About this course

Learn to design future aircraft, race cars, satellites and rockets, and take your engineering passion to new heights. Our astronautics and aeronautics undergraduate degree covers advanced aerospace engineering. You'll learn how to design and manufacture fast-moving aircraft in the Earth’s atmosphere and outer space.

The course looks at the science, engineering and manufacture of aircraft, jet engines, race cars and spacecraft. You'll learn how they operate within our atmosphere and in space. Your degree will be aligned to the UK Space Agency Civil Space Strategy.

You'll study the principles of aerospace engineering including aerodynamics, astronautics and propulsion. You'll also explore the economic, legal and environmental issues around aircraft and spacecraft. You'll get hands-on experience in extensive facilities, which include:

dedicated student design studios and workshops
the largest wind tunnel in any UK university
state-of-the-art space propulsion facilities
jet laboratory with supersonic ramjet, turbojet and rocket engine
Boeing flight simulator
professional manufacturing centre

As part of this astronautics and aeronautics BEng degree you can:

take part in practical design modules in every year of your degree
design, build and test aircraft, spacecraft and their wider components
take part in a flight-testing course, on board a flying laboratory aircraft
showcase your work in our annual Engineering Design Show
attend site visits to experience engineering in practice

You can take this course with an additional year-long, paid placement. Apply with UCAS code H40P for the Industrial Placement Year option.

Accreditations

This course is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) as meeting the academic requirement, in part, for Chartered Engineer registration.

This course is accredited by:

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS)

Engineering Council

European Accreditation of Engineering Programmes (EAEP)

Course locations

This course is based at Highfield and Boldrewood.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Changes due to COVID-19

Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.

Find out more on our COVID advice page.

ODT

Download 2021-22 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

Select the academic year you want to see entry requirements for

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.

More information about A-levels

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 19 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)

More information about International Baccalaureate Diploma

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 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 without A-level mathematics;

We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma without A-levels in mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical

Applicants with a BTEC National Extended Diploma can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year.

RQF BTEC

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.

Additional information

We accept the BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering subjects, alongside A-level mathematics. Please contact Admissions for further details.

More information about BTEC

QCF 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 A-level mathematics

We do not accept the BTEC Diploma without A-levels in mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical

Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma or the BTEC Diploma can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year.

Select additional entry requirements to display

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)

A-levels

A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A) and physics (minimum grade A), with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed).

A-levels additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year. Please visit theFoundation Year page for more information.

More information about A-levels

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: AAA including mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) plus 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 or A*AB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and physics (minimum grade A), with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed).

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Applicants who have not studied mathematics and/or physics at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year. Please visit the Foundation Year page for more information. Please visit theFoundation Year page for more information.

More information about International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

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 National Extended Certificate plus grades A*A in A-level mathematics and physics (the A* can be in either subject), with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) or D* in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA in A-level mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed). We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and physics. We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

RQF BTEC

Additional information

Applicants who have not studied mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year. Please visit theFoundation Year page for more information.

More information about BTEC

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A*A in A-level mathematics and physics (the A* can be in either subject), with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) or D* in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA in A-level mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed). We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and physics. We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

Select additional entry requirements to display

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?

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

The first 2 years are the same across our Aeronautics and Astronautics degrees. They focus on core aerospace engineering science.

The course has the perfect balance between theory and practice, with several 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:

aircraft operations and flight mechanics
design and computing
electrical and electronic systems
mathematics
thermofluids
mechanics, materials and structures

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 optional modules from topics including:

applications of computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
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, use 3D-printed metal jet engines, design Formula-1 race-cars and build bio-inspired unmanned air vehicles.

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

Modules

Changes due to COVID-19

Find out more on our COVID advice page.

For entry in Academic Year 2022-23

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Design and Computing

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...

Electrical and Electronics Systems

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...

Introduction to Aeronautics and Astronautics

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 ...

Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment

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...

Mechanics, Structures and Materials

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...

ThermoFluids

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

You must study the following modules in year 2:

Aerodynamics

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...

Astronautics

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.

Engineering Management and Law

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...

Materials and Structures

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...

Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment Part II

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...

Mechanics of Flight

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...

Propulsion

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...

Systems Design and Computing

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 p...

You must study the following modules in year 3:

Aerospace Control Design

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 ...

Aerothermodynamics

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...

Aircraft Structural Design

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...

Individual Project

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...

Introduction to Aircraft Design

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:

Accounting and Finance for Engineers

The module is designed to provide an introduction to financial accounting, corporate finance and financial management of organisations. This module is intended for students from any academic discipline who have an interest in accounting and finance as an ...

Advanced Partial Differential Equations

Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) occur frequently in many areas of mathematics. This module extends earlier work on PDEs by presenting a variety of more advanced solution techniques together with some of the underlying theory.

Applications of CFD

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...

Automotive Chassis and Powertrain

This module will first be offered in 2021/22. This module introduces students to the design of safe and eco-friendly vehicles for road transportation in the twenty-first century. Different aspects of design and operation of modern automobile systems wi...

Experimental Methods for Aerodynamics

This module is aimed at students who will be performing aerodynamic or fluid mechanic experiments in their individual project, group design project and/or in their research project. The student will gain insight on the problem associated with design, s...

Finite Element Analysis in Solid Mechanics

Many real-world engineering structures are too complex for their behaviour to be understood using an ‘exact’ analytical or theoretical method alone. Therefore, in practice we often use approximate numerical or simulation-based tools for structural analysi...

Heat Transfer and Applications

This module gives a comprehensive coverage of the classical heat transfer syllables, including steady and transient heat conduction, convection and radiation. While the underlying mathematics are properly elaborated, their conceptual significance and phys...

Human Factors in Engineering

This module provides an introduction to the role human factors in Engineering. It demonstrates how the characteristics and capabilities of people can be taken into account to optimise the design of things used by people, the environments in which they li...

Management Science for Engineers

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...

Manufacturing and Materials

This module manufacturing and materials is intended to develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between design, manufacturing processing and materials properties. This module discusses various manufacturing methods including casting, forming, we...

Operational Research

The module introduces the operational research approach for modelling and solving engineering and management problems.

Optimisation

The module provides an introduction to the theory and practice of optimization techniques. It covers linear programming as well as nonlinear programming. This module is suitable to those who want to apply computational optimization methods to their proble...

Wing Aerodynamics

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...

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:

42%

Scheduled learning & teaching

58%

Independent learning

How we'll assess you

coursework, laboratory reports and essays
design and problem-solving exercises
individual and group projects
oral presentations
written and practical exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

59%

Written exam

41%

Coursework

Academic support

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

Course leader

Scott Walker 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:

Aerospace engineer
Pilot
CFD simulation engineer
Engineering consultant
Performance and simulation engineer
Propellor design engineer
Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer
UAV designer
Race car designer
Software and systems engineer

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

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

Airbus Defence and Space
BAE Systems
Dstl
Dyson
European Space Agency
Formula 1 teams
Jaguar Land Rover
Rolls-Royce
Royal Air Force
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 H40P 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 £23,720.

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.

Aeronautics and Astronautics (BEng)

About this course

Accreditations

Course locations

Awarding body

Download the Course Description Document

Changes due to COVID-19

Entry requirements

For Academic year 202223

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE additional information

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)

Irish certificate additional information

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

European Baccalaureate

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Foundation year for engineering, physics, maths and geophysics

For Academic year 202324

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE additional information

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)

Irish certificate additional information

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

European Baccalaureate

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Foundation year for engineering, physics, maths and geophysics

Got a question?

Course structure

Year 1 overview

Year 2 overview

Year 3 overview

Modules

Changes due to COVID-19

For entry in Academic Year 2022-23

Year 1 modules

Year 2 modules

Year 3 modules

Learning and assessment

Course time