The University of Bristol's MSc in Aerial Robotics will equip 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. It combines foundational skills such as flight dynamics, control, and avionics with disruptive technologies such as autonomous navigation and bioinspiration.
You will explore a wide range of advanced engineering and computer science concepts, with the opportunity to apply these to an aerial robotics group project, focused on a research or industry problem. Previous projects have covered topics including volcanic sensing, wildlife census, and search and rescue scenarios.
You will develop concepts in high-specification, on-campus labs using research-grade hardware and conduct flight testing at one of our world-class facilities including our indoor flight arena at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory or our Field Robotics Centre just outside Bristol.
You will study 120 credits of core and optional taught units spanning theory and practice, including a substantive group project where students tackle an authentic task, developing and evidencing their professional engineering competencies.
You will also undertake a 60-credit dissertation project, supervised by academics working at the cutting edge of research and industry. There are a wide range of different themes from which projects may be chosen, from advanced control to bio-inspired technologies and commercial applications.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc Aerial Robotics.
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in any subject.
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.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.
If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional qualifications. If you have the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae/résumé) when you apply:
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels .
Apply via our online application system. For further information, please see the guidance for how to apply on our webpages.
Overseas applicants: 12 August 2027. Home applicants: 9 September 2027.
Please note that due to high demand, some programmes may close earlier than advertised. Early applications are advised to avoid disappointment. Places are limited and allocated on a continuous basis from September 2026 until all places are filled.