Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Master of Aerospace Engineering (MAerospaceEng) focuses on designing, testing and building aircraft and integrated systems for aerospace, aeronautical and aviation applications.
• Students combine advanced taught study with a substantial 120-point original research thesis.
• UC highlights aerospace as a growing sector in New Zealand and identifies Canterbury and UC as an important hub and testbed for aerospace industry activity.
• Students can select advanced topics covering areas such as computational fluid dynamics, aerospace structures, flight and spaceflight mechanics, control systems, aerodynamics and propulsion.
• UC provides access to facilities for experiments, testing and computation, including the Structural Engineering Lab, Advanced Manufacturing Lab, wind tunnels and AR/VR facilities.
• The programme is particularly suitable for students seeking careers or research in aircraft, spacecraft, aviation, UAVs, propulsion, aerospace structures and related technologies.
• UC's Aerospace Engineering research theme covers aerodynamics, propulsion, structural analysis and flight mechanics in both atmospheric and space environments.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme has a strong research orientation.

1. Thesis – 120 points

The compulsory thesis is:

• ENAS690 – MAerospaceEng Thesis
• 120 points
• Campus-based
• The research topic and appropriate thesis supervisor require approval.

2. Aerospace-focused elective courses – Group 1

Students must take at least 30 points from Group 1. Examples include:

• ENGR601 – Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics – 15 points
• ENME486 – Aerospace Structures – 15 points
• ENME488 – Mechanics of Flight and Spaceflight – 15 points
• ENME603 – Advanced Linear Systems Control and System Identification – 15 points
• ENME604 – Advanced Aerodynamics and Ground Vehicle Dynamics – 15 points
• ENME660 – Aerospace Propulsion – 15 points

3. Supporting electives – Group 2

Up to 30 points may be selected from approved supporting subjects, including:

• ASTR422 – Theoretical and Observational Cosmology
• ASTR423 – Stellar Structure and Evolution
• COSC428 – Computer Vision
• ENCH484 – Advanced Modelling and Simulation
• ENEL420 – Advanced Signals
• ENEL422 – Communications Engineering
• ENME406 – Engineering Product Design and Analysis
• ENME407 – Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
• ENME411 – Advanced Mechanical Systems Design
• ENME427 – Engineering Failure Analysis and Prevention
• ENME623 – Advanced Instrumentation and Sensors
• ENMT482 – Robotics
• GISC404 – Spatial Analysis
• GISC405 – Environmental and Climate Data Analytics
• GISC406 – Remote Sensing for Earth Observation
• GISC412 – Advanced Methods in Geospatial Data Science
• PHYS413 – Laser Physics and Modern Optics
• PHYS419 – Atmospheric, Oceanic and Climate Dynamics
• PROD601 – Design Critique and Research Methods
• PROD602 – Systems Thinking for Product Design
• PROD611 – Design and Manufacture.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The formal qualification regulations state that there are:

• No majors
• No minors
• No endorsements

for the Master of Aerospace Engineering.

However, students can develop a research focus through their thesis and elective choices.

Potential academic/research focus areas include:

• Aerospace structures
• Aerodynamics
• Computational fluid dynamics
• Flight mechanics
• Spaceflight
• Aerospace propulsion
• Control systems
• Autonomous systems
• Robotics
• Computer vision
• Advanced materials
• Instrumentation and sensors
• Remote sensing
• Atmospheric and climate dynamics
• Product design and manufacturing

Programme Highlights

• 180-point Master's qualification
• 18 months full-time
• February or July start
• 120-point research thesis
• Aerospace-specific advanced coursework
• Campus-based engineering study
• Access to UC engineering laboratories and testing facilities
• Research opportunities spanning aircraft and spacecraft applications
• Opportunity to work across aerospace, aeronautical and aviation engineering
• Strong connection with the developing Canterbury aerospace ecosystem
• Potential progression into PhD research.

Career Outcomes

UC states that the degree provides practical and research skills for roles in:

• commercial aerospace
• aviation
• space aviation
• research and exploration
• military/defence-related sectors
• aerospace technology and development.

Depending on the student's thesis and technical background, potential career directions include:

• Aerospace Engineer
• Aerodynamics Engineer
• Propulsion Engineer
• Structural/Aerospace Structures Engineer
• Flight Mechanics Engineer
• UAV/Drone Engineer
• Control Systems Engineer
• Research Engineer
• Aircraft/Spacecraft Design Engineer
• Aerospace R&D specialist
• Engineering consultant
• Research scientist

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The Master of Aerospace Engineering was first offered in 2024.
• The current qualification regulations are applicable from 1 January 2024 and the 2026 regulations list the current course offerings and prerequisites.
• Thesis supervisor and research-topic approval are important requirements.
• Several electives have specific prerequisites or require departmental approval.
• The qualification has no formal majors, minors or endorsements.
• A student who has completed at least 90 points of thesis research and the required milestones may, with the appropriate departmental and faculty support, apply to transfer toward a relevant PhD.
• UC's Aerospace Engineering research environment is actively developing, including current work in UAVs, propulsion, aerodynamics, lightweight structures and aerospace systems.
• A current September 2026 UC research opportunity is investigating integrated thermal protection systems for reusable hypersonic vehicles in collaboration with Dawn Aerospace, illustrating the type of advanced aerospace research taking place at UC.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally require a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa for this programme.

Immigration New Zealand currently states that the visa:

• costs from NZD $850
• can be issued for up to 4 years
• requires an offer of place from an approved education provider
• requires evidence of sufficient funds for tuition and living costs
• requires acceptable health/travel insurance
• requires evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds for it
• requires the applicant to satisfy genuine-intention and other immigration requirements.