MSc In Aerospace Engineering
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: The MSc in Aerospace Engineering at Khalifa University combines taught courses with a supervised thesis of original research across aerodynamics, propulsion, stability and control, materials and manufacturing, astronautics, and UAV and aircraft/spacecraft design. Students receive faculty supervision, deepen technical knowledge and contribute to discovery through graduate research in the UAE.
Career Outcomes: Graduates gain skills for aerospace design, propulsion, flight dynamics, systems and materials engineering, UAV and spacecraft development, and aeroelasticity research. They can work in industry, government, defense, space agencies, airlines, academia and high-tech firms; local employers include STRATA, Yahsat, MBRSC, Etihad and Emirates. Many pursue PhD study.
The degree of Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MSc in AERO) is awarded for successfully completing the requirements of a program of study, which includes taught courses as well as a thesis. The thesis is an independent investigation of specialized areas within the general field of aerospace engineering and associated disciplines.
The MSc degree gives candidates the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in the broad field of Aerospace Engineering (AERO) and contribute to the process of discovery and knowledge creation through the conduct of original research.
Candidates for this degree are taught and supervised by experienced faculty and are expected to demonstrate initiative in their approach and innovation in their work. In addition to successfully completing the taught course component of the program, candidates prepare and present a thesis on their chosen area. Research may be undertaken in several topics corresponding to the areas of focus identified by the University.
Program educational objectives
The educational objectives of the MSAE program are to produce graduates who:
- Advance professionally and be recognized as leaders in their respective careers in Aerospace Engineering in industry, government, and academia.
- Apply their technical expertise to address the needs of society in a critical, creative, ethical, and innovative manner to solve problems related to Aerospace Engineering that are locally and globally relevant.
- Further develop their knowledge and skills through graduate education and professional schools.
Overall Structure
The Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE) program consists of a minimum of 36 credit hours. The required program credits are distributed as follows: 12 credits of the core program (including 3 credits of Mathematics course and 0 credits of Engineering Seminar course), 12 credits of elective courses, and 12 credits of Master’s thesis work.
A student may organize the selection of the elective courses and the master’s thesis topic to follow a concentration within the broad field of Aerospace Engineering. In such cases, the concentration will be noted on both the student’s transcript.
The table below presents a summary of the MSAE degree program structure and requirements. All the MSAE program courses, with the exception of the Seminar in Research Methods and the Master’s Thesis, have a credit rating of three credits each.
Summary of MSc in Aerospace Engineering degree program structure:
Program Requirements
A student seeking the degree of MSAE must successfully complete a minimum of 36 credited hours with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0/4.0. The student must also submit a master’s thesis and pass the viva voce examination.
Program Core
The MSc in AERO degree program core requires a minimum of 12 credits, consisting of program core courses (one course in Engineering Mathematics and three courses in Aerospace Engineering), and the ENGR research seminar course, which has zero credit rating. The courses for each one of the core categories are specified:
- Engineering Mathematics Course (3 credits):
- ENGR 606 - Advanced Engineering Mathematics
- AERO Core Courses (9 credits):
- AERO 620 - Advanced Aerodynamics
- AERO 630 - Aerospace Materials and Structures
- AERO 640 - Advanced Flight Dynamics and Control
- ENGR 695 - Seminar in Research Methods (0 credits)
- ENGR 695 - Seminar in Research Methods (0 credits)
Program Electives
Students must complete a minimum of 12 credits of electives from the list of courses below. Students can also select up to two elective courses (6 credits) from other MSc programs in the College of Engineering at KU, subject to the approval of their research advisor.
- AERO/MEEN 611 - Combustion Theory and Applications
- AERO 621 - Boundary Layer Analysis
- AERO 622 - Structural Dynamics and Aeroelasticity
- AERO 623 - Experimental Methods in Aerodynamics
- AERO 631 - Mechanics of Composite Materials
- AERO 632 - Advanced Composite Materials Manufacturing
- AERO 650 - Space Systems Engineering
- AERO 651 - Space Systems Design Project
- AERO 653 - Space Propulsion
- AERO 654 - Astrodynamics and Mission Analysis
- AERO 694 - Selected Topics in Aerospace Engineering
- ENGR 602 - Engineering Numerical Methods
AERO Master’s Thesis
A student must complete a master’s thesis that involves original creative research-oriented work within the broad field of AERO, under the direct supervision of a main advisor, who must be a full-time faculty in the Aerospace Engineering Department, and at least one other full-time faculty who acts as co-advisor. The research findings must be documented in a formal thesis and defended successfully in a viva voce examination. Furthermore, the research should lead to publishable quality scholarly articles.
- AERO 699 - Master’s Thesis (minimum 12 credits)
Space System & Technology Concentration
The MSc in AERO program includes an optional concentration in Space Systems and Technology. Therefore, in addition to the MSAE program learning outcomes, MSAE students choosing this concentration are also expected to attain the following concentration-specific outcomes:
- Demonstrate proficiency in space systems analysis and design.
- Acquire skills in advanced satellite development, assembly, integration, and testing.
The concentration will be noted on the student's academic record (transcript) provided that the student completes the program core as well as:
- A minimum of 9 credits from the group of courses designated by the concentration.
- A master’s research thesis within the domain of the concentration.
List of Courses in Space Systems and Technology Concentration
- AERO 650 - Space Systems Engineering*
- AERO 651 - Space Systems Design Project*
- AERO 653 - Space Propulsion
- AERO 654 - Astrodynamics and Mission Analysis
Guidance, Navigation, and Control Systems Concentration
The MSc in AERO includes an optional concentration in Guidance, Navigation, and Control Systems. Therefore, in addition to the MSc in AERO program learning outcomes, MSc in AERO students choosing this concentration are expected to attain the following concentration-specific outcomes:
- Assess the application of the relevant theory and techniques to solve complex guidance, navigation, and control problems for aerospace vehicles.
- Demonstrate the ability to perform functional architecture analysis and design of hardware and software for aerospace guidance, navigation, and control systems.
- Apply test and evaluation methods relevant to aerospace guidance, navigation, and control systems for civil and military applications.
The concentration will be noted on the student's academic record (transcript) provided that the student completes the program core as well as:
- A minimum of 9 credits from the group of courses designated by the concentration.
- A master’s research thesis within the domain of the concentration.
List of Courses in Space Systems and Technology Concentration
- AERO 660 - Aerospace Navigation and Guidance Systems*
- AERO 661 - Aerospace Control Systems*
- AERO 662 - GNC Systems Design Project*
Students graduating with the MSAE degree will be able to:
- Identify, formulate, and solve advanced Aerospace Engineering problems through the application of modern tools and techniques and advanced knowledge of mathematics and engineering science.
- Acquire knowledge of contemporary issues in the field of Aerospace Engineering and develop an aptitude for innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Design and conduct experiments, as well as analyze, interpret data and make decisions.
- Conduct research and document and defend the research results.
- Function in teams and communicate effectively.
- Conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner.
Career opportunities
The Aerospace Engineering graduate program at Khalifa University is one of the most cutting-edge, state-of-the-art, and innovative programs in the region. The program offers world-class graduate-level engineering education and research opportunities. The earned skills during the study period will trigger a highly logical thought process that can translate well into industrial applications.
A graduate of the program will learn how to apply advanced skills related to aerospace engineering and make calculations on every aspect of an aircraft/spacecraft design. This includes aerodynamics, propulsion, stability and control, materials and manufacturing, electronic systems, and much more.
Due to the diverse range of studied subjects, job opportunities are not only limited to aerospace-related industries but they can also be found in different disciplines. The program aims to attract students with a diverse backgrounds in Mechanical, Materials, Electronics, Mechatronics, and other related disciplines of engineering and science, and cultivate them with unmatched academic and research expertise to lead projects in various high-tech industries.
The graduates can become outstanding researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, industrial leaders as well as strong independent academic scholars. Their skills development in areas that include but are not limited to aerodynamics, astronautics, space mechanics, composite materials, aircraft/spacecraft/UAV Design, flight stability, and control, aeroelasticity, and propulsion.
The job prospects are very wide and varied, with opportunities for doing many different jobs within the aviation and space sector. In addition to global aerospace employers such as Boeing, Airbus, Diehl, and NASA, within the UAE, the graduates can work in the defense and security sector, Tawazun Group, STRATA, Yahsat, MBRSC, Mubadala Group, GAL, Calidus, Etihad and Emirates airlines, and the educational sector. Furthermore, graduates go through rigorous training and research experience to help them pursue their studies at the Ph.D. level.
