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:
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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 BEng 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 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:
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.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202223
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 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)
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
Foundation year for engineering, physics, maths and geophysics
A foundation year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.
It could be the right option if you:
- have A levels, or equivalent international qualifications, in subjects other than the ones needed for direct entry
- have international qualifications in relevant subjects but not at A level equivalent
- have a BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject
- are studying an Access course in a relevant subject
- are a mature student with relevant experience or study
You'll also need to show that you have strong maths skills.
Find full details on our Engineering, Maths, Physics, Geophysics Foundation Year page.
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:
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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
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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:
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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, 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
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.
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 p...
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 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 ...
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.
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
The module introduces the operational research approach for modelling and solving engineering and management problems.
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...
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)
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
- 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:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
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 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
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 3:
Year 4
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 4:
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 4:
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:
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Aerospace engineer
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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 Masters or PhD level.
Recent graduates have gone on to work for aerospace engineering companies and organisations like:
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Airbus Defence and Space
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BAE Systems
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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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Royal Air Force
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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 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.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: H422
- 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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