Aeronautical Engineering

Study options

Full-time

Full-time, with a placement year

Award

MSc

Key facts

Location:: Stoke-on-Trent campus
Location:: Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option:: Full-time
Study option:: Full-time, with a placement year
Duration:: 13 Months
Duration:: 25 Months
Start date:: 23 September 2024; 23 September 2024
School:: School of Digital, Technologies and Arts

REF 2021

87% of research outputs are rated “internationally excellent” or “world leading” (Engineering)

Flight simulator

Computerised wind tunnel and industry standard software

Take to the skies

Gliding club membership and visits to a commercial 737 simulator

Gain the skills and knowledge to work as an aeronautical engineer in the aerospace industry, in the UK or overseas. Secure a paid work placement to boost your industry knowledge and career success.

The aerospace industry is one of the UK's most successful sectors. Our well-established course is recognised by major international companies such as Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Airbus Helicopters and BAE Systems.

You’ll apply advanced theories to their practical application and work in our specialist laboratories using industry standard design and analysis software. Experience real aircraft systems with our flight simulator and wind tunnel.

For an exhilarating break from study, you can take to the skies, thanks to student membership at a local gliding club!

Research Excellence Frame work 2021 (REF 2021)

We’re extremely proud of the results for our Engineering research submissions:

75% of research impact is recognised as “very considerable” or “outstanding”

87% of research outputs are rated “internationally excellent” or “world leading”

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Aeronautical Engineering

Work placements

If you choose to complete a work placement, we’ll work with you to identify a suitable organisation.

Course content

You’ll study eight taught modules with topics ranging from Power and Propulsion Systems to Advanced Aeronautical Systems. You’ll undertake a research-based dissertation and be encouraged to apply for and complete a 12-month paid industry placement giving you real-world experience of aeronautical engineering.

Professional body accreditation

Students completing an IMechE accredited degree are deemed to have met part or all of the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer and are in a strong position to move on to achieve professional engineering status after a period of initial professional development in industry. The accredited MSc will meet, in part, the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Accredited MSc graduates who also have a BEng(Hons) accredited for CEng will be able to show that they have satisfied the educational base for CEng registration.

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

Viffin Varghese - MSc Aeronautical Engineering

Video

Masters graduate, Viffin talks about his research interest in aerodynamics and the advantages postgraduate study can give you.

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Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Advanced Aeronautical Systems	15 credits
Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics	15 credits
Advanced Materials And Quality	15 credits
Engineering Design And Manufacture	15 credits
Msc Project	60 credits
Power And Propulsion Systems	15 credits
Research Methods And Project Management	15 credits
Structural Analysis	15 credits
The Professional Engineer (Masters)	15 credits

Entry requirements

Normal entry requirements are at least a 2:2 honours degree or equivalent in a related engineering or technology discipline.  Alternatively, if you have significant appropriate experience and capable of responding to postgraduate work, your application will be considered.

If your first language is not English a minimum score of IELTS 6 or TOEFL 550 (213 computer-based) is normally required.

Viffin Varghese - Next-level learning and the future

Video

Viffin talks about support for students, the advanced knowledge gained on his masters degree and his hopes for the future.

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For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

Facilities

Smart Zone

A bustling centre of invention, innovation and creation with two floors of dedicated workshop and collaboration spaces for engineering and creative students.

Video

Flight Simulator

Our flight simulator runs XPlane software and has a professional PFC flight console and radio stack system.

Thermofluids and Aeronautical

Facilities in this laboratory allow practical measurement of the interaction between air and objects, with the data then being augmented by computer-based flow simulation and modelling.

Video

Engineering Laboratories

Packed with state-of-the-art software and hardware resources reflecting current trends in the development of engineering subjects.

Video

Mechanical Engineering Resources

Mechanical Engineering resources include industry standard hardware and software. Our labs in Stoke are full of exciting equipment for you to use so that you can prepare yourself for the workplace when you graduate.

Video

Careers

After completing the Aeronautical Engineering MSc, you’ll be able to apply for a wide range of technical, engineering, analytical, operation or management jobs within the aerospace and airline industries, including:

Aerospace engineer
Aircraft manufacturing
Armed forces
Government agencies
Civil Aviation Authority
Further and higher education

Eager for more knowledge? Upon completion, you’ll be ideally placed for further academic study at PhD level.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Introducing: The Smart Zone

Video

Our £1.3m Smart Zone gives students access to the latest 3D printing, VR technology and more.

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Postgraduate Open Day

Saturday 2 December 2023

Join us on campus to chat with lecturers from your postgraduate subject area of interest.

Book now

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

We know that everyone learns differently. So not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills. 

For this course, you'll: 

Use computer simulations
Work with people in industry and critically appraise published work 
Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops 
Be expected to study independently

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

We’ll also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your research project. 

Assessment

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative). 

Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.

You’ll have formal assessments at the end of each module this will include a written technical report and an end exam.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
Academic writing (including how to reference)
Research skills
Critical thinking
Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessment you do. We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

MSc Aeronautical Engineering

Video

Demand for aeronautical engineers is high. Help your career to soar in the aeronautical and aviation industries with an MSc.

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Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and an industry placement (if chosen).

Independent learning

In addition to taught time, you’ll be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This will involve our Virtual Learning Environment; reading journals, articles and books; undertaking research in the library, and preparing for assessment activities and your dissertation.

Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones and a range of laboratories.

Staff

The Engineering team have expertise in many areas of engineering including renewables, plastic electronics, biofuels, manufacturing & prototyping and smart technologies.

Dr Abdul Waheed Awan

Senior Lecturer

Currently I am Senior Lecturer in Mechanical & Automotive Engineering and Award Leader for MSc Automotive Engineering within School of Creative Arts and Engineering.

Abdul Waheed's profile

Debi Roberts

Interim Head Of Department

Debi has a keen interest in Automotive and Aeronautical Aerodynamics, Engine Design and Engineering History (Automotive and Aeronautical).

Debi's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 23 September 2024 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for MSc-Full-time
Study option	UK / Channel Islands	International
Full-time	£10,300 per course	£16,750 per course

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you've previously completed a Staffordshire University undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Included in tuition fees
Included in the fees:
Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module. The use of all laboratories, workshops and specialist facilities relating to the course of study. Heavily discounted tuition fees during the (optional) placement year. Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module. The use of all laboratories, workshops and specialist facilities relating to the course of study. Heavily discounted tuition fees during the (optional) placement year.

Not included in tuition fees
Not included in the fees:
The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies. Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course. Dependent on a student’s choice of final year project, some additional costs may be incurred for materials to support the development and delivery of the project. The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies. Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course. Dependent on a student’s choice of final year project, some additional costs may be incurred for materials to support the development and delivery of the project.

Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning.

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Apply

Location	Award	Study option	Start date	Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus	MSc	Full-time	23 September 2024	Apply now

Location	Award	Study option	Start date	Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus	MSc	Full-time, with a placement year	23 September 2024	Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

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