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The degree of Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE) is awarded for successfully completing the requirements of a program of study, which includes taught courses as well as a thesis. The thesis is an independent investigation of specialized areas within the general field of Aerospace Engineering (AERO) and associated disciplines.
The M.Sc. degree gives candidates the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in the broad field of Aerospace Engineering, and contribute to the process of discovery and knowledge creation through the conduct of original research.
Candidates for this degree are taught and supervised by experienced faculty and are expected to demonstrate initiative in their approach and innovation in their work. In addition to successfully completing the taught course component of the program, candidates prepare and present a thesis on their chosen area. Research may be undertaken in several topics corresponding to the areas of focus identified by the University.
The Aerospace Engineering graduate program at Khalifa University is one of the most cutting edge, state-of-the-art and innovative programs in the region. The program offers world-class graduate-level engineering education and research opportunities. The earned skills during the study period will trigger highly logical thought process that can translate well into industrial applications.
A graduate of the program will learn how to apply advanced skills related to aerospace engineering and make calculations on every aspect of an aircraft/spacecraft design. This includes aerodynamics, propulsion, stability and control, materials and manufacturing, electronic systems and much more.
Due to the diverse range of studied subjects, job opportunities are not only limited to aerospace related industries, they can be found in different disciplines. The program aims to attract students with a diverse background in Mechanical, Materials, Electronics, Mechatronics and other related disciplines of engineering and science, and cultivate them with unmatched academic and research expertise to lead projects in various high-tech industries.
The graduates can become outstanding researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, industrial leaders as well as strong independent academic scholars. Their skills develop in areas that include but are not limited to: aerodynamics, astronautics, space mechanics, composite materials, aircraft/spacecraft/UAV Design, flight stability and control, aeroelasticity, and propulsion.
The job prospects are very wide and varied, with opportunities doing many different jobs within the aviation and space sector. In addition to global aerospace employers such as Boeing, Airbus, Diehl, and NASA, within the UAE, the graduates can work in the defense and security sector, Tawazun Group, STRATA, Yahsat, MBRSC, Mubadala Group, GAL, Calidus, Etihad and Emirates airlines, and the educational sector. Furthermore, graduates go through rigorous training and research experience to help them pursue their studies at PhD level.
The Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE) program consists of a minimum of 36 credit hours. The required program credits are distributed as follows: 12 credits of core program (including 3 credits of Mathematics course and 0 credits of Engineering Seminar course), 12 credits of elective courses, and 12 credits of Master’s thesis work.
A student may organize the selection of the elective courses and the master’s thesis topic to follow a concentration within the broad field of the Aerospace Engineering. In such cases, the concentration will be noted on both the student’s transcript.
The table below presents a summary of the MSAE degree program structure and requirements. All the MSAE program courses, with the exception of the Seminar in Research Methods and the Master’s Thesis, have a credit rating of three credits each.
Summary of MSc in Aerospace Engineering degree program structure:
|
Category |
Credits Required |
|---|---|
|
Program Core |
12 |
|
Program Electives |
12 |
|
Master’s Thesis |
12 |
|
Total |
36 |
Program Requirements
A student seeking the degree of MSAE must successfully complete a minimum of 36 credited hours with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0/4.0. The student must also submit a master’s thesis and pass the viva voce examination.
Students must complete a minimum of 12 credits of electives from the list of courses below. Students can also select up to two elective courses (6 credits) from other MSc programs in the College of Engineering at KU, subject to the approval of their research advisor.
| AERO/MEEN 611 | Combustion Theory and Applications |
| AERO 621 | Boundary Layer Analysis |
| AERO 622 | Structural Dynamics and Aeroelasticity |
| AERO 623 | Experimental Methods in Aerodynamics |
| AERO 631 | Mechanics of Composite Materials |
| AERO 632 | Advanced Composite Materials Manufacturing |
| AERO 650 | Space Systems Engineering |
| AERO 651 | Space Systems Design Project |
| AERO 653 | Space Propulsion |
| AERO 654 | Astrodynamics and Mission Analysis |
| AERO 694 | Selected Topics in Aerospace Engineering |
| ENGR 602 | Engineering Numerical Methods |
A student must complete a master’s thesis that involves original creative research-oriented work within the broad field of AERO, under the direct supervision of a main advisor, who must be a full-time faculty in the Aerospace Engineering Department, and at least one other full-time faculty who acts as co-advisor. The research findings must be documented in a formal thesis and defended successfully in a viva voce examination. Furthermore, the research should lead to publishable quality scholarly articles.
| AERO 699 | Master’s Thesis (minimum 12 credits) |
The MSc in AERO program includes an optional concentration in Space Systems and Technology. Therefore, in addition to the MSAE program learning outcomes, MSAE students choosing this concentration are also expected to attain the following concentration specific outcomes:
The concentration will be noted on the student academic record (transcript) provided that the student completes the program core as well as:
List of Courses in Space Systems and Technology Concentration
|
Space Systems and Technology |
|
|
AERO 650 |
Space Systems Engineering* |
|
AERO 651 |
Space Systems Design Project* |
|
AERO 653 |
Space Propulsion |
|
AERO 654 |
Astrodynamics and Mission Analysis |
* Required courses for the concentration.
The MSc in AERO includes an optional concentration in Guidance, Navigation, and Control Systems. Therefore, in addition to the MSc in AERO program learning outcomes, MSc in AERO students choosing this concentration are expected to attain the following concentration specific outcomes:
The concentration will be noted on the student academic record (transcript) provided that the student completes the program core as well as:
List of Courses in Space Systems and Technology Concentration
|
Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Systems |
|
|
AERO 660 |
Aerospace Navigation and Guidance Systems* |
|
AERO 661 |
Aerospace Control Systems* |
|
AERO 662 |
GNC Systems Design Project* |
* Required courses for the concentration.