Aeronautics and Astronautics (MEng)

The first 2 years are the same across our Aeronautics and Astronautics MEng degrees. They focus on core engineering science. In the third and fourth years, you'll take advanced modules and carry out a master's-level group design project.

This is a very practical course, with many opportunities for practical engineering experience.

You will visit industry and research establishments and learn workshop training and research techniques.

Year 1 overview

You'll take an induction programme that will give you your first practical experience and the opportunity to get to know your fellow students.

We'll develop your design and programming skills and teach you to build and test engineering systems, components and mechanisms.

You'll also learn manufacturing skills in our workshops so that you can make your ideas a reality.

Core modules include topics such as:

• aircraft operations and flight mechanics

• design and computing

• electrical and electronic systems

• mathematics

• thermofluids

Year 2 overview

You'll build on your core knowledge from the first year, and increases your focus on Aeronautics and Astronautics disciplines. Compulsory modules include:

• aerodynamics

• astronautics

• mechanics of flight

• propulsion

These modules feature hands-on teaching, using facilities such as our wind tunnels, turbojet and rocket engine.

You’ll take a systems design and computing module, and participate in a team project to design, create and test a robot, drone, responsive system or other device.

At the end of the second semester you’ll take a flight test course, in which experiments are performed on board a Jetstream aircraft.

Year 3 overview

You'll deepen your understanding of aircraft design, including their environmental impacts. Core modules include:

• aerothermodynamics

• aircraft structural design

• aerospace control design

You'll choose 2 optional modules from topics including:

• experimental methods for aerodynamics

• heat transfer and applications

• wing aerodynamics

You'll carry out an individual research project using many of the concepts that you've learnt over the previous 2 years. For example, students have investigated how to deflect asteroids, or use 3D-printed, metal jet engines.

Year 4 overview

You can tailor your degree by selecting advanced modules from a wide range of fields, such as:

• race car aerodynamics

• spacecraft structural design

• advanced computational methods

• aeroelasticity

• failure of materials and components

You’ll participate in a group design project - a chance to apply your conceptual engineering and scientific knowledge to an engineering design problem.

Previous projects include the design and development of a hybrid, tail-sitter aircraft for humanitarian aid missions and a fuel-efficient ion thruster for spacecraft. These projects are often linked to current research or supported by industry, like Airbus or the European Space Agency.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

How you'll spend your course time:

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

David Angland is the course leader.

This degree will open the door to jobs for aerospace engineers and many other exciting career opportunities in the space industry, engineering and beyond, including:

• IT and management consultant

• pilot

• race car designer

• software and systems engineer

It also provides a great launch pad for further studies at PhD level. 

Recent graduates have gone on to work at aerospace engineering companies and organisations like:

• Airbus

• Dstl

• Dyson

• European Space Agency

• Formula 1 teams

• Jaguar Land Rover

• Rolls-Royce

• Surrey Satellite Technology Limited

We are also a designated university for the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme.

You can also join the Southampton University Air Squadron for possible flying opportunities.

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes

• CV and interview skills and workshops

• networking events

• careers fairs attended by top employers

• a wealth of volunteering opportunities

• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Work in industry

This course is also available with an industrial placement year in an engineering organisation. During your placement, you can apply the knowledge and skills you’ve developed during your degree, and gain vital professional engineering experience.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £22,760.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Find out how to:

• pay your tuition fees

• calculate your student finances

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: H401
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for 2021 entry now

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• predicted grades
• academic achievements
• personal statement
• academic reference

We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000