At The University of Manchester, the sky is not the limit, only the beginning.
As a graduate of the MSc in Aerospace Engineering, your specialist training will propel you into demand across both engineering industries and linked consultancies.
Taught by distinguished academics and researchers, this course equips you with advanced technical skills and hands-on experience using cutting-edge facilities, including wind tunnels, flight simulators, and high-performance computing tools.
With our strong industry connections, you’ll gain insights into real-world aerospace challenges and expand your professional network.
Whether you’re looking to specialise further or transition from mechanics, mathematics, or physics into aerospace, this course provides a flexible and career-focused pathway.
Course Duration 12 months (full-time)
Accreditation This course is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Total Self-study Time Approximately 70 hours for a 10-credit module (depending on individual background and learning needs)
Teaching Time Approximately 24-30 hours for a 10-credit module (inc. lectures, tutorials, lab and computer work)
WHAT CAREER PATHWAYS ARE AVAILABLE TO ME?
With a master’s, students often gain deeper insight into areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, space systems, and materials science, making them more competitive for roles in leading aerospace companies, research institutions, and government agencies.
Many employers in the aerospace industry seek candidates with postgraduate qualifications for positions involving complex problem-solving, innovation, and leadership, meaning a master’s can accelerate career progression and increase earning potential.
Additionally, it provides a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing doctoral research or transitioning into interdisciplinary fields like robotics, renewable energy, or advanced manufacturing, broadening long-term career pathways.
WHAT ROLES HAVE GRADUATES SECURED?
Career pathways for graduates of this MSc include entering the aerospace industry, engineering consultancy industry, motor car industry, other technical industries, spin-off companies, or pursuing further study (e.g., PhD and academic careers).
Our recent graduates have gone to work for companies including:
- Airbus
- Rolls Royce
- GE Aviation
- Bombardier Transportation
- BAE Systems
- MBDA
- GKN Aerospace
- Spirit
- Finmeccanica
- Schlumberger
and have gone into roles such as:
- Aerospace engineer
- Airframe manufacturer
- Defence laboratory specialist
- Drone developer
- Engineering consultant
- Postgraduate research
- Project management
- Satellite engineer
OUR STUDENTS' MSc PROJECTS
The MSc project is one of the most exciting parts of a master’s degree — you are paired with an expert supervisor and get a chance to dive deep into a topic you’re passionate about, solve real-world problems, and bring your ideas to life. It’s where everything you’ve learned comes together, showcasing your skills, creativity, and potential to stand out in your field. Here are some projects that our MSc graduates have worked on:
🔎 Space Area
- Nano satellite thermal control
- Orbital capacity and the future of low Earth orbit
🔎 Environmental Aspects
- The environmental cost of satellite data
- Evaluation of aircraft environmental emissions
🔎 Modelling and Simulation
- CFD modelling of wall jets
- CFD of an inertial particle separator
🔎 Experimental
- Design / validation of a Mach 3 wind tunnel nozzle
- Implementation and test of a shock tube
ALUMNI'S VOICE
Graduating during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic was a challenging time. I had to return to India from the UK, and job opportunities were scarce. However, my Master’s degree from The University of Manchester played a crucial role in shaping my path forward. It enabled me to secure a search year visa in the Netherlands, which became the gateway to launching my engineering career in Europe.
I began as a Junior Mechanical Engineer and have since progressed to the role of Lead Mechanical Engineer at VIRO, a multidisciplinary engineering firm. Over the past three years, I’ve been involved in co-developing cutting-edge technologies for ASML, a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. My work contributes to innovations that push the limits of nanometer-scale precision, helping the industry achieve the next technological leap.
The academic foundation and international exposure I gained at Manchester gave me the confidence and skills to thrive in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment. Today, I lead a team of talented engineers, driving forward projects that shape the future of technology.
Nitinkumar Bilmore MSc Aerospace Engineering Graduate, Class of 2020
Current role: Lead Mechanical Engineer at VIRO, Beverwijk, Netherlands
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