Propulsion and Engine Systems Engineering (Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science) (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in one of the following subjects: 

• engineering 
• maths 
• physical sciences 
• a engineering related subject 

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country. 

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 an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Our master’s degree in propulsion and engine systems engineering runs for 12 months. The first 8 months are mainly spent studying taught modules. Your lectures will be divided into two 12-week periods, referred to as semesters 1 and 2, both ending with exams. 

Each semester you’ll study key topics and choose specialist modules that interest you. Our optional modules cover topics like spacecraft propulsion, materials, energy efficiency and acoustics. 

Your final 4 months are spent on your research project, you’ll be able to choose from a range of topics to base yours on such as, combustion modelling, electrical motors and engine noise control. 

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

Learning

The learning activities for this course include the following: 

• lectures 
• classes and tutorials 
• practical work 
• individual and group planning exercises 
• knowledge share 
• one-to-one tutorials 

Assessment

We’ll assess you through: 

• written exams 
• oral presentations 
• coursework in the form of: 
  • problem solving exercises 
  • lab reports 
  • design exercises 
  • essays 
  • individual and group projects 
• research project 

Dissertation

You’ll complete your research project and dissertation in the final 4 months of the course, with some preparation in semester 2. 

It should bring together the skills you’ve learned and demonstrate your knowledge in at least one subject area. 

You’ll need to source information, demonstrate critical analysis and evaluation, and presentation skills. The project must contain your own original ideas and explore a problem that requires the application of new research. 

Academic Support

You’ll have your own personal academic tutor and also have access to our team of administrators who are a key point of contact for advice and information. 

This master’s course will prepare you for a career in propulsion and engine systems engineering in a range of application sectors. These sectors usually have a reputation of offering good starting salaries and excellent career progression opportunities.  

In the UK, our graduates work across different organisations and application areas, including in the following sectors: 

• aerospace  
• automotive 
• power generation 
• biomedical  
• finance  

In addition to engineering careers, many of our graduates go into other employment such as finance and consultancy, where the numeracy and excellent communication skills developed on the programme are highly valued.  

You'll graduate with excellent analytical skills as well as significant project management and leadership skills. 

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). 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/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £24,400.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

Application deadlines

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

If you're an international student you'll need approval from the UK's Academic Approval Scheme before you can study this course.

The ATAS certificate is required for certain sensitive postgraduate subjects.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We'll assess your application on the strength of your:

• academic achievements
• relevant professional experience
• personal statement
• academic references

We'll get back to you within 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 us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000