MSc Advanced Computational Methods for Aeronautics, Flow Management and Fluid-Structure Interaction
Advanced training in computational methods and the associated underlying theory and physical principles for aeronautics.
Key information
Duration: 1 year full-time
Start date: October 2022
Campus: South Kensington
ECTS: 90 credits
Applications are now closed
Overview
This programme is suitable for applicants who wish to enhance their engineering training or to convert to an advanced engineering discipline from backgrounds in mathematics, physics or computer science.
You will develop specialist skills that are attractive to a broad spectrum of both aerospace and non-aerospace engineering industries.
The department works closely with employers and industry - including industrial advisory panels - to design a programme that ensures that students graduate with the technical knowledge, expertise and transferrable skills in demand by employers.
It may be possible for your research project to be carried out in industry.
The facilities in the department are of a high standard, with the latest industry-standard software available for students to use.
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 agreement with the Royal Aeronautical Society is renewed every five years. The current accreditation agreement is due to be renewed for students starting their studies in the 2024-25 academic year. The Department expects to be accredited into the future.
Careers
Graduates of this MSc develop specialist skills and are highly sought after by employers in a broad spectrum of aerospace and non-aerospace industries.
Such non-aerospace industries include manufacture, technical consultancy, accountancy, and utilities and transport.
Structure
This page reflects the latest version of the curriculum for this year of entry. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.
Page last reviewed on 22 October 2021.
Structure
Pre-study modules
You'll study these non-assessed modules prior to the course.
- Revision Stress Analysis
- Introduction to Programming
- Introductory Mathematics
- Control Theory
- Introduction to Compressible Flow
- Aircraft Performance and Flight Mechanics
- Introduction to Fluid Dynamics
Core modules
You'll take the core modules below.
Advanced Fluid Mechanics and Fluid-Structure Interaction
Uncover advanced mathematical exposition of classical fluid dynamics with elements of the physics and theory of fluid-structure interaction.
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Gain a solid foundation of the theory and implementation of primarily 1D numerical methods for computational fluid dynamics.
Applications of Computational Fluid Dynamics
Learn the key numerical methods used for solving the governing equations of fluid dynamics for aerodynamic design.
Computational Linear Algebra
Develop a theoretical and practical understanding of the standard algorithms for solving simultaneous linear equations, as well as the accompanying challenges.
Optional modules
You'll choose five modules from the below.
High-Performance Computing
Develop your proficiency in the use of C++ and the skills to be able to write efficient parallel programs.
Aerothermodynamics of Launchers and Re-Entry Vehicles
Explore the unique flow physics experienced by vehicles travelling at hypersonic speeds in an atmosphere.
Artificial Intelligence for Aerospace Engineers
Get an introduction to popular machine learning and AI algorithms used in the aerospace industry and research.
Computational Mechanics
Discover advanced concepts in the application of the finite element method to the analysis of aerostructures.
Flow Instability and Transition
Learn how modern mathematical techniques are used to predict conditions when laminar-turbulent transition takes place.
Innovation Management
Cover key principles of innovation management from knowledge co-creation to developing sustainable business models.
Turbulence and Turbulence Modelling
Develop your foundational knowledge and physical understanding to critically assess turbulent modules relevant to research and industry.
Control Theory for Flow Management
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.
Orbital Mechanics
Apply orbital mechanics and rigid body mechanics to a wide range of problems in non-atmospheric flight.
Systems Engineering for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Learn about engineering systems and how to apply their tools to the design of UAVs.
Project
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 must be set in context against published work. The project is assessed by progress in conducting the work, a dissertation of about 10,000 words, and an oral presentation.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Group Work
- Blackboard (Virtual Learning Environment)
- Student Portal on Sharepoint
- Panopto Recordings
- Major Individual Research Project
Assessment methods
- Written Examinations
- Coursework
- Tutorial Material
- Oral Presentations
- Progress Reports
Entry requirements
We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Admissions
Minimum academic requirement
Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in engineering, physics, mathematics or computer science.
International qualifications
We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.
The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a UK qualification.
For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.
If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.
English language requirement (all applicants)
All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.
For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.
Competence standards
Our competence standards highlight the core skills students should be able to demonstrate by the end of this course.
View the Department of Aeronautics' competence standards [pdf]
We believe in providing the widest practicable access to all of our degree programmes and will make reasonable adjustments wherever possible to support your study. For more information, please contact the Department using the contact details below.
Department of Aeronautics
T: +44 (0)20 7594 5066
E: aero.msc-admissions@imperial.ac.uk
Tuition fees and funding
The level of tuition fees you pay is based on your fee status, which we assess based on UK government legislation.
Find out more about fees and funding opportunities.
Tuition fees
Home rate of tuition
2022 entry
£15,400
Fees are charged by year of entry to the College and not year of study.
Except where otherwise indicated, the fees for students on courses lasting more than one year will increase annually by an amount linked to inflation, including for part-time students on modular programmes. The measure of inflation used will be the Retail Price Index (RPI) value in the April of the calendar year in which the academic session starts e.g. the RPI value in April 2022 will apply to fees for the academic year 2022–2023.
Fee status
Whether you pay the Home fee depends on your fee status.
Your fee status is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.
Find out more about how we assess your fee status.
EU/EEA/Swiss students
The Government has confirmed that EU/EEA/Swiss students who begin a course before the 31 July 2021 will be eligible to pay the same fee as Home students and have access to student finance for the duration of their course, as long as they meet certain requirements which are unchanged from previous years. This includes students who begin the course remotely.
EU/EEA/Swiss students starting a course on or after 1 August 2021 will no longer be eligible for the Home fee rate and so will be charged the Overseas fee. Please note we do not expect this to apply to Irish students or students benefitting from Citizens' rights under the EU Withdrawal Agreement, EEA EFTA Separation Agreement or Swiss Citizens’ Rights Agreement respectively. However, we are currently awaiting the formal publication of the amended Fees and Awards regulations.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website has useful information on the conditions you currently need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the Home rate for study on a higher education course in England and reflect the regulations as they currently stand (not the amended regulations which are subject to publication).
Overseas rate of tuition
2022 entry
£35,700
Fees are charged by year of entry to the College and not year of study.
Except where otherwise indicated, the fees for students on courses lasting more than one year will increase annually by an amount linked to inflation, including for part-time students on modular programmes. The measure of inflation used will be the Retail Price Index (RPI) value in the April of the calendar year in which the academic session starts e.g. the RPI value in April 2022 will apply to fees for the academic year 2022–2023.
Fee status
Whether you pay the Overseas fee depends on your fee status.
Your fee status is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.
Find out more about how we assess your fee status.
EU/EEA/Swiss students
The Government has confirmed that EU/EEA/Swiss students who begin a course before the 31 July 2021 will be eligible to pay the same fee as Home students and have access to student finance for the duration of their course, as long as they meet certain requirements which are unchanged from previous years. This includes students who begin the course remotely.
EU/EEA/Swiss students starting a course on or after 1 August 2021 will no longer be eligible for the Home fee rate and so will be charged the Overseas fee. Please note we do not expect this to apply to Irish students or students benefitting from Citizens' rights under the EU Withdrawal Agreement, EEA EFTA Separation Agreement or Swiss Citizens’ Rights Agreement respectively. However, we are currently awaiting the formal publication of the amended Fees and Awards regulations.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website has useful information on the conditions you currently need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the Home rate for study on a higher education course in England and reflect the regulations as they currently stand (not the amended regulations which are subject to publication).
Postgraduate Master's loan
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.
For 2022-23 entry, the maximum amount is £11,836. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Scholarships
We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students to support you through your studies. Find out more about our scholarships to see what you might be eligible for.
A number of external organisations also offer awards for Imperial students. Find out more about non-Imperial scholarships.
Accommodation and living costs
Living costs, including accommodation, are not included in your tuition fees.
You can compare costs across our different accommodation options on our Accommodation website.
A rough guide to what you might expect to spend to live in reasonable comfort in London is available on our Fees and Funding website.
Admissions
Making an application
Apply online
All applicants must apply online.
Visit our Admissions website for details on the application process.
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can usually choose up to two courses.
Application fee
If you are applying for a taught Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course:
- £80 for taught Master's applications (excluding MBAs)
- £135 for MBA applications
There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas or research courses, such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
ATAS certificate (overseas candidates)
An ATAS certificate is required for all visa-nationals, with the exception of EEA/Swiss nationals and nationals of the following countries: Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the USA.
To apply for an ATAS certificate online, you will need your programme’s Common Aggregation Hierarchy (CAH) code and ‘descriptor’, as well as your university supervisor name. For this course, these are:
| CAH code | Descriptor | Supervisor name |
|---|---|---|
| CAH10-01-04 | aeronautical and aerospace engineering | Professor Paul Robinson |
Your student visa application, or extension of stay, will automatically be refused if you need an ATAS certificate and cannot provide one.
For further guidance on obtaining an ATAS certificate please see the information on our International Student Support website.
Further questions?
Find answers to your questions about admissions. Answers cover COVID-19, English language requirements, visas and more.
Further information
Got a question?
T: +44(0) 20 7594 5066
E: aero.msc-admissions@imperial.ac.uk
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