MSc Aerial Robotics

Program Overview

MSc Aerial Robotics

Overview

The MSc Aerial Robotics will provide you with the knowledge required to become an innovator in aerial robotic systems and tackle the latest challenges for Uncrewed 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 programme 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.

MSc 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.

Key Information

• Programme duration: One year full-time; Two years part-time.
• Start date: September 2025
• Application deadline: Overseas applicants: 25 July 2025. Home applicants: 8 August 2025.
• Delivery method: On-Campus
• Location: Clifton
• Awards available: MSc

Programme Structure

The programme comprises several 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 to bio-inspired technologies and commercial applications.

World-Leading Research

• The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education).
• 94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Entry Requirements

• You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in any subject.
• All applicants must also have a module in C/C++, Java, Python, MATLAB or other similar formal programming languages. Alternatively, experience in these programming languages can also be demonstrated in a CV, personal statement, or a programming statement.
• If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications:
  • Evidence of significant, robotics-related work experience (minimum six months);
  • A relevant postgraduate qualification.

English Language Requirements

• If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.

Fees and Funding

• Home: full-time £15,700 per year
• Home: part-time (two years) £7,850 per year
• Overseas: full-time £35,400 per year

Career Prospects

The 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 SME and large industrial manufacturers, research institutions, operators, regulatory bodies and the transport sector.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MSc Aerial Robotics program at the University of Bristol aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become innovators in aerial robotic systems. The program focuses on addressing the latest challenges in the field of Uncrewed Air Vehicles (UAVs) or drones, ranging from urban utility operations to remote scientific investigations. The program provides a solid foundation in flight dynamics, control, and avionics, complemented by cutting-edge technologies such as autonomous navigation and bio-inspiration. Drawing on the expertise of the University of Bristol's long-standing association with aerospace, the Aerial Robotics program covers not only conventional vehicle design and onboard systems but also broader supporting robotics technologies, including AI, ethics, and the legal framework in which they operate. The program emphasizes a systems approach, considering integration at technology, operational, and environmental levels. Graduates are equipped to conduct cutting-edge drone research and development in various contexts.

Outline:

The MSc Aerial Robotics program comprises core and optional units. During the second term, students embark on a substantial research project that constitutes one-third of their overall MSc. This project involves collaboration with aerospace industry partners or alignment with existing aerial robotics research projects.

Careers:

The program prepares graduates for careers in the rapidly growing commercial market for drones and small urban air mobility. Career opportunities exist in SMEs, large industrial manufacturers, research institutions, operators, regulatory bodies, and the transport sector.

Other:

The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education), with 94% of its research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent. The program offers on-demand academic talks, providing students with deeper insights into the program.

UK: full-time

£15,100 per year

Overseas: full-time

£32,900 per year For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.