• Postgraduate taught
  • MRes

Aerospace Sciences

Engage in original research in this multidisciplinary field, working with one of the Department of Aeronautics’ world-leading researchers.

Engage in original Aerospace research, working with our world leading researchers

Deepen your subject-specific knowledge with electives aligned with your chosen research area

Develop the research skills needed for future academic and industry research within Aerospace

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • MRes

  • Duration

    1 year

  • Start date

    September 2026

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £19,400 Home

    • £45,000 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

Minimum entry standard

  • 2:1, preferably First, in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Materials Science, Computing or equivalent.

View full entry requirements

Course overview

Delve into the design, manufacture, development, and operation of aircraft and spacecraft in this Master of Research (MRes) programme.

Advance your understanding of topics from sustainable aircraft to autonomous and intelligent aerospace systems, and engage in original aerospace research through your own novel individual research project.

Work alongside a world-leading researcher in the Department of Aeronautics to bring your project to life.

Support your research with three optional modules from the department, choosing from options like aeroelasticity, robotics, and advanced computational methods. 

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

Engaging with Aerospace Research

Engage with a variety of research topics by attending seminars and contributing to a scientific journal club.

You will select three optional modules from a range offered within the Aeronautics Department. Your supervisor can provide guidance and must approve your choice of electives. At least two modules must be taken from Group A.

Optional modules are subject to availability.

Optional modules – Group A

Optional modules – Group B

Research proposal

Engage with the literature in your chosen research topic, refine your research question and demonstrate the feasibility of your proposed research project.

Research project

You will build on the work done for your project proposal, by planning, executing research to address your research question and evaluating the results. 

Teaching and assessment

Balance of teaching and learning

This is a general guide to how teaching and learning are usually balanced across this course. The methods used may change based on the modules you take.

Key

  • Lectures and tutorials
  • Independent study
  • Research project

  • 13% Title 1 goes here
  • 60% Title 2 goes here
  • 27% Title 3 goes here

Teaching and learning methods

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Person giving seminar
    Research seminars
  • In-class quiz
    Problem classes
  • A person studying independently
    Self-study
  • Books for research studies
    Research skills development
  • Individual research project
    Research project

Balance of assessment

This is an example of how assessments are usually divided, based on a typical pathway through the course. The actual breakdown may be different depending on the modules you choose.

Key

  • Coursework
  • Practical
  • Exams

  • 45% Title 1 goes here
  • 38% Title 2 goes here
  • 17% Title 3 goes here

Assessment methods

  • Research project proposal document
    Project proposal
  • A person completing a written exam
    Exams
  • Research project
  • Thesis defence
  • Papers from a written report
    Progress tests

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

How to apply

Apply online

You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.

Fees and funding

Home fee

2026 entry

£19,400

Overseas fee

2026 entry

£45,000

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

Gain transferable skills relevant to a career in aeronautical engineering or similar fields.

With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.

Graduates will be well placed to continue studying towards a PhD degree or to join the aerospace industry and allied sectors.

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications