About this course
Learn to design future aircraft, race cars, rockets and satellites, and launch into an exciting engineering career. Our advanced courses cover advanced aerospace engineering including the design and manufacture of fast-moving aircraft and spacecraft.
This MEng degree looks at the science, engineering and manufacture of aircraft and spacecraft. You'll learn how they operate within our atmosphere and in space, as well as the economic, legal and environmental issues associated with them. Your degree will be aligned to the UK Space Agency Civil Space Strategy.
You’ll study the principles of aeronautical and astronautical engineering, then take more advanced modules. In your second year you can choose if you want to specialise your degree. In year 3 you will complete an individual research project. In year 4 you’ll take part in a group design project.
You’ll get hands-on experience in our extensive facilities, which include:
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dedicated student design studios and workshops
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the largest wind tunnel in any UK university
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state-of-the-art space propulsion facilities
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jet laboratory with supersonic ramjet, turbojet and rocket engine
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Boeing flight simulator
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professional manufacturing centre
As part of this astronautics and aeronautics integrated master's degree you can:
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take part in practical design modules in every year of your degree
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design, build and test aircraft, spacecraft and their wider components
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take part in a flight-testing course, on board a flying laboratory aircraft
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showcase your work in our annual Engineering Design Show
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attend site visits to experience engineering in practice
You can take this MEng with an additional year-long, paid placement. Apply with UCAS code H414 for the Industrial Placement Year option.
This course is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) as meeting the academic requirement, in full, for Chartered Engineer registration.
Study this course in Malaysia
You can also study this course at University of Southampton Malaysia.
Accreditations
Course locations
This course is based at Highfield and Boldrewood.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
A-levels
A*AA including grades A*A in mathematics and physics (in any order), with a pass in the physics Practical
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
A*AB including grades A*A in mathematics and physics (in any order), with a pass in the physics Practical and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
AAA including mathematics and physics with a pass in the physics Practical or A*AB including A*A in mathematics and physics (in any order), with a pass in the physics Practical
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 38 points overall with 18 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Physics and 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A*A in A-level mathematics and physics (in any order) with a pass in the physics Practical
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma without additional A-levels
We do not accept the BTEC Diploma without additional A-levels
Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma or the BTEC Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
BTEC additional information
There are no additional requirements
Access to HE Diploma
Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
Access to HE additional information
There are no additional requirements
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 including mathematics at H1 and physics at H1
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1 A1 A1 A2 A2 A2 including mathematics at A1 and physics at A1
Irish certificate additional information
There are no additional requirements
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D2, D3, D3 in three Principal subjects including mathematics and physics, one of which must be at D2.
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D2 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A* or grade D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A.
Welsh Baccalaureate
A*AA from 3 A levels including grades A*A in mathematics and physics (in any order), with a pass in the physics Practical
or
A*A from two A levels including mathematics and physics (in any order) with a pass in the physics Practical and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
85% overall including grade 8.5/10 in mathematics (level 5 or Advanced) and grade 8.5/10 in physics
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
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our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
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skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
The first 2 years are the same across our Aeronautics and Astronautics 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 opportunities for practical engineering experience in each year.
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:
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aircraft operations and flight mechanics
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design and computing
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electrical and electronic systems
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mathematics
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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:
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aerodynamics
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astronautics
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mechanics of flight
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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:
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aerothermodynamics
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aircraft structural design
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aerospace control design
You'll choose optional modules from topics including:
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applications of computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
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finite element analysis
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:
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race car aerodynamics
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spacecraft structural design
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advanced computational methods
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aeroelasticity
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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. You can also create your own project. 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.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
This course develops your skills in design and computing with practical hands-on engineering to enable you to design, build and test artefacts relevant to your discipline. From the design component of the module you will be introduced to modern comput...
It is difficult to imagine what the world would be like without electricity: homes without electric light, without television or radio, without motors to drive the washing machine, the refrigerator and the vacuum cleaner; offices without computers, word p...
This is an introduction to Aeronautics and Astronautics, which lays down the foundations of all of the aeronautical and astronautical engineering modules that follow in subsequent years. It includes: a) an aircraft operations element , which creates the ...
This course lays the mathematical foundation for all engineering degrees. Its structure allows students with different levels of previous knowledge to work at their own pace. Pre-requisite for MATH2048 One of the pre-requisites for MATH3081 and MATH...
This module covers the fundamentals of mechanics, statics, dynamics and materials. Providing a firm basis for all subsequent modules in these areas in later Parts and a further career in engineering. This module consists of five inter-dependent, to some e...
Core Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics for all Engineering Themes. Students should be aware that this module requires pre requisites of Mathematics and Physics A Level
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
In this module the fundamental concepts of aerodynamics are introduced. The main focus is on inviscid, incompressible flow, but, viscous effects will be introduced in the latter part of the module. The lectures are complemented by laboratory sessions with...
This module introduces the fundamental concepts of astronautics and spacecraft engineering and applies the design approach to two separate case studies: the first for an interplanetary mission and the second for an Earth observation mission.
This module provides students with an introduction to management, accounting and law applicable to the operations of an engineering-based organisation. Emphasis is placed upon introducing managerial knowledge and skills required to apply effective managem...
This second year module continues to develop the links between structures and materials, building on the fundamentals established in the first year course on mechanics, structures and materials. The relationship between composition, microstructure and pro...
The module aims to teach mathematical methods relevant for engineering. The first part is about differential equations and how solve them, from ordinary differential equations to partial differential equations. The second part is about either vector calcu...
This module further develops the fundamental concepts underpinning aircraft flight, stability, and control. The focus is initially on capturing the aerodynamic behaviour of lifting and control surfaces within simple mathematical models leading to simple 3...
This module introduces the fundamental principles of aircraft propulsion, and covers air-breathing and rocket propulsion systems. The module focuses on the analysis and determination of thrust and performance criteria for propulsion systems such as ramjet...
This module follows on from FEEG1001 Design and Computing where students focus on the design of functional parts. In FEEG2001 students address the design of a system consisting of a number of interacting parts which may include mechanical and electrical ...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
This module builds on the student’s understanding of mechanics and dynamics to develop an understanding of feedback control systems and the parameters that influence their stability and performance. The module covers time and frequency domain analysis of ...
Aerothemodynamics is essential to the design of high speed flight vehicles (in this context high speed refers to anything above about Mach 0.3). The subject integrates thermodynamics and fluid mechanics concepts to cover the fundamentals of compressible f...
The module not only introduces the fundamental concepts of aircraft structural design but also provides the analytical and numerical tools to analyse complex aerospace systems within a multidisciplinary environment. Understanding and predicting the mutual...
The Individual Project is a learning experience that enables you to carry out research and bring together many of the concepts that you have learnt over the first two years of the course as well as the knowledge and skills learnt during part III. You w...
This is an aerospace design synthesis module. The aircraft operations, aerodynamics, mechanics of flight, mechanics of solids and propulsion modules of Part I and II having equipped the students with the building blocks of aerospace engineering science, t...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
The basic concept of Computational Fluid Dynamics and numerical procedures (FVM/FDM) are introduced. The major focus is practical applications, including geometry and grid generation, using solvers and turbulence models in CFD packages, and interpretation...
A biomaterial can be described as a material used in a biomedical device intended to interact with biological systems. The selection of an appropriate biomaterial is critical to the performance of an implant. For a hip replacement, properties such as good...
This module will introduce you to the practice of mechanical engineering design as applied to one of a number of contrasting applications. It will also enable you to understand key management topics that are relevant to engineering practice, specifically ...
This module is aimed at providing the requisite background in solid mechanics and structural vibration. Then, the module concentrates on solving this problem by introducing the Finite Element Method, aiming at providing an understanding of fundamental kn...
In view of Engineering Council support for the development of engineering degrees that will equip students to become professional engineers, the module follows the European Network for Engineering Accreditation guidelines to contribute to graduate awarene...
Management Science for Engineers introduces the building blocks of Management Science as a discipline, which is at the heart of decision-making. The module introduces the history and the context along with the general Management Science approach to decis...
The Wing Aerodynamics module concerns the application of basic fluid dynamics principles to flow over external aerodynamic surfaces. This includes methods to calculate the potential flow outside the boundary layer as well as method to calculate the bounda...
Year 4 modules
You must study the following modules in year 4:
This group project enables you to apply your conceptual engineering and science knowledge to an engineering design problem. The ideas are developed through detailed design, experimentation, computer modelling and/or manufacture. You will also consider and...
Project risk management has evolved significantly over many years, but there are conflicting views about what constitutes best practice. This course provides an overview of best practice as outlined in the course text with a critical comparison of alterna...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
This module covers aerodynamic noise sources and sound propagation in moving media. Aeroacoustics is of great importance in engineering settings involving high speed flows, including transport (aeroplane, aeroengine, automobile, train), industrial proces...
This module develops aerodynamic and thermodynamic methods for design of gas turbine engines. Starting from considerations of aircraft requirements and basic thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, students learn how the overall engine design can be tailored ...
This module will equip you with the theoretical background and practical methods to solve problems of stress analysis encountered in the context of aircraft structures. These methods also are at the heart of more generic structural analysis.
The basic concept of Computational Fluid Dynamics and numerical procedures (FVM/FDM) are introduced. The major focus is practical applications, including geometry and grid generation, using solvers and turbulence models in CFD packages, and interpretation...
This module is aimed at providing the requisite background in solid mechanics and structural vibration. Then, the module concentrates on solving this problem by introducing the Finite Element Method, aiming at providing an understanding of fundamental kno...
The module will provide the necessary background for those students interested in the design and operation of high speed aerospace vehicles, such as launch vehicles, re-entry vehicles and missiles.
The student will gain insight on major aerodynamic features associated with vehicle and race car aerodynamics, including aerodynamics of overall car, aerodynamics of major devices, test facilities and experimental methods, test setup, etc. The most import...
The atmospheric and gravitational processes present on the earth generate flows of wind and water. This module studies these resources and practical methods/technologies for extracting cost-effective electrical and other energy conversions. The main focu...
This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts of spaceflight orbital mechanics and then elaborates on trajectory design for planet centred and interplanetary missions. Starting from a review of Keplerian motion introduced in earlier modules,...
This module considers the basic theory and principles of operation of chemical and electric propulsion systems for spacecraft. Both solid and liquid propellant chemical propulsion systems are considered, as is a variety of electric propulsion systems util...
The module provides an understanding of general energy concepts and how to apply energy related techniques gained through specialist courses to every-day situations. We will also take a look at the energy flows around our planet and consider issues such a...
This module will provide an introduction to the fundamentals of turbulent flow . The focus will be on understanding the equations of motion and the underlying physics they contain. The goal will be to provide you with the tools necessary to continue the s...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- dissertations
- essays
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- dissertations
- essays
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- dissertations
- essays
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Year 4
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 4:
How we'll assess you
- dissertations
- essays
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 4:
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.
Careers
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:
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Pilot
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CFD simulation engineer
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Engineering consultant
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Performance and simulation engineer
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Propellor design engineer
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Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer
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UAV designer
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Race car designer
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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:
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Airbus Defence and Space
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Dstl
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BAE Systems
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Dyson
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European Space Agency
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Formula 1 teams
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Jaguar Land Rover
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Rolls-Royce
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Surrey Satellite Technology Limited
We are a designated university for the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme. This means you could receive military sponsorship.
This is also a BAE Systems preferred course.
You can also join the Southampton University Air Squadron for possible flying opportunities.
Employability sits at the heart of our curriculum and our courses are constantly adapted to ensure they meet industry requirements.
Your personal academic tutor and employability coordinator can advise you on your career paths.
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.
Apply with UCAS code H414 for the Industrial Placement Year option.
Fees, costs and funding
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:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
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.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: H401
- UCAS institution code: S27
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?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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