Overview
Our Aerospace Engineering MSc is designed to expand your knowledge and expertise in aerospace and aeronautical engineering.
Accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) for our 2021-22 intakes, this course includes subjects such as advanced computer aided engineering for aerodynamics and structures simulation, experimental methods to analyse structures and materials, and emerging aircraft technologies like unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones.
The aviation and aerospace industry are committed to a sustainable future and our course covers the appropriate techniques, methods and subjects within this ever-changing industrial environment in more detail. With an emphasis on applied technical work, particular prominence is given to the developments in aircraft autonomy, the design and analysis of aircraft structures, computational fluid dynamics, advanced materials and processes, flight simulation and experimental methods.
This master's programme provides you with the additional option to apply for a 'work placement' opportunity during your first semester with us. The 'work placement', which if secured, is designed to further develop your skills, knowledge and professional experience with the aim of maximising your employability prospects. Please note that the optional placement modules incur an additional tuition fee of £4,000, payable on completion of your placement.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
COVID-19
The University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2020/2021 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to Covid-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedStudent experience
All the support you need, in a top student cityAccreditation and Professional Recognition
This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:
Royal Aeronautical Society
Aerospace Engineering MSc is currently accredited by the for 2020-21 entry up to the September 2022 intake, as fully meeting the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration.
Course information
The work carried out on this course is designed to provide the demonstrable expertise and skills necessary to help secure professional level employment in the highly demanding aviation and aerospace industries.
In addition to the eight mandatory modules, you will undertake a substantial project to further develop your analytical, critical communication and presentation skills.
Previous students have worked on projects proposed and in collaboration with companies which in the past have included: the control of satellites with actuator failures with Airbus Defence and Space; curve versus flat impact, analysing stiffness, strength and failure mechanisms with MBDA; the effect of surface preparation (roughness) on composite and metal joints with MBDA; and aerospace manufacturing processes with Rolls Royce.
Course Specification
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Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
In more detail...
Coventry University has a long and prestigious automotive, transport and engineering heritage.
The School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Automotive Engineering enjoys a global reputation for excellent teaching, outstanding student experience and exciting research.
We enjoy strong and regular industry input to the subject, achieved through long-standing industry advisory boards, the use of guest speakers from industry (subject to availability) and industry-focused collaborative research initiatives with companies such as Emirates, Jaguar Land Rover, Airbus, Rolls Royce, Unipart and Birmingham International Airport.
You will have access aerospace facilities (subject to availability), including a Mercedes-Petronas wind tunnel and a suite of flight simulators that have been networked to allow for air traffic control over a shared air space, structural analysis equipment including fatigue analysis. These ensure you will have a chance to gain critical aerospace expertise together with transferrable skills in disciplines such as computer aided design (CAD), finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
Our academics and former practitioners aim to their professional and research experience into teaching; staff possess specialist expertise in a variety of disciplines, for example, in aerodynamics, flight dynamics and avionics. They have been employed as aerospace engineers, on applications including thermal engineering, for companies such as HS Marston and worked closely as research fellows with aerospace companies, such as Airbus on aerospace structures analysis, Airbus defence and space on spacecraft control and BAe in aerodynamics applications. All teaching staff in this course are research active. Please note staff may be subject to change.
There are opportunities to work on exciting research projects with co-supervision by some of the major aerospace companies, including MBDA, Rolls Royce and Airbus. A number of MSc projects are also linked to the activities within our faculty research centres; for instance current flight dynamics projects in the area of human factors analysis of pilot workload are aligned with funded research at the Centre for Mobility and Transport. We also support a summer internship scheme, which provides you with the opportunity to undertake funded research in topics including aircraft autonomy, engine CFD analysis, fatigue in aircraft structures, flight path planning and flight dynamics.
Past aerospace MSc graduates have found employment in the aerospace industry, similar industries and others progressed to PhD research.
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any internship opportunities and that any such opportunities referred to on this webpage may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
- Accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), the world's only professional body dedicated to the entire aerospace community.
- On and off site access to commercial engineering software, such as 3D CAD, Finite Element Analysis, Computational Fluid Dynamics and Multibody Systems for design and simulation, as well as training in industry standard Catia, HyperWorks, STAR-CCM+, SIMPACK software.
- Exciting Fieldtrips have in the past included a trip to the USA, where students visited Purdue University, the Smithsonian Air and Space Museums, The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goodard Space Flight Center or more local UK field trips when we had the opportunity to organise flight tests (subject to availability, visa restrictions and additional fees may apply).
- Strong employer links with companies, including AIE-UK (Advanced Innovative Engineering), Rolls Royce, BAe and Airbus, as well as a number of different research centres, such as The L2S Laboratory (Laboratory of Signals and Systems) at Supelec and Onera, the French aerospace and defence research lab.
- Study in our £50m Engineering and Computing building, with access to facilities in our High Performance Engineering Centre, which houses a 20% scale model wind tunnel (designed and built by the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team), composites lab, metrology lab, four-pot shaker rig, flow lab, AVL engine test cell, automotive workshop, fatigue and tensile testing (Instron), a full size Harrier Jet, three further simulators, civil engineering specialist testing equipment, a range of CNC machinery and a laser workshop (subject to availability).
Guest lectures have previously covered topics, such as flight path optimisation and SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping), new emerging space plane technologies.
Our main study themes are:
- Aerospace structures design and analysis: Aims to develop a broad understanding of modern approaches for the design and analysis of aerospace structures, encompassing the design challenges in materials, structures, manufacturing, and durability. You’ll experience conventional design practices, fracture mechanics and damage tolerance approaches with a view to improving the design of the next generation of aerospace structures and materials. The focus will be on new engineering alloys of aluminium, titanium and nickel.
- Computational fluid dynamics (CFD): The analysis of practical and industrially relevant flow configurations utilising the finite volume approach used in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). You will develop and demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of fluid mechanics, the ability to perform reliable and accurate CFD simulations and interpret and analyse CFD results.
- Experimental methods and techniques: The advanced experimental techniques used in aerodynamics, aircraft structures and aircraft materials. You will be exposed to a wide range of practical methods currently employed, as well as the limitations and scope of future instrumentation applications.
- Autonomous aerospace vehicle systems: Exposes you to the future aerospace concept of the unmanned aerial vehicle and other autonomous aircraft and aerospace vehicles, the necessary associated systems and equipment. You will look at the design requirements of the UAV in comparison to conventional aircraft, exploring the advantages and disadvantages of future applications.
- Advanced engineering materials and processes: An understanding of the interaction between manufacturing processes and material selection to optimise component design and manufacturing efficiency.
- Mathematical modelling in Aerospace Engineering: Aims to develop capability in advanced analytical and numerical modelling techniques to characterise, improve and/or design aerospace components, systems or sub-systems.
- Flight dynamics and simulation: Develops knowledge and understanding of advanced methods of computer simulation and analysis in the context of applications of fixed wing and rotary aircraft within aerospace engineering in general.
- Project Management: Prepares you for managing organisational change through projects. We focus on projects involving major changes, including projects related to new products, new plant and equipment and new operating systems, which will affect the lives of people both within and without the organisation. We take a high level, critical and evaluative view of project management, emphasising managerial and strategic use of the tools and techniques of project management.
- Aerospace structures design and analysis: Aims to develop a broad understanding of modern approaches for the design and analysis of aerospace structures, encompassing the design challenges in materials, structures, manufacturing, and durability. You’ll experience conventional design practices, fracture mechanics and damage tolerance approaches with a view to improving the design of the next generation of aerospace structures and materials. The focus will be on new engineering alloys of aluminium, titanium and nickel.
- Computational fluid dynamics (CFD): The analysis of practical and industrially relevant flow configurations utilising the finite volume approach used in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). You will develop and demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of fluid mechanics, the ability to perform reliable and accurate CFD simulations and interpret and analyse CFD results.
- Experimental methods and techniques: The advanced experimental techniques used in aerodynamics, aircraft structures and aircraft materials. You will be exposed to a wide range of practical methods currently employed, as well as the limitations and scope of future instrumentation applications.
- Autonomous aerospace vehicle systems: Exposes you to the future aerospace concept of the unmanned aerial vehicle and other autonomous aircraft and aerospace vehicles, the necessary associated systems and equipment. You will look at the design requirements of the UAV in comparison to conventional aircraft, exploring the advantages and disadvantages of future applications.
- Advanced engineering materials and processes: An understanding of the interaction between manufacturing processes and material selection to optimise component design and manufacturing efficiency.
- Mathematical modelling in Aerospace Engineering: Aims to develop capability in advanced analytical and numerical modelling techniques to characterise, improve and/or design aerospace components, systems or sub-systems.
- Flight dynamics and simulation: Develops knowledge and understanding of advanced methods of computer simulation and analysis in the context of applications of fixed wing and rotary aircraft within aerospace engineering in general.
- Project Management: Prepares you for managing organisational change through projects. We focus on projects involving major changes, including projects related to new products, new plant and equipment and new operating systems, which will affect the lives of people both within and without the organisation. We take a high level, critical and evaluative view of project management, emphasising managerial and strategic use of the tools and techniques of project management.
The programme has been designed to operate over one year of full-time study with the taught modules delivered over two semesters. It may also be studied on a part-time basis over three years but classes are not scheduled specially for part-time students. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Please request information about studying this course part-time.
Theory and lab-based classes will develop your knowledge of aerospace systems. Specialist lab classes aim to incorporate wind tunnels to evaluate the flow past immersed vehicles (automotive and aerospace scale models), composites testing and forming, aerospace structures stress and fatigue analysis using strain gauging instrumentation and metrology labs. Computer based simulations will be used to complement the lectures and tutorials on UAV systems, mathematical modelling, as well as aerospace structures and computational fluid dynamics applications. For example, in one of the simulation exercises, you will have the chance to plan the coordinated paths of multiple autonomous UAVs for a firefighting application.
Guest lectures by employers and researchers are also given in topics including UAV systems, flight dynamics and project management (subject to availability). Your substantive project should enable you to work with staff on real-world problems from industry, commerce or research groups, as you would in professional practice, developing your professional skills. Members of the course teaching staff supervise projects that are relevant to their research with the Manufacturing and Materials Engineering and the Future Transport and Cities centres, as well as with Cogent computing.
Meet Our Staff
Nadjim Horri
I am currently senior lecturer in aerospace engineering at Coventry University. I was awarded a PhD in the control of spacecraft from Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey, 2004. I then worked for 5 years as a research fellow on spacecraft control related projects. I also taught guidance, navigation and control as well as the dynamics and control of spacecraft during that time.
Read full profileThis course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include coursework, tests, essays and formal examinations. This course is predominantly assessed by coursework.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.
On successful completion, you should be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: advanced principles of flight dynamics, structures, aerodynamics, materials, advanced engineering modelling techniques and aerospace-related systems (and their future applications); advanced analysis and design tools and processes; the implementation and critical evaluation of design solutions through simulation and practical applications; the planning, execution and critical evaluation of projects in the field of aerospace-related systems at a professional level.
- Conceptualise complex technical aspects of future aerospace systems.
- Conduct detailed and systematic technical analyses of aspects of current/future aerospace systems.
- Devise technical solutions to problems in the design and implementation of current/future aerospace systems.• Critically evaluate solutions devised to problems arising in the design and implementation of aspects of future aerospace systems.
- Select, apply and critically appraise tools and techniques of advanced analysis and design.
- Implement appropriate software and hardware solutions and simulations and critically evaluate the outcomes.
- Plan, perform, critically evaluate and present the results of an independent project in chosen specialist subject area.
94%
overall student satisfaction for this course, above the sector average of 80%.
Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2016
Actual teaching contact hours will vary depending on the requirements of a particular semester, you will study two taught semesters and 1 project semester over the course of the year. For taught semesters In a typical week your contact hours will be divided amongst personal tutorials, medium group teaching in tutorial sessions, labs and workshops activities as well as large group teaching in lectures. Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study approximately 30-35 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules. The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 12 contact hours per week in the taught semesters. Your project based semester will be supervisor- supported, self-directed study in the region of 45 hours per week as well as supervisor meetings around 1 hour per week and optional workshops supporting your project which can add up to 10 additional hours across your project semester.
The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials. As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
The University is committed to providing a global educational experience, which is reflected throughout the teaching experience. The course has previously recruited diverse international graduates and promotes multicultural experiences
We have a student exchange agreement with Bologna University in Italy, which enables students to apply to work and study there for one semester. We have also developed a range of associations with institutions across the globe to expand study abroad and collaborative project opportunities, including the University of Chile, Purdue University, Emirates Aviation University, Rolls Royce, MBDA, Airbus Defence and Space, to name a few.
International field trips may be provided through the Global Leaders Programme (GLP) are subject to a GLP membership fee, and places may be subject to availability and meeting visa requirements.
In addition to the international field trips and student mobility opportunities provided by our Global Leaders Programme (GLP), we have introduced Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects, which have proved highly popular across other courses within the University, providing the chance to collaborate on projects with students on similar courses throughout the world.
Please note that any international experience opportunities may be subject to application, availability, meeting applicable visa requirements and or be subject to additional costs.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we were able to provide a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
International experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni 2016/17
5,469
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19
12,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
Entry Requirements
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas.
This course may incur additional costs associated with any equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire.
EU student fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans:
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans:
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
The UK currently has the second largest aerospace industry in Europe and the third largest in the world, employing around 230,000 people in over 3,000 companies, including BAE Systems, GKN and Rolls-Royce, and a range of international companies with operations in the UK, such as Airbus, Cobham, AgustaWestland, Finmeccanica, Thales, Boeing and Bombardier. A global skills shortage continues to ensure engineers remain among the most in-demand professions; Engineering UK predicts 186,000 people with engineering skills will be needed annually through to 2024 to meet demand.
The specialist topics studied on the programme are designed to prepare you for work in companies involved with aeronautical engineering, but there are also many roles in related industries that rely on the same technology, such as the automotive industry. Possible destinations could include the fields of design, development, operations and management, as well as projects, systems, structural and avionics engineers.
Upon successful completion of the course you will have develop a wide range of transferrable professional and technical skills during your studies, including the ability to produce technical, written reports and deliver oral presentations, engage in self-directed study, operate as part of a team, demonstrate a critical awareness of professional, legal, social and ethical issues.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and aims to give you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university's Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
Where our graduates work
Previous graduates have obtained jobs as aerospace systems analysts and systems engineers with BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Airbus and Dassault, as well as in the automotive industry with Jaguar Land Rover and several automotive diagnostics companies. Others have progressed to further research as PhD students.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
