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
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Fees
£19,400 Home
£45,000 Overseas
Delivered by
Location
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South Kensington
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Minimum entry standard
2:1, preferably First, in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Materials Science, Computing or equivalent.
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
Gain insights into nonlinear control and optimization-based methods for robust and data-driven control.
Uncover advanced mathematical exposition of classical fluid dynamics with elements of the physics and theory of fluid-structure interaction.
Develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between design, manufacturing processing and materials properties and become familiar with the different types of manufacturing processes.
Learn the theory and practice of aeroelasticity in fixed-wing aircraft and become familiar with the most common models used for aeroelastic analysis.
Explore the unique flow physics experienced by vehicles travelling at hypersonic speeds in an atmosphere.
Understand the operational aspects of commercial aviation and assessing how they affect design decisions and, eventually, its environmental impacts and costs.
Gain a better understanding of the physics and governing equations of fluid dynamics.
Gain an understanding of the basic principles for the analysis and design of aerofoils and wings and learn about quantitative design.
Gain a solid foundation of the theory and implementation of primarily 1D numerical methods for computational fluid dynamics.
Explore the key technological advances and principles needed to achieve greener aviation. Become familiar with the main design challenges associated with achieving this goal.
Gain an in-depth understanding of the theory and practice of finite element methods, and how to apply them to solve real-life structural problems.
Explore popular machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms used in the Aerospace research and industry.
Gain theoretical and practical understanding of AI models such as deep neural networks and unsupervised learning algorithms.
Explore the mechanics of composite materials and foams and learn best practice for analysing lightweight structures.
Apply orbital mechanics and rigid body mechanics to a wide range of problems in non-atmospheric flight.
Learn about the challenge of sustainable aviation, using the analytical and computational tools employed by scientists, engineers, and regulators worldwide to monitor and minimize net damages.
Develop your foundational knowledge and physical understanding to critically assess turbulent modules relevant to research and industry.
Optional modules – Group B
Conduct aerodynamic and thermodynamic analysis of propulsion systems for high-speed flight.
Uncover the advanced analytical techniques used to characterise the properties of polymers, fibres and fibre-matrix interfaces.
Learn the key numerical methods used for solving the governing equations of fluid dynamics for aerodynamic design.
Cultivate your knowledge of the latest composite innovations including nanophase reinforced composites and multifunctional composites.
Explore how design optimisation methods can be used to improve engineering performance.
Learn how modern mathematical techniques are used to predict conditions when laminar-turbulent transition takes place.
Build proficiency in the use of the C++ programming language and the skills to be able to write efficient parallel programs.
Explore the theory and design of rotorcraft and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicles, including their aerodynamics, dynamics, and performance.
Develop your understanding of methodologies for spacecraft structure design, from launchers to satellite platforms to habitable inflatable modules.
Learn industry standard methodology for spacecraft systems analysis and design.
Gain an in-depth knowledge of the fundamentals of safe design and learn to apply damage detection techniques to different types of structures.
Learn about engineering systems and how to apply their tools to the design of UAVs.
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
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Lectures
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Tutorials
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Research seminars
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Problem classes
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Self-study
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Research skills development
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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
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Project proposal
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Exams
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Research project
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Thesis defence
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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.
If you are applying for a Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course.
The application fees for postgraduate courses are:
- £90 for all Master's applications, excluding those to Imperial Business School
- £125 for MSc applications to Imperial Business School
- £150 for MBA applications to Imperial Business School
There is no application fee for Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, or courses such as PhDs and EngDs. This includes MRes and PhD combined (1+3) courses with the Centre for Doctoral Training.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
Find out more about how to apply for a Master's course, including references and personal statements.
In your application, you will need to submit a 2-page CV and a written statement (no more than 1 page) articulating your motivation and topics of interest and identifying two or more potential supervisors.
You can find details of potential supervisors and their profiles on our list of academic contacts within the Department of Aeronautics.
As part of the application process, shortlisted candidates will be asked to join an online interview with potential project supervisors.
Unless you are from an exempt nationality, you will need an ATAS certificate to obtain your visa and study this course.
Nationals from the following countries are exempt: Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, USA and EEA members.
Use this information when applying for an ATAS certificate to study this course:
- CAH code: CAH10-01-04
- Descriptor: Aeronautical and aerospace engineering
- Supervisor name: Professor Rafael Palacios
Get guidance and support for obtaining an ATAS certificate.
Fees and funding
Home fee
2026 entry
£19,400
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
The maximum value of the loan is £12,858 for courses starting on or after 1 August 2025.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note:
- The loan is only available if you’re studying a full Master’s course from the start.
- If you start on a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and later move on to the Master’s, you won’t be eligible for this loan.
Overseas fee
2026 entry
£45,000
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
The maximum value of the loan is £12,858 for courses starting on or after 1 August 2025.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note:
- The loan is only available if you’re studying a full Master’s course from the start.
- If you start on a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and later move on to the Master’s, you won’t be eligible for this loan.
Scholarships
View all scholarshipsHow 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.
Further links
Contact the department
- Telephone: +44(0) 20 7594 5066
- Email: aero.msc-admissions@imperial.ac.uk
Course Director: Dr Emiliano Bilotti
Visit the Department of Aeronautics website.
Request info
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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.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications