The Master of Engineering (Aerospace) is a postgraduate coursework degree designed to develop advanced technical expertise in the engineering principles underlying the design, development, testing, and operation of aircraft, spacecraft, and related aerospace systems. Programs typically span two years of full-time study and cover core disciplines including aerodynamics and aircraft performance, aerospace structures and materials, propulsion systems, flight dynamics and control, avionics and air traffic management systems, and aircraft design. Students build both deep theoretical knowledge and practical engineering skills, preparing them to step into project leadership, consultancy, and specialist engineering roles across the aviation, defence, and space sectors. Many programs include a substantial research or capstone project and are complemented by elective subjects that allow students to tailor their study towards their professional interests in areas such as space systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, or airworthiness management.

This degree is suited to engineers who hold an undergraduate qualification in aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, manufacturing, or a closely related engineering discipline and wish to specialise or advance their expertise at a postgraduate level. It is also valuable for practising engineers already working in aviation or defence who want to formalise their knowledge, upskill for senior roles, or move into a more specialised area of the industry. Employers of graduates span a wide range of sectors, including major global aerospace and defence companies such as Boeing, Airbus, BAE Systems, Thales, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Rolls-Royce, as well as the Australian Defence Force, the Department of Defence, Qantas and other airlines, the Australian Space Agency, and a growing number of Australian aerospace technology startups and advanced manufacturing firms.

Most Australian universities require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline — typically aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, manufacturing, sustainable systems, or automotive engineering — completed at an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 7 or higher. A minimum grade point average (GPA) is generally required, with most programs setting a threshold of around 2.0 out of 4.0 (equivalent to approximately 60% average). Applicants who have completed their undergraduate degree with a slightly lower GPA may still be considered if they can demonstrate a minimum of two to three years of relevant industry experience. Some programs explicitly recognise professional credentials: for example, Engineers Australia Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status may be accepted as equivalent to an honours-level undergraduate qualification.

For applicants without a cognate engineering background, pathways exist but are more demanding, often requiring five or more years of relevant work experience including demonstrated management-level responsibility. Research-based Master's programs additionally require applicants to identify a potential supervisor and may request a research proposal outlining intended areas of investigation. International applicants must also meet English language proficiency requirements; typical thresholds across Australian universities are an overall IELTS band score of 6.5–7.0 with no individual band below 6.0, a TOEFL iBT score of 85–90 or above, or a PTE Academic score of 58–65 or above. Some programs may additionally require a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation, particularly for research-oriented enrolments.