Overview
- Start dateMarch or October
- DurationFull-time MSc: one year; PgDip: up to one year; Part-time MSc by research (by arrangement): two-three years
- DeliveryTaught modules 50%, individual research project 50%
- QualificationMSc, PgDip
- Study typeFull-time
- CampusÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ campus
Who is it for?
Why this course?
Since 1946, the Thermal Power and Propulsion MSc has been at the forefront of postgraduate education in power and propulsion, producing graduates who have shaped the global gas turbine and propulsion industries. The course is designed to address today's engineering challenges while preparing students to solve the emerging problems of tomorrow through industry-focused teaching and applied innovation.
Unlike many courses that focus on individual engine components or disciplines, the Thermal Power and Propulsion MSc adopts a whole-engine systems approach, integrating performance, turbomachinery, combustion, controls, diagnostics, operations and mechanical design into a single coherent course. We develop engineers with a whole-engine systems perspective.
The course combines rigorous academic teaching with practical experience through Engine , specialist software, industrial-scale facilities and an individual research project, many of which are undertaken in collaboration with world-leading industrial partners. A choice of specialist pathways allows you to tailor your studies to your interests and career aspirations while preparing you for careers across the global power and propulsion industries.
Our graduates are highly sought after by employers, with many securing relevant employment within six months of graduation across the global power and propulsion industries.
Informed by industry
Industry is embedded throughout the Thermal Power and Propulsion MSc. Our industrial partners contribute through guest lectures, student prizes, research collaboration, graduate recruitment and by helping to ensure that the course remains aligned with the evolving needs of the global power and propulsion industries.The Industrial Advisory Panel meets annually to maintain course relevance and ensure that graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills and professional capabilities sought by leading employers. Insights from our internationally recognised research, consultancy and industrial collaborations are continually integrated into the course, ensuring that students benefit from the latest developments and engineering practice. The Industrial Advisory Panel includes senior engineers from organisations including easyJet, National Gas Transmission, Royal Air Force, Rolls-Royce and Uniper Energy.
Course details
The course comprises taught modules, depending on the course option chosen. Modules for each option vary; please see individual descriptions for compulsory modules which must be undertaken. There is also an opportunity to choose from an extensive choice of optional modules to match specific interests.
Course delivery
Taught modules 50%, individual research project 50%
Individual project
You are required to submit a written thesis describing an individual research project carried out during the course. Many individual research projects have been carried out with industrial sponsorship, and have often resulted in publication in international journals and symposium papers. This thesis is examined orally in the presence of an external examiner.
Examples of individual student projects have included:
- Techno-economic, Environmental and Risk Assessment Studies;
- Centrifugal Compressors Simulations and Diagnostics for Oil and Gas Applications;
- Advanced Power Generation Systems with Low Carbon Emissions;
- Design of Turbines for Use in Oscillating Water Columns;
- Design of a 1MW Industrial Gas Turbine;
- Gas Path Analysis for Engine Diagnostics;
- Procurement Criteria for Civil Aero-Engines;
- Selection of Combined Heat and Power Plants;
- Condition Monitoring Systems Instrumentation;
- Repowering Steam Turbine Plants;
- Combined Cycle Plant Technical and Economic Evaluation.
Some of our students now have the opportunity to participate in innovative research projects, including Enabling Cryogenic Hydrogen-based CO2-free air transport .
Teaching team
The course is delivered by internationally recognised academics, researchers and industry practitioners with extensive expertise across gas turbine engineering, aerospace propulsion, power generation, marine propulsion and related technologies. Many members of the teaching team bring significant industrial experience, complementing their academic and research excellence. The course also features guest lectures from leading industry experts, providing valuable insights into current engineering practice and emerging technologies.
The Programme Director is Dr Uyioghosa Igie.
I did my MSc in Thermal Power and it was very industry focused in terms of its theoretical application to everyday challenges, especially within industry. In doing my MSc it was natural progression that I was going to come back to do my doctorate.
Arnold Gad-Briggs, Founder and Exec. Director at EGB Engineering
Accreditation
The Thermal Power and Propulsion MSc is accredited by and the on behalf of the Engineering Council, meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). To satisfy the educational requirements for CEng registration, applicants must also hold an accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) degree (or equivalent recognised qualification).
Please note that accreditation applies only to the MSc award. Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) do not meet in full, the further learning requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Your career
Graduates of the course are highly sought after, with many securing relevant employment shortly after graduation. Our graduates have progressed into roles including:
• Performance Engineer
• Aerodynamics Specialist
• Doctoral Researcher
• Thermofluids Engineer
• Transmission Systems Stress Engineer
• Transport Programme Manager
• Turbine Aerodynamics Engineer
• Turbomachinery Development Specialist
• Combustion Aerothermal Engineer
• Component Design Engineer
• Machinery Engineer
• Rotating Equipment Engineer
• Technology Innovation Manager
• Thermal Analyst
Our graduates have joined organisations including ABB, Accenture, Aegean Airlines, Airbus, Alstom, ALTEN, Amazon, Avio Aero, BAE Systems, Baker Hughes, BASF, Boeing, Bosch, Capgemini Engineering, Caterpillar, the Civil Aviation Authority, Collins Aerospace, Dassault Aviation, easyJet, Electrolux, GE Aerospace, ITP Aero, Leonardo, Rolls-Royce, Safran, Siemens Energy, Tata Consultancy Services, Thales, RWE and Uniper.
How to apply
To apply you will need to register to use our online system. Once you have set up an account you will be able to create, save and amend your application form before submitting it.
Application deadlines
There is a high demand for places on our courses and we recommend you submit your application as early as possible.
Entry for September 2026
- Applications from international and European students requiring Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance to study in the UK must submit their application by 22 June 2026.
- Application deadline for international applicants who do not need ATAS is 29 June 2026.
- Applications from UK and Irish students must be submitted by Monday 21 September 2026.
- Places are limited, so we recommend you submit your application as early as possible
Once your online application has been submitted together with your supporting documentation, it will be processed by our admissions team. You will then be advised by email if you are successful, unsuccessful, or whether the course director would like to interview you before a decision is made. Applicants based outside of the UK may be interviewed either by telephone or video conference.
Read our Application Guide for a step-by-step explanation of the application process from pre-application through to joining us at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.
