PhD Aerospace Engineering (Distance Learning) at Swansea University

Programme overview

Research degree in aerospace engineering at Swansea University's Bay Campus, in which computational mechanics forms the basis of most projects. The department is home to the FLITE computational aerodynamics design system and its work has contributed to projects including the Thrust SSC and BLOODHOUND land-speed record cars and the design of the Airbus A380.

Faculty: School of Aerospace, Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering | Department: Aerospace Engineering | Duration: 3 years full-time (distance learning) | Intake: October (2026 and 2027 entries listed for distance learning) | Study mode: online | Location: Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom

What you will study

An individual research project supervised by an academic, with research plan, literature direction, data analysis, conference presentation and viva support. Recent theses include morphing aircraft structures, isogeometric finite element methods and CFD of high-speed viscous flows.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

PhD: Applicants must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2:1 level (or non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or a similar relevant science discipline. International applicants: IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component, or a Swansea-recognised equivalent. Non-UK applicants require ATAS clearance. One reference is required. Admissions decisions may also take into account the standard of the research proposal, performance at interview, competition for places and relevant professional experience.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). full-time tuition, Year 1 fee; fees in later years increase by 3%. Source

International applicants: GBP 25,000 a year (2026/27). full-time tuition, Year 1 fee; fees in later years increase by 3%. Source

Intake: October (2026 and 2027 entries listed for distance learning)

Duration: 3 years full-time (distance learning)

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