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:

flight mechanics
navigation and control
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:

design and build your own electronic circuits, systems and computer software
use our research facilities, including a computer laboratory, high-voltage lab and a £110m clean room
take part in a group design project, where you'll work for an industry or academic customer
develop your enterprise skills with help from our startup supporter, Future Worlds
study engineering management and law to help your career

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.

Year in industry

Enhance your employability by taking this course with a paid industrial studies placement year.

Apply using:

Course name: Aerospace Electronic Engineering with Industrial Studies
UCAS code: H61I

You'll spend this extra year at one of our partner companies, applying the skills and knowledge you've learned so far.

The fee is 20% of the standard annual tuition fee.

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

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 2022 to 2023. 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 2022-23 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

A-levels

A*AA or AAAA including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either physics, electronics or further mathematics (minimum grade A) or A*A*B including mathematics (minimum grade A*) and either physics, electronics or further mathematics (minimum grade A*)

A-levels additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. 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, electronics or further mathematics, 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 either physics, electronics or further mathematics. Alternatively, A*AB including grades A*A in mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 38 points overall with 19 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

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

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 an additional required A-level subject or D* in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA in A-level mathematics and an additional required A-level subject. We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics. We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and an additional required subject

RQF 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 it is separately endorsed. 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 BTEC

QCF 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 will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics. We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and an additional required subject

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

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:

mathematics
physics
electronics
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:

flight mechanics
the essentials of modelling
the dynamics of aerospace vehicles

Year 2 overview

You'll take aerospace and electronic engineering modules, including topics such as:

signal processing
control and communication
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:

robotics
cyber security
operational research

You can also choose to:

study a language
take modules from other disciplines such as psychology or anthropology
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:

GPS applications
robotic aerospace vehicles
electronics for spacecraft

You can also apply to study abroad for a semester.

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

Year 4

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Digital Systems and Microprocessors

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.

Electronic Circuits

To explain the mathematical techniques needed to analyse linear and simple non-linear electrical and electronic circuits.

Electronic Systems

Flight Mechanics and Aerospace Systems Engineering

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...

Mathematics for Electronic and Electrical Engineering

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

Mechanics

This module equips students with a comprehensive understanding of how mechanical systems move and deform when subjected to external forces. It first introduces the fundamental laws covering particle dynamics, before progressing to rigid body dynamics in b...

Programming

To introduce the student to the concepts of programming using the C programming language, with an emphasis on programming for embedded systems.

Solid State Devices

To introduce the electronic properties of semiconductors and semiconductor devices

You must study the following modules in year 2:

Aerospace Electronics Design

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...

Applied Electromagnetism

This module introduces and develops the knowledge in fundamental electromagnetics for second year Electrical and Electronic Engineering students. The course presents the basic concepts of electromagnetic theory from a physical and application points of vi...

Control and Communications

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,...

Digital Systems and 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...

Electrical Machines

- 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...

Mathematics for Electronics & Electrical Engineering Part II

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...

Power Electronics and Drives

Radar Techniques and Applications

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.

You must study the following modules in year 3:

Engineering Management and Law

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...

Guidance, Navigation and Control

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.

Part III Individual Project

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...

Space Systems Engineering

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:

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.

Control System Design

Digital Control System Design

The topics considered are: z transforms, sampling and reconstruction, discretisation, elements of realisation theory, controller design via pole placement, observers, optimal control design.

Integral Transform Methods

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...

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...

Mechanical Power Transmission and Vibration

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 ...

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...

Real-Time Computing and Embedded Systems

This module gives a broad introduction to development of real-time and embedded systems

Robotic 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...

Security of Cyber Physical Systems

The course requires to understand C code, assembly language, x86 architectures and memory allocation (a refresher will be provided).

Signal and Image Processing

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...

Wireless and Optical Communications

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...

You must study the following module in year 4:

Group Design Project

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:

Advanced Wireless Communications Networks and Systems

This module is taught in Semester 2. It is particularly aimed at equipping our MSc Mobile Communications and Smart Networking, and MEng Electronic Engineering with Wireless Communication students with advanced communication theory and technologies, vital ...

Applied Control Systems

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...

Bio/Micro/Nano Systems

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...

Biologically Inspired Robotics

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 ...

Cryptography

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 ...

Electronics for Spacecraft

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,...

Image Processing

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 ...

Individual Research Project

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...

Microsensor Technologies

This module presents a broad overview of microsensor technologies, 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...

Modelling with Differential Equations

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...

Nonlinear Control of Aerospace Systems

Modern (and future) aircraft employ a variety of nonlinear techniques to both design control systems and perform analysis of the arising closed-loop. This is due to the fact that aircraft dynamics are fundamentally nonlinear and also, with the widespread ...

Numerical Methods

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...

Power Electronics for DC Transmission

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 ...

Robotic (Autonomous) Aerospace Vehicles

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...

Wireless Networks

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...

Wireless Transceiver Design and Implementation

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)

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:

33%

Scheduled learning & teaching

67%

Independent learning

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:

45%

Written exam

33%

Coursework

22%

Practical exam

Academic support

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

Course leader

Thai Hoang 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:

Apple
Amazon
BAE Systems
Ericsson Television
Jaguar Land Rover

Our faculty's Careers Hub provides specialist career support and lets you connect with employers. It includes:

an Electronics and Computer Science careers fair attended by major electronics companies
an online jobs and placements portal
paid summer internships
support with job applications
interview preparation

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). 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 £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 to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented 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.

Aerospace Electronic Engineering (MEng)

About this course

Year in industry

Course location

Awarding body

Download the Course Description Document

Changes due to COVID-19

Entry requirements

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

Year 4 overview

Modules

Changes due to COVID-19

For entry in Academic Year 2022-23

Year 1 modules

Digital Systems and Microprocessors

Electronic Circuits

Electronic Systems

Flight Mechanics and Aerospace Systems Engineering

Mathematics for Electronic and Electrical Engineering

Mechanics

Programming

Solid State Devices

Year 2 modules

Aerospace Electronics Design

Applied Electromagnetism

Control and Communications

Digital Systems and Signal Processing

Electrical Machines

Mathematics for Electronics & Electrical Engineering Part II

Power Electronics and Drives

Radar Techniques and Applications

Year 3 modules

Engineering Management and Law

Guidance, Navigation and Control

Part III Individual Project

Space Systems Engineering

Advanced Partial Differential Equations

Control System Design

Digital Control System Design

Integral Transform Methods

Manufacturing and Materials

Mechanical Power Transmission and Vibration

Operational Research

Optimisation

Real-Time Computing and Embedded Systems

Robotic Systems

Security of Cyber Physical Systems