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 aerospace engineering management.
Aeronautics and Astronautics looks at the science, engineering and manufacture of aircraft and spacecraft. You'll learn how they operate within our atmosphere and in space.
On MEng Aeronautics and Astronautics with Engineering Management 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:
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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 jet engine and space propulsion facilities
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a flight simulator
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a professional manufacturing centre
As part of this aeronautics and astronautics engineering management course you can:
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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
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apply your engineering knowledge to solve a real-world problem
You can take this course with an additional year-long, paid placement. Apply with UCAS code HH44 for the Industrial Placement Year option.
Our courses are fully accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Course location
This course is based at 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
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
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
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
BTEC additional information
There are no additional requirements
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
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.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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
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 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.
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
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
BTEC additional information
There are no additional requirements
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
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.ukTel: +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 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 overview
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:
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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 2 optional modules from topics including:
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experimental methods for aerodynamics
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heat transfer and applications
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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
Technical modules can be selected from a list of advanced level topics which focus on engineering management. These include:
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information systems management and strategy
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project risk management
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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
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
You must study the following modules in year 1:
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)
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
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 aerospace engineering with management degree will open the door to aerospace engineering jobs and many other exciting career opportunities in the space industry, engineering and beyond, including:
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aerospace engineer
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IT and management consultant
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pilot
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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 organisations like:
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Airbus
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Dstl
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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 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
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK/EU students pay £9,250.
- International students pay £21,580.
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 international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
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.
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.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000