Advanced Computational Methods for Aeronautics, Flow Management and Fluid-Structure Interaction
Develop specialist computational knowledge for a career in aerospace or engineering.
Develop specialist computational knowledge for a career in aerospace or engineering
Learn about the latest advancements with a research-informed curriculum
Gain transferable skills that are attractive to a broad spectrum of industries
Course key facts
Qualification
MSc
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 in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science.
Course overview
Enhance your engineering training or convert to an advanced engineering discipline from a background in mathematics, physics or computer science.
This course focuses on the scientific programming needed to perform numerical computations and experimental techniques for aeronautics.
You'll be equipped to solve complex problems numerically. As a result, you will be able to write and develop commercial software packages, rather than simply use them.
Your particular interest in aerospace engineering will be matched by a series of research-informed modules centred on the latest theories and developments in this area.
You'll also complete an individual research project, in which you can focus on your theoretical, computational or experimental interests.
Our industry contributions and collaborations are extensive, ensuring you graduate with in-demand technical knowledge, expertise and transferable skills. It may be possible for you to carry out your research project in industry.
Throughout the course, you'll develop specialist skills that are attractive to a range of engineering industries, including aerospace, manufacturing, technical consultancy, accountancy, and utilities and transport.
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.
You’ll study these pre-sessional modules before term starts. They are designed to give you foundational knowledge of the key concepts in the course.
Refresh yourself on the basics of stress analysis and learn about common stress analysis techniques.
Learn about the scientific programming tools and languages required to perform numerical computation.
Revise essential mathematics over a series of lectures.
Gain an insight into state-space methods for the analysis and design of control systems.
Understand the basic effects of compressibility on fluid flow and evaluate the behaviour of compressible flows.
Refresh your knowledge of flight mechanics and how aircraft performance can be predicted on key characteristics.
Appreciate the basic elements of fluid flow on this self-taught module.
You’ll study these core modules.
Uncover advanced mathematical exposition of classical fluid dynamics with elements of the physics and theory of fluid-structure interaction.
Gain a solid foundation of the theory and implementation of primarily 1D numerical methods for computational fluid dynamics.
Develop a theoretical and practical understanding of the standard algorithms for solving simultaneous linear equations, as well as the accompanying challenges.
Learn the key numerical methods used for solving the governing equations of fluid dynamics for aerodynamic design.
You'll complete an extensive four-month individual research project.
The project is made up of a piece of individual research which must include some element of originality and can be wholly computational, wholly theoretical, wholly experimental, or a mixture.
You'll select projects from a list of topics proposed by university staff and by industry. The results from the study will be evaluated against currently published work.
The project is assessed by evaluating your progress alongside a dissertation and an oral presentation.
You’ll choose five optional modules.
Develop your proficiency in the use of C++ and the skills to be able to write efficient parallel programs.
Explore the theory and practice of aeroelasticity in fixed-wing aircraft.
Explore the unique flow physics experienced by vehicles travelling at hypersonic speeds in an atmosphere.
Get an introduction to popular machine learning and AI algorithms used in the aerospace industry and research.
Discover advanced concepts in the application of the finite element method to the analysis of aerostructures.
Learn how modern mathematical techniques are used to predict conditions when laminar-turbulent transition takes place.
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.
Cover key principles of innovation management from knowledge co-creation to developing sustainable business models.
Develop your foundational knowledge and physical understanding to critically assess turbulent modules relevant to research and industry.
Discover how fluid flow may be controlled through sensing, and its subsequent control via actuation to produce a controlled disturbance, in order to achieve a desired effect.
Apply orbital mechanics and rigid body mechanics to a wide range of problems in non-atmospheric flight.
Learn about engineering systems and how to apply their tools to the design of UAVs.
Professional accreditation
This course is professionally accredited by The Royal Aeronautical Society. The Society is licensed by the Engineering Council to register candidates as Chartered Engineers (CEng), Incorporated Engineers (IEng) and Engineering Technicians (EngTech).
Our accreditation agreements with Royal Aeronautical Society and IMechE are renewed every five years. The current accreditation is due to be renewed in 2030.
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
- 10% Title 1 goes here
- 40% Title 2 goes here
- 50% Title 3 goes here
Teaching and learning methods
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Lectures
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Tutorials
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Group work
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Virtual learning environment
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Lecture recordings
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Research project
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Self-study
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
- Exams
- Oral assessment
- 60% Title 1 goes here
- 30% Title 2 goes here
- 10% Title 3 goes here
Assessment methods
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Coursework
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Examinations
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Tutorials
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Oral assessment
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Progress reports
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.
Find out more about how to apply for a Master's course, including references and personal statements.
There is no application fee for Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, or courses such as PhDs and EngDs.
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
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
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 Spencer Sherwin
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 scholarshipsDepartment of Aeronautics MSc Scholarship
Value per award
- Full tuition fees covered
Who it's for
- Successful applicants to a Department of Aeronautics MSc course.
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
Build specialist skills highly sought after by employers in aerospace and beyond
Work closely with industry and build your expertise in technical report writing and presenting
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Equip yourself with computational methods deployed in a variety of fields including aeronautics, manufacturing and technical consultancy
Further links
Contact the department
- Telephone: +44(0) 20 7594 5066
- Email: aero.msc-admissions@imperial.ac.uk
Course Director: Professor Robert Hewson
Visit the Department of Aeronautics website.
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Request info
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Events, tasters and talks
Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.
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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