The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Gas Turbine Aerodynamics offers a four year PhD course in collaboration with the Universities of Oxford and Loughborough; at the end of the first year, successful students are awarded an MRes degree before proceeding to the doctoral programme.

The course benefits from the team of universities (Universities of Cambridge, Oxford and  Loughborough) and companies (Rolls-Royce, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Siemens, Dyson) that are collaborating to deliver the CDT. This team enables the course to provide students with an advanced course in the aerodynamics of gas turbines (compressors, combustors and turbines), as well as the skills (experimental, computational and transferrable) required to become the research and design leaders of the future in the field, in both academia and industry.

The programme aims to:

• produce research and design leaders of the future, in academia and industry, in the field of gas turbine aerodynamics;
• provide comprehensive research preparation training;
• equip students with a specialised technical understanding of the aerodynamics of each of the three major gas turbine components (compressor, combustor and turbine) and knowledge of the experimental and computational tools used in their design;
• expose students to the compromises and trade-offs that are inherent in the design of a real machine, including the limitations imposed by mechanical constraints, the interactions between components when they are integrated together to form the complete product, and the challenges of system-level optimisation;
• foster the development of non-technical research skills such as leadership, personal effectiveness, report writing, oral communication and presentations;
• expose students to different research groups and industry environments.

Learning Outcomes

The MRes course will equip its graduates with a wide range of knowledge and skills, enabling them to fully engage in the field of gas turbine aerodynamics.

Graduates will have developed skills and understanding in the following broad areas:

• fundamentals of internal fluid mechanics;
• the advanced knowledge of flow in compressors, combustors and turbines, of design strategies used to improve the performance of these components, and of integration challenges when components are put together to form a system;
• holistic gas turbine design, including constraints limiting the aerodynamic efficiency of a practical design;
• a range of specialist methods for experimental measurement of flows in turbomachines;
• experimental and computational methods used in solving gas turbine aerodynamics problems;
• laboratory and research practice based in industrial and university research programmes;
• the ability to report research outcomes in an appropriate way for the intended audience;
• techniques for preparing reports (of different types), delivering presentations, writing technical papers, verbal communication and research planning and delivery.

By the end of the PhD, successful students will have produced original work making a significant contribution to knowledge in the area of gas turbine aerodynamics.

The CDT is run in conjunction in with the University of Oxford and the University of Loughborough.  There will be placements at Oxford and Loughborough, and short courses in industry.

MRes students will be required to pass 4 core modules, 2 elective modules and 3 mini-projects, to attend 2 industry courses, and to write a project proposal dissertation. Teaching will take place through a variety of media: lectures; small group teaching; student-led and tutor-led seminars; field visits, guest speaker presentations and case studies, short block courses, mini-projects and industry courses, dissertation supervision. 

Successful MRes students will then proceed to a three-year programme of supervised doctoral research, during which time they will continue to be supported by the CDT. They will continue to participate in CDT seminars and workshop events.

Students who proceed to the PhD may be supervised at any of the three partner Universities; the destination University is determined from the start of the course. Additionally, MRes students must complete mini-projects based at both Oxford and Loughborough.

The numbers given below reflect the MRes year only.

Feedback

Students can expect to receive reports at least termly on the Cambridge Graduate Supervision Reporting System. They will receive comments on items of coursework, and will have access to a University supervisor for their dissertation. All students will also have personal access to the Course Director and the other staff delivering the course.

Assessment

Thesis

A major part of the MRes assessment is a PhD project proposal dissertation of up to 12,000 words.

At the end of the second year of the degree (the first year of the PhD programme), students will be required to submit a report of 10,000 to 15,000.

The doctoral dissertation itself must be submitted by the end of the fourth year (the third year of the PhD programme) and must not exceed 65,000 words. A compulsory viva voce examination will follow thesis submission.

Essays

One of the core modules (Turbomachinery Aerodynamic Design) will be assessed by a coursework report of up to 4000 words; another (Experimental Methods) will be assessed partly by a coursework report of up to 2000 words.

Elective options may also be assessed wholly or partly by coursework.

Students will also be required to complete three mini-projects, which will each be assessed either through a 4,000 word report or through a presentation.

Written examination

One of the core modules is assessed by examination. Elective options may also be assessed wholly or partly by written examination.

Other

The Researcher Skills  core course and the two industry courses will be asseessed by a standard credit linked to attendance.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.0
• TOEFL Internet Score 100
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Personal Reference

The Gas Turbine Aerodynamics program at the University of Cambridge offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their study period. Funding sources include university scholarships, departmental bursaries, external grants, and national funding schemes. Prospective students are encouraged to explore the Cambridge Trust Scholarships, which provide financial assistance based on academic excellence and potential contribution to the field. Additionally, the Engineering Department at Cambridge offers tailored studentships and awards to outstanding candidates, which may cover tuition fees partially or in full.

International students may also consider applying for Commonwealth Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships, or renowned industry-sponsored awards that recognize excellence in engineering and aeronautics. The university’s Graduate Funding Office provides comprehensive guidance on various funding routes, application procedures, and deadlines. The program's students often benefit from research assistantships and teaching opportunities that contribute to their financial stability during their studies. Moreover, many students secure external funding from government agencies or private sector organizations interested in advancing research in aerodynamics and renewable energy markets.

Cambridge’s alumni network sometimes facilitates connections with industry partners and startups, enabling students to access internships, co-op placements, or sponsorship programs, which can also provide financial support. The university emphasizes sustainable funding strategies, including postgraduate loans available for eligible students, and encourages early application to maximize funding opportunities. Overall, the department and university strive to ensure equitable access to education through diverse and competitive financing options, reducing financial barriers for talented students pursuing advanced studies in Gas Turbine Aerodynamics.

The Gas Turbine Aerodynamics program at the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the fundamental principles and advanced techniques related to the aerodynamics of gas turbines and Jet engines. This MSc program is designed for students who wish to develop a specialized understanding of the fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and combustion processes that underpin modern gas turbine engines, which are critical in aviation, power generation, and aerospace applications. The curriculum combines theoretical lectures with practical laboratory work, computational simulations, and industry-focused projects, enabling students to gain hands-on experience and apply their knowledge to real-world engineering problems.

Throughout the course, students investigate the complex flow phenomena within turbine blades, compressors, and combustors, emphasizing the importance of aerodynamic efficiency and performance optimization. The program covers topics such as turbo-machinery design, blade aerodynamics, flow instabilities, cooling techniques, and the environmental challenges associated with gas turbine operation. Additionally, students learn to utilize cutting-edge Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools and experimental methods to model and analyse aerodynamic behaviors accurately.

The program is suitable for graduates with backgrounds in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related disciplines seeking to specialize further in gas turbine technology. Graduates are equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for careers in aerospace industry, research institutions, and engineering consultancy firms. Besides academic excellence, the program benefits from collaborations with leading industry partners, guest lectures from experts, and access to state-of-the-art laboratories and simulation facilities. This ensures that students are well-prepared to contribute to advancements in turbine aerodynamics, optimize existing designs, and innovate new solutions for sustainable energy and transportation needs.

The course duration is typically one year full-time, with options for part-time study. Assessment methods include written examinations, project reports, coursework, and a dissertation. Graduates of the program often continue their careers in research and development, engineering design, or pursue doctoral studies to further specialise in gases turbines and aerodynamics. The University of Cambridge’s reputation for excellence in engineering education and research provides a stimulating environment for students dedicated to pioneering innovations in this vital field of engineering.