About this course
Develop the skills to work on future interplanetary missions, or create new electronic systems for unmanned air vehicles. On this course, you'll explore the emerging technologies in aerospace engineering. You'll take group and individual projects to gain valuable technical and professional experience. Whatever topics you choose, you'll be well prepared for a career in the aerospace industry.
MEng Aerospace Electronic Engineering looks at the electronic systems that are vital for aircraft and spacecraft.
On this 4-year integrated master's, you'll learn essential engineering skills and specialise in aerospace topics, such as:
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flight mechanics
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navigation and control
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GPS and radar techniques
Our expert academics bring industry experience to the classroom. They have worked on projects with NASA and the European Space Agency.
As part of your electronic engineering for aerospace degree you can:
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design and build your own electronic circuits, systems and computer software
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use our research facilities, including a computer laboratory, high-voltage lab and a £110m clean room
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take part in a group design project, where you'll work for an industry or academic customer
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develop your enterprise skills with help from our startup supporter, Future Worlds
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study engineering management and law to help your career
You can take this course with an additional year-long, paid placement. Apply with UCAS code H61I for the Industrial Studies option.
This degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
A-levels
A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A) and an additional required subject (minimum grade A)
or
A*A*B including mathematics (minimum grade A*) and an additional required subject (minimum grade A*)
or
AAAA including mathematics and an additional required subject
A-levels additional information
Required A-level subjects include mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the 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:
AAA including mathematics and an additional required subject, 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 including mathematics and an additional required subject _x000D_
or_x000D_
A*AB including grades A*A in mathematics and an additional required subject (in any order)_x000D_
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 38 points overall with 18 points required at Higher Level including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation, and 6 at Higher Level in Physics
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Required Higher Level subjects include mathematics and physics
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 grades A*A in A-level mathematics and an additional required A-level subject
or
D* in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA in A-level mathematics and an additional required A-level subject
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma or the BTEC Diploma without additional A-levels.
Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma or a BTEC Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
BTEC additional information
Required A-level subjects include mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where applicable.
Access to HE Diploma
Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
Access to HE additional information
There are no additional requirements
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 including mathematics at H1 and an additional required subject at H1
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1 A1 A1 A2 A2 A2 including mathematics at A1 and physics at A1
Irish certificate additional information
Required subjects include mathematics and either physics or applied mathematics
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 an additional required subject
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Required Principal subjects include mathematics and either physics or further mathematics.
Welsh Baccalaureate
A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A) and an additional required subject (minimum grade A)
or
A*A from two A-levels including mathematics and an additional required subject (in any order), and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge CertificateorA*A*B including mathematics (minimum grade A*) and an additional required subject (minimum grade A*)orA*A* from two A-levels including mathematics and an additional required subject, and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Required A-level subjects include mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the 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 9/10 in mathematics and grade 9/10 in physics
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
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our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
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skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
Year 1 and 2 modules are similar across all our Electronic Engineering courses and provide a grounding in essential engineering topics. You'll also focus on the foundations of aerospace electronics.
In years 3 and 4 you can follow your interests by choosing from a wide range of optional modules. You can also take modules from other subject areas.
You’ll work in high-spec electronics and computer labs, equipped with the latest technology, hardware and software.
Year 1 overview
Compulsory modules will cover the foundations of electronic engineering, including:
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mathematics
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physics
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electronics
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programming
You’ll study digital systems, and electrical materials and fields. We'll develop your practical skills through extensive laboratory classes.
You'll also develop your knowledge in key areas of aerospace engineering. These include:
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flight mechanics
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the essentials of modelling
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the dynamics of aerospace vehicles
Year 2 overview
You'll take aerospace and electronic engineering modules, including topics such as:
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signal processing
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control and communication
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radar techniques
You'll also take a group project to design, build and test an autonomous or remote controlled drone.
Year 3 overview
You'll complete your individual project, which will develop your planning, presentation and problem-solving skills, and let you choose a topic that interests you. It typically involves designing, building and testing a new aerospace electronic system, and can lead to students publishing their first scientific paper.
You'll study guidance, navigation and control , and space system engineering. You'll also choose from a wide range of modules such as:
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robotics
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cyber security
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operational research
You can also choose to:
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study a language
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take modules from other disciplines such as psychology or anthropology
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take a range of innovative interdisciplinary modules
Year 4 overview
With the group design project, you'll use the skills you've developed throughout the course, and experience working for an industry or academic customer.
You’ll choose from a range of optional modules to further your specialisation. Topics include:
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GPS applications
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robotic aerospace vehicles
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electronics for spacecraft
You can also apply to study abroad for a semester.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
To introduce digital system design, the principles of programmable logic devices, the implementation of combinational and sequential circuits, and the principles of hardware design using SystemVerilog, a state-of-the-art hardware description language.
To explain the mathematical techniques needed to analyse linear and simple non-linear electrical and electronic circuits.
This module will provide the essentials of modelling and understanding the dynamics of aerospace vehicles: equations of motion derived from first principles, sensing and actuation systems and their limitations, model verification, implications for guidanc...
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. One of the pre-requisites for MATH3081 and MATH3082
To introduce the student to the concepts of programming using the C programming language, with an emphasis on programming for embedded systems.
To introduce the electronic properties of semiconductors and semiconductor devices
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
This module will be first offered in the 2018/19 academic year. Laboratory exercises are provided to familiarise the students with particular components, which they may elect to use in the main part of the module, namely the group design exercise. The...
To develop knowledge of the analysis of linear continuous-time systems. To introduce the basic analysis and design tools for electronic system control and communications engineering. To provide a comprehensive foundation for Part III/IV signal processing,...
This module is taught by a combination of lectures, laboratory exercises and a design assignment. You will gain practical knowledge of digital system design and of digital signal processing in the context of modern systems. The design exercise is inten...
- To introduce the students to fundamental concepts and principles of operation of various types of electrical machines. - To equip students with basic experimental and modelling skills for handling problems associated with electrical machines. - To giv...
The aims of this module are to: - Give students a solid grounding in mathematical methods and ideas in areas relevant to applications in engineering: Fourier series, Fourier transforms, eigenvalues, eigenvectors and eigenfunctions, linear ordinary differ...
This module will be first offered in the 2018/19 academic year. To present the fundamental principles and engineering techniques used in the design and operation of radar and to relate them to the current and future aerospace applications.
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
This module will provide students with an introduction to management and law – knowledge and skills which can be applied to the operations of an engineering-based organisation. The learning outcomes address: managerial decisions, commercial aspects of eng...
This module will be first offered in the 2019/20 academic year. This module will provide a basic grounding in navigation guidance and control with particular aspects on the processing of the signals involved and overall system integration.
The individual project gives students the opportunity to gain both detailed knowledge and practical experience in a more focussed area than generally possible elsewhere in their degree programme. Most projects are in the nature of a challenging enginee...
This module is intended for anyone interested in pursuing in more detail the space part of aerospace engineering. It looks at each of the key subsystems of a spacecraft in detail. It also introduces the overall theme of space systems engineering by emphas...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
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.
This module covers the aspects of design and operation of modern automobile systems. It discusses the structure, dynamics, electrical and electronics systems (including data flow) as well as handling and control of modern vehicles. While the focus of disc...
The topics considered are: z transforms, sampling and reconstruction, discretisation, elements of realisation theory, controller design via pole placement, observers, optimal control design.
Many classes of problems are difficult to solve in their original domain. An integral transform maps the problem from its original domain into a new domain in which solution is easier. The solution is then mapped back to the original domain with the inver...
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 provides an overview of relevant topics in mechanical power transmission and methodology of vibration analysis for such mechanical assemblies. The main objective of the module is to learn methods of analysis and design of machines and their ...
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...
- To introduce the students to fundamental concepts relating to the design and management of modern electrical power systems. - To develop amongst the students an awareness of technical problems associated with operation of such systems. - To teach the ...
This module gives a broad introduction to development of real-time and embedded systems
Robots are becoming more widely used in society, with applications ranging from agriculture through to manufacturing, with increasing interest in autonomous systems. This module will introduce students to the fundamentals of robotic systems including k...
The course requires to understand C code, assembly language, x86 architectures and memory allocation (a refresher will be provided).
Signal processing is an essential part of human life and of modern industrial systems. As humans we see and hear and process signals. This is the same in electronic systems: we sense and then process signals. We need to be able to understand these signals...
This module introduces both the wireless and optical propagation environments, the modelling of the corresponding channels as well as their implications on the design and architecture of wireless and optical communications systems. The basic principles of...
Year 4 modules
You must study the following module in year 4:
This module provides an introduction to intensive group project work in collaboration with an industrial or academic customer. Students work in groups of at least four people on a project typically based on an idea from an industrial partner, or from an a...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
This module is taught in Semester 2. It is particularly aimed at equiping our MSc Mobile Communications and Smart Networking, and MEng Electronic Engineering with Wireless Communication students with advanced communication theory and technologies, vital f...
This module will introduce the student to key topics within control and signal processing, developing understanding through a combination of theoretical content and practical application. The theoretical content is focussed in a number of key themes wi...
The aim of this module is to provide an overview of a range of biomolecular, microscale and nanoscale systems and devices, including sensors. The module consists of practical work on three different systems, involving construction and characterisation wit...
This module lies at the intersection of robotics and biology. Through the abstraction of design principles from biological systems, it is possible to develop a range of core competences, including mechatronic systems, sensor and actuator technologies. By ...
This module covers the mathematics, techniques, and applications of modern cryptography. We will look at the history of code making and code breaking, and draw lessons for the future from the mistakes and successes of the past. We will also give a gentle ...
This module will be first offered in the 2020/21 academic year. This module looks at the specific and somewhat unique requirements for electronics on spacecraft such as, radiation effects, other environmental hazards, e.g. space debris, atomic oxygen,...
This module will be first offered in the 2020/21 academic year. The intention of this module is to provide the students with a sound grasp and understanding of the fundamentals of GPS systems including the three main segments of a complete system: spa...
This module is useful to introduce: - Image processing and its relation to signal processing. - Image transformations for filtering, coding and etc. - Histogram processing algorithms to enhance image qualities and visibility. - Theories analysing and ...
The Individual Research Project is a 7.5 ECTS credit masters level module undertaken by independent study that allows students to demonstrate mastery of an advanced aspect of their discipline, including critical evaluation of current research and research...
This module presents a broad overview of microsensor tenchologies, including the basic principles of measurement systems and the scaling effects arising from system miniaturisation. The practical component, assessed by a Lab Report, involves the design an...
The emphasis of this module is on the methods required to develop mathematical models using differential equations to understand physical problems. The module involves both conventional lectures as well as discussion lectures. The discussion lectures comp...
Often in mathematics, it is possible to prove the existence of a solution to a given problem, but it is not possible to "find it". For example, there are general theorems to prove the existence and uniqueness of an initial value problem for an ordinary di...
The syllabus will be based upon several topics relating to the use of power semiconductors and components in power systems. The course starts with considerations of the individual power electronic devices, before moving on to their use as part of an HVDC ...
This module will be first offered in the 2020/21 academic year. Robotics plays an important part in the development and operation of autonomous aerospace vehicles. The robotic element may consist of a complete vehicle either in outer space or on a pla...
This course is intended to give students an outline of how wireless communication and computer networks work "above the physical layer". This includes the interoperability of wireless networks such as WiMax/GPRS and WiFi to provide WiFi on trains etc. How...
This course introduces the principles and techniques needed to design a wireless transceiver. We will cover the process needed to take the main principles of digital communications such as digital modulation and detection. Through lectures and coursework,...
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 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 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 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 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
Stephen Gabriel is the course leader.
Careers
Your specialist skills as an aerospace engineer will be in great demand after you graduate. Most of our graduates go straight into electronic engineering and aerospace electronics jobs in high-tech companies.
You could work for a small or large aerospace company, join a high-tech start-up, or go into an aerospace engineering consultancy.
This degree is also a great foundation for further study at master's or PhD level.
Our Electronics and Computer Science graduates have secured roles at organisations including:
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Apple
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Amazon
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BAE Systems
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Ericsson Television
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Jaguar Land Rover
Our faculty's Careers Hub provides specialist career support and lets you connect with employers. It includes:
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an Electronics and Computer Science careers fair attended by major electronics companies
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an online jobs and placements portal
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paid summer internships
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support with job applications
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interview preparation
Contact us to speak to a careers practitioner in Engineering and Physical Sciences.
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
Students on this course are encouraged to spend 20 weeks in industry, usually as two 10-week summer placements.
Between years 2 and 3 you can apply to take an industrial placement year with one of our partner companies. This will allow you to graduate with a MEng degree with Industrial Studies. This option is open to both UK and international students.
During your placement, you'll 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 students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £22,760.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: H402
- 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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