MSc Aerial Robotics

Faculty	Faculty of Engineering
Awards available	MSc
Programme length	One year full-time
Location of programme	Clifton campus
Part-time study available	Yes
Start date	September 2022

Programme overview

The MSc in Aerial Robotics will provide you with the knowledge required to become an innovator in aerial robotic systems and tackle the latest challenges for Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) or drones, from urban utility operations through to remote scientific investigation. Foundational skills such as flight dynamics, control and avionics will be complemented with disruptive technologies such as autonomous navigation and bio-inspiration.

This programme will expose you to a wide range of advanced engineering and computer science concepts and offers the opportunity to apply these to an aerial robotics project. Flight testing may be carried out at one of our world-class facilities including an indoor flight arena at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory or the outdoor flying site at Fenswood, Long Ashton.

The University of Bristol has a long history associated with aerospace, with the city providing a home to Airbus, Rolls Royce, QinetiQ, Leonardo helicopters and a range of smaller SMEs. Drawing on this expertise, the Aerial Robotics course will cover not only conventional vehicle design and onboard systems, but wider supporting robotics technologies including AI, ethics and the legal framework in which they operate.

Aerial Robotics will also emphasise a systems approach, considering integration at technology, operational and environmental levels. Graduates will be able to deliver cutting edge drone research and development in a variety of contexts.

This programme will be covered in our Robotics webinar during our virtual open week. Register today.

Fees for 2022/23

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2022/23 are as follows:

UK: full-time: £13,300
Overseas: full-time: £26,900

Following the recent changes to fee assessment regulation, Channel Islands and Isle of Man students will no longer be charged a separate tuition fee. From the 2021/22 academic year they will be charged the same fees as Home students.

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to a five per cent increase in fees each year. Find out more about tuition fees.

Alumni scholarship

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a ten per cent reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni scholarship.

Funding for 2022/23

Further information on funding for prospective UK, EU and international postgraduate students.

Programme structure

The programme comprises a number of core and optional units. During your second term, you will start working on a substantial piece of research work that will make up one third of your overall MSc. This will be working in partnership with one of our aerospace industry partners or aligned with one of our existing aerial robotics research projects. There are a wide range of different themes from which projects may be chosen, from advanced control through to bio-inspired technologies and commercial applications.

Further information is available from the Faculty of Engineering or Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Aerial Robotics.

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree in engineering, physics, mathematics or a related subject. Other disciplines will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Programming skills in C/C++, Java or Python are mandatory.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level:
Profile E
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Admissions statement

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Admissions statement

Careers

The Aerial Robotics programme covers the core technologies and underlying theory that is needed to support the rapidly growing commercial market in drones and small urban air mobility. Career opportunities include a diverse range of opportunities, including SME and large industrial manufacturers, research institutions, operators, regulatory bodies and the transport sector.

Apply now

Find out how to apply

Expected application closure date

29 July 2022 for International applicants. 12 August 2022 for UK applicants. Early applications recommended; places may fill before the deadline. As students from different regions tend to apply at different points in the application period, applications from some regions may close earlier in the year.