About this course
Study aerospace design while learning how to manage its processes, people and finances. You’ll explore many aspects of aerospace engineering, including the design and manufacture of fast-moving aircraft and spacecraft, before specialising in strategy and project management. This course aims to help engineers quickly progress into key positions in the aerospace industry.
Aeronautics and Astronautics look at the science, engineering and manufacture of aircraft and spacecraft. You'll learn how they operate within our atmosphere and in space.
You’ll study the principles of aerospace engineering, then take more advanced modules specialising in business strategy, finance, and managing people and projects.
In year 3 you'll do an individual research project. In year 4 you’ll take part in a group design project.
You’ll have access to our extensive facilities, which include:
dedicated student design studios and workshops
the largest wind tunnel in any UK university
state-of-the-art jet engine and space propulsion facilities
a flight simulator
a professional manufacturing centre
As part of this course you can:
showcase your work in our annual Engineering Design Show
attend site visits to experience engineering in practice
apply your engineering knowledge to solve a real-world problem
Our courses are fully accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
You can download the course details, including modules, in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 647.17 KB).
Location and awarding body
The course location is Boldrewood campus in Southampton. The awarding body is University of Southampton.
Entry requirements
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.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 38 points overall with 18 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in mathematics and 6 at Higher Level in physics
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
BTEC
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades A*A in A-level mathematics and physics (in any order), with a pass in the physics Practical
We do not accept the BTEC National Extended Diploma
We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma
Applicants with a BTEC National Extended Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
BTEC additional information
There are no additional requirements
Other qualifications
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
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and physics (minimum grade A), with a pass in the physics Practical
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) StatementPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 62.17 KB) for further information.
Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC (RQF) (reformed)
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
We do not accept the BTEC Diploma
Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma or the BTEC Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
Access to HE Diploma
Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
Access to HE Diploma additional information
There are no additional requirements
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 Leaving Certificate additional information
There are no additional requirements
Scottish Qualification offers
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, 111.01 KB) 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.
European Baccalaureate
85% overall including grade 8.5/10 in mathematics (level 5 or Advanced) and grade 8.5/10 in physics
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
English language requirements
All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK who do not offer GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at the required level will need to meet the following English language proficiency requirement. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements.
Band B IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in all components
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We also accept other English language tests.
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
International qualifications
Find a list of accepted international qualifications listed by country.
This is a list of the international qualifications that are recognised by the University of Southampton. If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
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.
Course structure
The first 2 years are the same across our Aeronautics and Astronautics degrees. They focus on core engineering science. In your third and fourth years, you'll learn about business strategy, finance, and managing people and projects.
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
You'll take an induction programme with all our Aeronautics and Astronautics students. This 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
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
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
Technical modules can be selected from a list of advanced level topics which focus on engineering management. These include:
information systems management and strategy
project risk management
accounting and finance for engineers
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.
Modules
Modules year 1
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 1:
Modules year 2
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 2:
Modules year 3
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 3:
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 3:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 3:
Modules year 4
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 4:
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 4:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 4:
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)
Support for your studies
You'll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
How you’ll spend your study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study, year by year:
Year 1
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 37%
- Independent study
- 63%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 2
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 26%
- Independent study
- 74%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 3
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 17%
- Independent study
- 83%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 4
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 18%
- Independent study
- 82%
- Placement
- 0%
Course leader
David Angland is the course leader.
How we’ll assess you
We’ll assess you using:
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown, year by year:
Year 1
- Written exam
- 45%
- Practical exam
- 20%
- Coursework
- 35%
Year 2
- Written exam
- 61%
- Practical exam
- 10%
- Coursework
- 29%
Year 3
- Written exam
- 50%
- Practical exam
- 22%
- Coursework
- 28%
Year 4
- Written exam
- 47%
- Practical exam
- 35%
- Coursework
- 18%
Careers
This degree will open the door to many exciting career opportunities in the space industry, engineering and beyond, including:
aerospace engineer
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 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.
Fees, costs and funding
UK/EU fees
You'll pay £9,250 in tuition fees for the academic year 2020 to 2021. This fee might change for further years of your course.
International student fees
You’ll pay £21,580 each year. This fee will stay the same throughout your studies.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Extra costs you might have to pay
- Stationery
- Field course clothing
- Printing and Photocopying Costs
- Laboratory Equipment and Materials
- Design equipment and materials
- Textbooks
- Approved Calculators
- Field Equipment and Materials
- Optional Visits (e.g. museums, galleries)
See the full list of extra items and costs in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window 2020 to 2021 (PDF, 647.17 KB).
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 international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
Life at Southampton
The University offers a friendly, diverse and welcoming home for you while you study. You'll work, live and socialise with students from more than 130 countries.
Clubs, societies and facilities
Our campuses have:
cafes and restaurants
bars
health centres
banks
a post office
student shops
a hairdresser
Our sports facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with 140 fitness stations, squash courts, a bouldering wall, outdoor pitches and much more. There are over 80 sports clubs you could join, and activity classes including yoga and spin.
We have an internationally known theatre, concert hall, art gallery and cinema showing everything from mainstream blockbusters to international arthouse classics. You could perform at a gig, concert or show, take part in an exhibition or join a writers’ workshop. Find out more about arts and culture at Southampton.
Whatever your passion or community, you can find like-minded people at one of the Students’ Union clubs and societies. There are more than 200 to join, and social activities in every hall of residence.
Support while you study
We aim to help you deal with any problems you might come across, so you can make the most of your time at university. We offer support with:
mental health, learning difficulties and disability
money and accommodation
childcare
computers and IT
How to apply
When you apply use:
UCAS Course Code: HN42
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.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.