Gas Turbine Aerodynamics

Gas Turbine Aerodynamics at the University of Oxford is a comprehensive and advanced postgraduate programme designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in the aerodynamics of gas turbine engines. This course offers a rigorous curriculum that covers fundamental principles of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and the specific aerodynamic phenomena associated with gas turbines. Students will explore topics such as compressor and turbine aerodynamics, blade design, flow instabilities, and efficiency optimization techniques, preparing them for careers in aerospace engineering, research, and development within the energy and aviation industries. The programme combines theoretical lectures, computational modelling, and experimental techniques to provide a well-rounded understanding of the complex aerodynamic processes that govern the performance of gas turbines. Through individual projects and group work, students gain valuable research experience and problem-solving skills, working closely with leading experts in the field. The course also emphasizes the importance of sustainable and innovative engineering solutions, reflecting the current trends toward environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient turbine technologies. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities at Oxford, students have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research initiatives and industry collaborations. Graduates of this programme are well-prepared to pursue careers in aerospace design, consultancy, or academia, or to continue their research with a Doctoral qualification. The Gas Turbine Aerodynamics programme at Oxford is ideal for individuals with a background in mechanical or aerospace engineering who are seeking to specialize further in aerodynamics and gas turbine technology. Overall, the programme aims to foster analytical thinking, technical expertise, and innovative approaches to solving complex aerodynamic challenges in gas turbine engines, supporting the advancement of sustainable and efficient energy and propulsion systems worldwide.

Year one is oriented towards developing your knowledge base. Along with CDT students from Cambridge and Loughborough, you will register and study for an MRes degree in Gas Turbine Aerodynamics at the University of Cambridge. The course involves taught lectures and laboratory modules along with several mini projects of two to three weeks each undertaken at the three partner universities, and at some of the sites of the industrial partners. These are precursors to your DPhil study, to hone your research skills and shape your main research area. You will meet your supervisor regularly to assess progress and discuss academic issues.

Years two to four see an increasing emphasis on individual research. Oxford's students register for the degree of DPhil and carry out a research project at the Osney Thermofluids laboratory, an internationally-recognised centre for research in Gas Turbine Heat Transfer and Aerodynamics, and part of Oxford’s Department of Engineering Science. You will benefit from the network of leading experts in the field, and develop a portfolio of academic, laboratory, and career-oriented skills. Throughout of the research project, close interaction with an industrial partner is expected. In addition, the full cohort is regularly reunited for CDT seminars and workshop events.

You will be assessed continually throughout the first year at Cambridge during courses and projects, and will be formally examined in your MRes programme. At the end of your second year in Oxford, you will be required to write a report and give a presentation on your research, and to present a detailed and coherent plan for the research-intensive phase in the third and fourth years of your doctoral studies. Progress towards completion is again formally assessed some way into the final year of study.

For the DPhil, you will be required to submit a substantial thesis which is read and examined by experts in the field, one from the department and one from elsewhere. Often the thesis will result in the publication of several journal and conference papers.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, usually in engineering with some specialisation in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. Candidates with undergraduate degrees from related fields will also be considered. 

Entry into the CDT programme is competitive and will take account of academic qualifications, performance and aspirations.

Note that each candidate will need to get accepted by both Oxford (for the DPhil) and Cambridge (for the MRes). Although you will start the CDT program in year one at Cambridge, your admission to the MRes at Cambridge will be conditional on your already holding a conditional offer of a DPhil place at Oxford for years two to four.

A previous master's qualification is not required.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

Other appropriate indicators will include:

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement:500 words
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, of which at least two must be academic

Funding for the Gas Turbine Aerodynamics program at the University of Oxford typically includes a variety of financial support options for domestic and international students. The university offers scholarships, bursaries, and grants that aim to assist students with tuition fees and living expenses throughout the duration of their studies. Entry scholarships are often awarded based on academic excellence in the application process, with some fellowships and research funding available for postgraduate students engaged in research components of the programme. Additional funding opportunities may include external grants from organizations and industry partnerships, particularly given the program’s relevance to aerospace engineering and energy sectors.

Students are encouraged to explore the University’s central financial aid resources, including the Oxford Graduate Funding Search, which provides detailed information on scholarships, studentships, and external funding sources. Certain government schemes, such as loans and repayment programs, may also be applicable to eligible students from specific countries. The university’s financial aid policies prioritize making education accessible, and competitive funding is often limited and highly sought after. For international students, specific scholarships tailored to international applicants are available, aiming to offset higher tuition fees and associated costs of studying abroad.

Part-time work opportunities during the study period may also be available on campus, providing additional financial support. Students are advised to contact the university’s admissions and finance offices early in the application process to obtain detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines. While precise figures regarding the total cost of attendance and funding packages can vary annually and depend on individual circumstances, the university’s robust funding infrastructure is designed to ensure that capable students can undertake their studies with minimal financial barriers. Overall, the combination of university, government, and industry funding options underscores Oxford’s commitment to supporting talented students in progressing within the field of Gas Turbine Aerodynamics.

The MSc in Gas Turbine Aerodynamics at the University of Oxford offers students an advanced understanding of the complex fluid dynamics involved in the design and operation of gas turbines. This specialized program is designed for individuals with a background in engineering, physics, or related disciplines who aim to develop expertise in aerodynamics, combustion, and turbomachinery performance. Throughout the course, students explore topics such as turbulent flow, blade aerodynamics, heat transfer, and aeroacoustics, equipping them with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills applicable to the energy and aerospace sectors. The program combines lectures, seminars, and hands-on laboratory work, often involving computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and experimental testing, to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Students may have opportunities to collaborate on research projects, often working with leading academics and industry partners, which facilitates cutting-edge understanding and innovation in gas turbine technology. The programme also emphasizes the importance of environmental considerations, including emissions reduction and efficiency improvements, aligning with global efforts toward sustainable energy solutions. Graduates of the MSc in Gas Turbine Aerodynamics are well-prepared for careers in aerospace engineering, energy companies, and research institutions, where they can contribute to the development of more efficient, environmentally-friendly gas turbines. The program’s rigorous curriculum is complemented by the university’s extensive resources, including state-of-the-art laboratories and access to computational facilities, to support in-depth research and practical application. Students benefit from Oxford’s vibrant academic community, engaging with experts and peers from around the world, fostering a collaborative environment conducive to innovation and professional growth. Overall, this program aims to produce highly skilled engineers and researchers who can address current challenges in gas turbine design and contribute to advancements in aerodynamics and thermodynamics in the energy and aerospace industries.