
As part of the module, you will consider setting research questions and determining hypotheses, acquire relevant information and data, apply suitable analytical techniques, and evaluate the significance and potential applications of their research findings. You will also develop your innovation skills through a combination of workshops and team working, resulting in submission of an innovation proposal aimed to address UN Sustainable Development Goal 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities.
30 credits
This module is a core requirement for MSc/MEng Aerospace Engineering students and offers valuable insights for those seeking advanced knowledge in materials analysis, characterisation, and engineering. It bridges materials science with finite element analysis (FEA), providing a thorough exploration of the design, development, and evaluation of advanced engineering structures.
Key learning outcomes include mastering the synthesis and characterisation of innovative materials, understanding surface technologies, and applying methodologies for material selection used by engineering professionals. Students will develop an appreciation for the critical relationship between material properties, design considerations, and manufacturing processes, reinforced by real-world industrial case studies.
The module introduces essential FEA principles, enabling students to model stresses, deflections, and temperature effects in engineering structures. These analytical skills are crucial for ensuring safe and effective designs by anticipating potential structural challenges.
30 credits
This module is designed to meet the core requirement for students in the MSc Aerospace Engineering course by introducing CFD technologies and skills for solving advanced aerospace design and analysis problems, by means of practical workshops using commercial ANSYS CFD software package. In the lectures, emphasis is placed on the numerical models and analytical techniques in fluid dynamics and heat transfer and some of the more advanced theories behind CFD. In the practical sessions, emphasis is placed on the solution of fluids problems in a realistic aerospace engineering context and on giving students the opportunity to develop good practice of CFD techniques in aerospace engineering applications. Teaching is delivered through the university’s Canvas platform, enriched with keynote lectures on advanced computational techniques and theories, combined with extensive practical/tutorial sessions on CFD applications in real aerospace engineering problems. This combination of theoretical instruction and practical insight equips students with the skills necessary for effective application in real-world scenarios.
30 credits
This module starts by introducing fundamental concepts and methods in Machine Learning and discusses their applications in aerospace research and industry. Building on basic knowledge of programming language such as MATLAB and Python as well as Linear Algebra, students gain both theoretical and practical understanding of AI models. Students are firstly introduced to classical methods before they are taught modern state-of-the-art AI approaches.
Since the module teaching involves both structured lectures and hands on practical sessions, some knowledge of programming language is essential.
This Machine Learning module, through its practical focus on smart systems (e.g. mechatronic systems), empowers students with digital competency and creative problem-solving skills. Engaging with both classical and state-of-the-art AI approaches cultivates a questioning mindset and adaptability. The coursework encourages collaboration and resilience as students tackle complex real-world problems. Regular feedback promotes self-awareness, and an enterprise mindset is fostered through real-world problem solving. The module assignments give students opportunity in designing, training and optimization of their own AI models to specific aerospace application.
60 credits
Drawing on previous knowledge and experience, the dissertation module allows you to study an area of interest within your chosen field in significant depth. In undertaking the dissertation, you will develop not only a deeper understanding of your subject area but will also be able to demonstrate a high level of autonomy in terms of project dissertation planning and management.
You will be able to demonstrate knowledge and competence in reviewing existing published literature and data and, through your own efforts, apply one or more of a range of research methods to collect and analyse data and draw well-founded conclusions as a result of your research.
The main output from the module is a final report but the option is available for you to prepare their work in the format of an article suitable for submission to a relevant conference or journal.
Optional modules
Optional modules
15 credits
This module covers advanced CAD and CAM techniques in conceptual design and manufacture and is heavily focussed on rapid manufacturing methods involving mould design, machining tool path optimisation and full machining simulation verification, and machining collision avoidance subjects will also be covered.
15 credits
This module introduces you to classical control system analysis and design concepts. Time domain design methods are followed by frequency domain design methods. Although the module mainly deals with continuous-time systems, the discrete-time systems are also discussed. In addition to the fundamental concepts, the focus of this module is analytical and numerical problem solving, providing you with a set of skills that will enhance your employability. The module promotes creative problem-solving through an emphasis on analytical and numerical problem solving related to control systems. Digital competency is fostered by the use of simulation tools such as MATLAB & SIMULINK. Adaptability is nurtured as you navigate between time and frequency domain design methods and different types of control systems.
Professional Placement
Professional Placement
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module if you're following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in your chosen discipline. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for a major project or your future career.
It is your responsibility to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by your Course Leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. You will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by the Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.
Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
The course included interesting and in-depth lectures, while the coursework-based assessment led to a lot of independent learning. This suited me perfectly and allowed me and the other students to take full responsibility for the depth of our understanding. Most importantly, there was a spirit of passion for engineering which allowed me to develop.
Career opportunities
This course will broaden your understanding of the challenges facing the aerospace engineering industry. To prepare you for your future career, you will study entrepreneurship, business, finance, research techniques and environmental issues. In addition, you will develop your professional, analytical, research, business and management skills.
Work placement scheme
This course, like many postgraduate courses at Kingston University, enables students to integrate a 12-month work placement into their course. You are responsible for finding and securing your own professional placement, which can be highly competitive but also incredibly rewarding. It is very important to prepare yourself if this is the route you wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a Student Route visa.
Careers and recruitment advice
The Faculty has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills such as CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques. Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements.
The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, key speakers from industry and interviews on campus. These events give you the opportunity to hear from, and network with, employers in an informal setting.
- Rolls-Royce
- CAA
- Sterling Aerospace
- Marshalls Aerospace
- Royal Navy
- AmSafe Armour
- Solion Solar Energy
- EasyJet
- Lufthansa
- Flybe
- Hawker Hind
- Precision Press Parts Corp
- Airload master in the Royal Air Force, Swindon
- Lead trial officer in the Army, Wiltshire
- Mission system officer in the Royal Air Force, Wiltshire
- Research requirement engineer in the Royal Navy, Malvern
- Team systems leader in the Royal Air Force, Wiltshire
- Trials management officer at the RAF Air Warfare Centre, Waddington
- Trials officer at Qinetiq, Wiltshire
Some postgraduate students have continued their studies with PhD research projects.
Teaching and assessment
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 180 credits across a year (typical for a postgraduate course) would equate to 1,800 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- 17% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose.
Types of assessment
- Year 1: Coursework 84%; Exams: 13%; Practical 4%
Please note, the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
You will be part of an intimate cohort of 20-40 students which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice as well as the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes; you may therefore be taught alongside postgraduates from other courses.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £11,400 |
| Part Time | £6,270 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £19,300 |
| Part Time | £10,615 |
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £10,900 |
| Part Time | £5,995 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £18,500 |
| Part Time | £10,175 |
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree on the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying Aerospace Engineering MSc at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support:
The Inspire the Future Scholarship offers a 40% reduction in fees for taught masters or postgraduate diploma courses with September start dates. 20 scholarships are available for progressing Kingston University graduates.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Inspire the Future Scholarship page.
International postgraduate students could receive up to £5,000 towards tuition in their first year of study.
For more information on how to apply for these scholarships, visit the International Scholarship page.
If you are a Kingston University 2024/25 undergraduate progressing to a 2025/26 postgraduate degree (taught or research), you could get a 15% reduction in tuition fees.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Postgraduate Progression Scholarship page.
Kingston University offers a 10% discount on full and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees to our alumni.
For more information on how to apply for this discount, visit our alumni discount page.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
Courses involving placements or direct work with vulnerable groups may require a DBS check or other security checks.
Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year. A £10 voucher will be supplied to help cover the cost of the safety boots when purchasing with our supplier Activity Work Wear. Safety boots can range in cost between £25 and £100.
How to apply
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Information required to confirm your place
If English is not your first language, we will require proof of your proficiency to allow us to confirm your place on the course. This will generally be either an IELTS or TOEFL test certificate, which can be forwarded to us after you have submitted your application. If you do not hold a formal English language qualification, please indicate how you have acquired your proficiency in written and spoken English.
After you have applied
If the postgraduate admissions tutor requires further information or wishes to invite you to interview, they will contact you directly. You will then hear whether your application has been successful.
If you do not clearly meet the standard entry requirements and the admission tutor wishes to see a portfolio from you, you will be sent an email asking you to upload your portfolio to your Kingston University OSIS account. Further details on how to do this will be provided at the time.
Placement profile
Name: Ruchini Sumithrarachchi
Course: Aerospace Engineering MSc
Placement role: System Engineer
Placement company: NATS
Year: 2018/19
An industrial placement is a good way to start off your career and to gain real world experience. It is a really good opportunity where you are able to gain an insight and knowledge of your field of interest.
One-on-one sessions with the University careers team helped me improve my CV and tailor it to the company I was applying to.
During the application process I also practised the psychometric tests that were available in the careers and employability website.
Before the assessment centre, I prepared for the interview by researching about the company and by preparing for possible interview questions. There were three more activities to be completed during the assessment day, which were a group project, a written test and a short pitch delivery.
During my placement I will be completing two six-month placements. Currently I am undertaking my first placement, in which I am working with the Service Operations team of the company. So far, I have been involved in three projects:
- Project 1: Organising an interactive event for the Service Operations team
- Project 2: Developing a Risk and Issue managing tool
- Project 3: Validation of a Surveillance overview presentation
The main area is working as a team. The process is quite similar to the group projects that I completed during the course, where we had to work as a group in order to achieve a certain goal.
Personally, since this was my first work experience in industry, it was about understanding how a company works.
The other important benefit that I obtained was building my network within the company – which I realised is quite important as it generally helps you and makes your work a lot easier.
Being appreciated for the work I do makes me believe in myself and it has helped me to improve in self-confidence. And I've had the opportunity of delivering a few presentations so far. I can see a major improvement in my presentation skills, which my managers have commented will be beneficial in the future.
You get to work on actual projects which have an impact on the company and the world. It makes your work important and not just simulated/ training projects.
Also, you gain skills specific to your industry of choice as well as the employability skills required for real-life work.
I will be applying for graduate schemes in a company related to the aerospace Industry.
Do not have a specific job/title in mind when applying for a placement.
Make the most of every opportunity that is given because you will never know if you like it or not until you actually do it.
Even after you start the placement, give it a few months for you to settle in and be comfortable with the working environment. Trust me, it is going to be difficult during the first few months.
Do not be afraid to ask questions. One thing I've observed is that everyone is more than happy to give you information, knowledge and advice. They'll be really supportive. And you do learn a lot by asking questions.
Most importantly, be patient and enjoy.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
What our students and graduates say
I'm particularly proud of my distinction because I had no engineering or aerospace background at the start of my course. The support of the department and university's resources helped convert my enthusiasm and passion into a solid knowledge base. Kingston is a remarkable institution. I believe that recognition helped me get a job as a Graduate Engineer at easyJet. So far I have worked with the maintenance planning department which included dealing with modifications and different levels of defects. In the next few months I expect to gain more hands-on experience and work with the power plant team.
The Faculty champions the excellent work our female staff members contribute across engineering. We encourage women from all backgrounds into the field. Your strengths and weaknesses define you, so follow your strengths by focusing on the subjects you like. If I can do it, you can too. The world that we live in today, and the technological advancements we have made, have opened up so many more career opportunities for you.
