MSc Aerospace Engineering with Extended Professional Practice

Why choose Herts?

Industry accreditation: This course is RAes and IMechE accredited and meets the further learning requirement for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration.
Fantastic facilities: You will have direct access to extensive labs exclusively open for aerospace engineering students including flight simulators, industry-level CAE software packages, and wind tunnels.
Work Placement Opportunities: You have a one-year industry placement option enabling you to gain real-world industrial experience.

An honours degree (at least 2:2 or above) in aerospace or aerospace systems engineering. Other disciplines may be considered.

International qualifications will be considered on the basis of their equivalence to UK qualifications, typically guided by a resource such as the National Academic Recognition Information centre (NARIC). Candidates will be required to demonstrate a suitable level of proficiency in written and spoken English. An IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) would typically be required from candidates whose first language is not English. Candidates who do not satisfy these requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If you need to apply for a visa to enter the UK on acceptance to this course you will need to apply for an ATAS certificate before you are eligible to apply for UK entry clearance. Details of this requirement will be included in your offer.

Find out more about the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

If you do not have the required level of English for entry, our academic English courses can help you to achieve this level.


Institution code	H36
School of study	School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science
Course length	Sandwich, 2 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Employability

Careers

This programme will help you to develop your critical thinking skills as a future engineering manager or technical specialist as it will enable you to effectively analyse technical and management issues. This blend of technical and managerial content is invaluable in job applications as well as helping to fast track your career in the industry.

Professional Accreditations

The MSc Aerospace Engineering course is accredited by RAeS as meeting the further learning requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration.

About the course

The Extended Professional Practice award provides you with the opportunity of a placement, working in a relevant engineering environment to further develop the knowledge and skills you gain from the taught modules. The placement takes place during the first two semesters of the second year of enrolment, after which you’ll return to complete your MSc Individual Project. It's up to you to secure a suitable placement, although the Careers and Employment service is here to support you throughout the process.

This is an integrated degree programme that brings together the key generic skills of management and research methods with specific modules focusing on aerodynamics and flight mechanics. This approach will help you to develop your critical thinking skills as a future engineering manager, or technical specialist enabling you effectively to analyse technical and or management issues. The programme aims to:

equip you with the theory and the practice of relevant subjects, technologies and analytical tools to provide solutions for aerospace and related manufacturing problems
provide a blend of knowledge and application experience through case studies and project work
focus on the links between analysis and design and the supporting skills of management
provide education and experience which enhances prospects of professional employment within the industry.

Why choose this course?

During your placement year, you'll gain hands-on industrial experience, applying the skills learned during your studies.
The School has over 50 years experience of teaching aerospace and has established an excellent international reputation in this field.
We offer extensive lab facilities for aerospace engineering students, including a flight simulator, the latest software packages and wind tunnels.
This MSc combines analysis and design with management skills to produce highly-employable postgraduates.
1st in the East of England for Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering (2023 Complete University Guide).
7th for engineering and technology in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES, 2024).

What will I study?

The industrial placement award offers the opportunity for you to undertake a period of industrial placement, and so develop your understanding and skills within a professional environment. This award requires the successful completion of at least 30 weeks full-time equivalent placement activity from a maximum of two separate approved placement, neither of which will be normally less than 12 weeks. The Careers and Employment service will actively support you in the placement process, however, the responsibility of securing a suitable placement lies with you. Ultimately, the placement company will select students usually through an interview process.

The School has a reputation for innovation in teaching and learning, where nearly all MSc modules are delivered through a combination of traditional face-to-face teaching and backup tutorial's using the University's StudyNet web based facility. StudyNet allows students to access electronic teaching and learning resources, and conduct electronic discussion's with staff and other students. A heavy emphasis is placed on theory and practice, and the School has a policy of using industrial standard software wherever possible. The School also operate an open access laboratory, and computer policy, that will help students complete coursework and assignments, at a scheduled pace and on time.

Where will I study?

Learn in Spectra, our new state-of-the-art School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building, now open, featuring interactive learning zones. Access modeling, simulation, and research labs, our Merlin Flight Simulator, automotive workshop (including electric vehicle facility), wind tunnel, welding bay, and controls testing suite.

Benefit from our Academic Support Hub, designed to enhance your employability and academic skills. Connect with industry mentors offering pastoral support, career guidance, and progression opportunities.

Spectra provides collaborative spaces, including workshops, social areas, and meeting rooms. Designed with the University’s net-zero carbon target in mind, it’s part of our commitment to replacing inefficient older sites.

Level 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Aeroelasticity	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to structural dynamics and static aeroelastic phenomenon such as divergence and control reversal, together with unsteady aerodynamics and dynamic aeroelastic phenomenon such as flutter. Typical aerospace vehicle aeroelastic problems are considered, while aeroelastic analysis is introduced through the consideration of the behaviour of a typical aerofoil and a high aspect ratio wing in bending and torsion. Student learning is supported by assignments making use of aeroelastic analysis software and finite element analysis software.
Aerospace Aerodynamics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module develops the student's knowledge of aerodynamics and experience of using CFD. Topics include potential flow theory, panel methods, lifting line and slender body theory, together with hypersonic aerodynamics. CFD applications cover a range of applications, making extensive use of commercial codes to simulate airflows.
Aerospace Materials and Manufacturing	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module content includes an introduction to materials engineering and manufacturing, as well as covering details on engineering alloys, materials science and materials selection. Materials pertinent to the aerospace industry are looked at including polymers and composites for high performance structures as well sustainable options and those suitable for aerospace manufacturing processes. The module also includes a look at supply chain management issues related to materials and manufacturing.
CFD & Applications	15 Credits	Compulsory
Module introduces various implementations of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and its theoretical foundation. It covers how to tackle complex engineering challenges with CFD; to evaluate and to analyse efficiently the resulting data.
FEM & Applications	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module introduces development of simulation models replicating engineering problems. It will examine the effect of mesh density, domain size, boundary conditions, material properties on the optimisation of systems performance. Analytical approximation techniques and numerical schemes will be explored to validate and correlate the results against benchmark solutions.
Flight Mechanics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module develops student's knowledge and understanding of aircraft dynamics, stability, and control beyond undergraduate level. Topics covered include compressibility, thrust-offset, and static aeroelastic effects on aircraft static stability and control; dynamics stability analysis; quasi-steady asymmetric flight; sideslipping and turning; methods for estimating aerodynamic derivatives; and an introduction to parameter identification methods. Student learning is supported by assignments making use of simulation software and, when possible, flight simulators.
Flight Simulation	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module develops the student's knowledge and skills in the mathematical modelling of aircraft with an applied focus in the implementation of flight simulation methods, including modelling of navigation in the Earth's environment, dynamic behaviour of aircraft, and propulsion systems. Students will also look at the design and use of flight simulators for both pilot training and engineering design and the associated design requirements for each case. Students will also be introduced to techniques for programming and numerical computation of flight models.
MSc Professional Work Placement	60 Credits	Compulsory
Undertaking a placement year provides students with the opportunity to set their academic studies in a broader context, to gain practical experience in an engineering or STEM environment, and to strengthen key employability skills. The MSc Professional Work Placement module provides opportunities for students to reflect on the learning gained throughout their placement, and to prepare themselves for articulating their experiences and enhanced skills when applying for future employment.
MSc Individual Project (Aerospace)	60 Credits	Compulsory
The Masters Project serves as a pivotal integrating component of the programme, aimed at challenging and enhancing critical thinking skills. It offers students the opportunity to synthesise and apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout their postgraduate studies under the mentorship of an academic supervisor. The project typically requires 600 hours of self-driven scholarly work. This effort predominantly involves self-directed independent study, which may encompass a variety of activities such as scheduled sessions, supervisory meetings, literature review, software analysis, and preparation for assessments.
Preparation for Work Placement	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module supports students in their search and application for a placement via a series of online seminars and material in topics like CV writing, applying for placement, preparing for psychometric test, and developing interview techniques. The module aims to assist students in their placement search, application and to provide a general preparation for successful participation in the workforce.
Propulsion Technology and Applications	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module aims to enhance student's skills and knowledge in conventional aerospace propulsion systems (e.g., gas turbine cycles, turbofan design, propeller performance analysis) as well as introduce modern technologies covering electric propulsion. This includes the principles and concepts of electrification of aircraft towards the implementation of urban air mobility and addressing global sustainability concerns. Students will cover advanced analysis and design methods for components of gas turbines, design and performance characterisation of propellers, and in the design, specification, and analysis of the performance of electric motors and other components for electric aircraft propulsion.

Further course information

Course fact sheets
MSc Aerospace Engineering - Extended	Download

Programme specifications
MSc Aerospace Engineering - Extended	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes

Student experience

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

Find out about how we support our students

You can also read our student blogs to find out about life at Herts.

Funding and fees
Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Fees 2024
UK Students
Full time
- £13545 for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 inclusive
EU Students
Full time
- £18950 for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 inclusive
International Students
Full time
- £18950 for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 inclusive
Fees 2025
UK Students
Full time
- £14400 for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 inclusive
EU Students
Full time
- £19800 for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 inclusive
International Students
Full time
- £19800 for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 inclusive
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University's Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed "When tuition fees change"), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet
How to apply

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2025
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
23/09/2025 31/05/2026 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
2026
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
23/09/2026 31/05/2027 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

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MSc Aerospace Engineering with Extended Professional Practice

Why choose Herts?

Careers

Professional Accreditations

About the course

Why choose this course?

What will I study?

Where will I study?

Further course information

Student experience

Other financial support

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Fees 2025

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Living costs / accommodation

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2025

2026