| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
MSc Advanced Composites
Overview
Composites are increasingly replacing traditional metallic components in various industrial applications, such as aerospace structures (aircraft wings and fuselage, rocket fairings, satellite structures), wind turbine blades and automotive components (chassis for F1 cars and hypercars, lightweight components for electric vehicles), due to their high specific stiffness and strength. The unique characteristics of composites are essential for making our future engineering products more sustainable and energy-efficient. Currently, there is a high industrial demand for engineers with knowledge and skills in composites.
This MSc provides you with an in-depth theoretical understanding and practical knowledge of advanced composites. The programme is based in the Bristol Composites Institute (BCI), which houses state-of-the-art composites manufacturing facilities to help you conduct cutting-edge research in composites engineering.
As BCI has strong industrial and research links with major international companies and research centres, you will have great opportunities to study industry-relevant problems through your dissertation projects. BCI closely collaborates with the National Composites Centre (NCC) to create synergies between academia and industry. The NCC offers our MSc graduates the chance to apply for the NCC internship scheme, which is an excellent opportunity to gain strong industrial research experience.
Key Information
- Programme duration: One year full-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
Our taught units primarily focus on structural mechanics, design and analysis, manufacturing and testing of composites, while providing optional units to further specialise your expertise in other relevant areas.
The programme includes a research-based dissertation, which allows you to apply the knowledge and skills acquired from the taught units to scientific or industrial problems. This research experience will support you in pursuing academic or professional careers in composites engineering.
Entry Requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths subject.
If you do not have a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Composites Engineering, Engineering Design or Mechanical Engineering, you must have a UK score of 60% (or international equivalent) in the following units:
- One mechanics unit.
- Or
- One materials unit, and one unit from the following list: Composites, Finite Element Analysis, Manufacture, Mathematics, Programming, or Simulations.
Fees and Funding
- Home: £14,500 per year
- Overseas: £32,500 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
Career Prospects
This programme is a great career development route for students with engineering or non-engineering backgrounds to develop and expand their expertise in composites engineering.
Graduates from this programme could enter a career in one of the rapidly growing composites-related industries, such as aerospace, marine, automotive and wind turbine engineering, materials testing/manufacturing or engineering consultancy. Some of our MSc graduates continue to PhD study.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The MSc in Advanced Composites program at the University of Bristol provides students with an in-depth understanding of advanced composites, including their structural mechanics, design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in the rapidly growing composites-related industries, such as aerospace, marine, automotive, and wind turbine engineering, as well as materials testing/manufacturing or engineering consultancy.
Outline:
The program's curriculum includes taught units that focus on structural mechanics, design and analysis, manufacturing and testing of composites, while providing optional units to further specialize students' expertise in other relevant areas.
Teaching:
The program is taught by faculty members in the Bristol Composites Institute (BCI), which houses state-of-the-art composites manufacturing facilities. BCI has strong industrial and research links with major international companies and research centers, providing students with opportunities to study industry-relevant problems through their dissertation projects.
Careers:
Graduates from the program can enter careers in one of the rapidly growing composites-related industries, such as aerospace, marine, automotive, and wind turbine engineering, materials testing/manufacturing, or engineering consultancy. Some graduates also continue to PhD study.
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.
- UK: full-time£14,000 per year
- Overseas: full-time£30,900 per year
University of Bristol Summary
Overview:
The University of Bristol is a renowned public research university located in Bristol, England. It is known for its high academic standards, strong research output, and vibrant campus life. The university is ranked among the top universities in the world and the UK, consistently attracting top students and researchers.
Services Offered:
The University of Bristol offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs:
A diverse selection of academic programs across various disciplines.Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.Students' Union:
A dedicated student organization providing support, activities, and representation.Library:
Extensive library resources and facilities for research and study.Sport, Exercise, and Health:
Opportunities for participation in sports and fitness activities.International Student Support:
Dedicated services for international students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Bristol enjoy a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university is located in a dynamic city with a thriving arts scene, independent spirit, and alternative culture. Students have access to a wide range of clubs, societies, and events, fostering a strong sense of community.
Key Reasons to Study There:
High Academic Standards:
The university is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world and the UK, offering high-quality education.Strong Research Output:
The university is a leading research institution, with a focus on innovation and impact.Vibrant Campus Life:
The university offers a diverse and engaging campus experience with a strong sense of community.Location in a Dynamic City:
Bristol is a vibrant city with a thriving arts scene, independent spirit, and alternative culture.Excellent Career Prospects:
Graduates from the University of Bristol are highly sought after by employers.Academic Programs:
The University of Bristol offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts:
Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, and more.Science:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and more.Engineering:
Aerospace, Civil, Electrical, and more.Medicine and Dentistry:
Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and more.Social Sciences:
Economics, Politics, Sociology, and more.Law:
Law, Criminology, and more.Entry Requirements:
An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in a STEM subject. Applicants who have studied a non-Engineering STEM subject must have at least one mechanics module (such as mechanics of materials, solid mechanics or structural mechanics) at 60%. If you have not studied any mechanics modules then you must have at least one module related to materials (such as structure of materials or strength of materials) at 60% AND one module related to one of the following areas: Maths (algebra, statistics or calculus), Simulations, Manufacture, finite element analysis, MATLAB or other coding experience, or composites at 60%. Applicants who are predicted to achieve or have achieved a first-class honours degree in a STEM subject and do not meet the above module requirements will be assessed on a case by case basis. For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies. We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. Specific module requirements may still apply. We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have a relevant postgraduate qualification. If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant qualification.
