MSc Aerial Robotics

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. This course is currently undergoing its scheduled five-year re-accreditation process with the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS). It has previously been accredited by RAeS. The outcome of the current review is expected by January 2026.

You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in any subject. You 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. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply. We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.