About this course

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

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

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

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

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

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

Year in industry

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

Apply using:

Course name: Aeronautics and Astronautics with Industrial Placement Year
UCAS code: H40P

You'll spend this extra year at an engineering firm, applying the skills and knowledge you've learned so far.

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

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Accreditations

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

This course is accredited by:

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS)

Engineering Council

European Accreditation of Engineering Programmes (EAEP)

Course locations

This course is based at Highfield and Boldrewood.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

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

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ODT

Download 2024-25 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

A-levels

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

A-levels additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAA including mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all 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.

or

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 Diploma additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

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.

or

BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades A*A in A-level mathematics and physics (the A* can be in either subject), with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed).
or
D* in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA in A-level mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed).

We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and physics.

We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

RQF BTEC

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

Applicants who have not studied mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A*A in A-level mathematics and physics (the A* can be in either subject), with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed).
or
D* in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA in A-level mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed).

We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and physics.

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

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.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Got a question?

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

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

Course structure

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

The course has the perfect balance between theory and practice, with several opportunities for practical engineering experience.

You will visit industry and research establishments and learn workshop training and research techniques.

Year 1 overview

You'll take an induction programme with all our Aeronautics and Astronautics students. This will give you your first practical experience and the opportunity to get to know your fellow students.

We'll develop your design and programming skills and teach you to build and test engineering systems, components and mechanisms.

You'll also learn manufacturing skills in our workshops so that you can make your ideas a reality.

Core modules include topics such as:

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

Year 2 overview

You'll build on your core knowledge from the first year, and increases your focus on Aeronautics and Astronautics disciplines. Compulsory modules include:

aerodynamics
astronautics
mechanics of flight
propulsion

These modules feature hands-on teaching, using facilities such as our wind tunnels, turbojet and rocket engine.

You’ll take a systems design and computing module, and participate in a team project to design, create and test a robot, drone, responsive system or other device.

At the end of the second semester you’ll take a flight test course, in which experiments are performed on board a Jetstream aircraft.

Year 3 overview

You'll deepen your understanding of aircraft design, including their environmental impacts. Core modules include:

aerothermodynamics
aircraft structural design
aerospace control design

You'll choose optional modules from topics including:

applications of computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
finite element analysis

You'll carry out an individual research project using many of the concepts that you've learnt over the previous 2 years. For example, students have investigated how to deflect asteroids, use 3D-printed metal jet engines, design Formula-1 race-cars and build bio-inspired unmanned air vehicles.

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

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

You must study the following modules in year 1:

An Introduction to Engineering Design

Engineers design physical products, systems and processes. They think big with vision, research, analyse, create, refine and deliver solutions. Engineering is a design discipline that is broad, creative, logical and holistic, while also focused and ex...

Electrical and Electronics Systems

It is difficult to imagine what the world would be like without electricity: homes without electric light, without television or radio, without motors to drive the washing machine, the refrigerator and the vacuum cleaner; offices without computers, word p...

Introduction to Aeronautics and Astronautics

This is an introduction to Aeronautics and Astronautics, which lays down the foundations of all of the aeronautical and astronautical engineering modules that follow in subsequent years. It includes: a) an aircraft operations element , which creates the ...

Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment

This course lays the mathematical foundation for all engineering degrees. Its structure allows students with different levels of previous knowledge to work at their own pace. Pre-requisite for MATH2048 One of the pre-requisites for MATH3081 and MATH...

Mechanics, Structures and Materials

This module covers the fundamentals of mechanics, statics, dynamics and materials. Providing a firm basis for all subsequent modules in these areas in later Parts and a further career in engineering. This module consists of four parts, Statics-1, Statics...

Thermofluids for Aerospace Engineers

This module provides a foundational understanding of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics to Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering students, placing significant emphasis on the critical application of these principles to aerospace systems. It equips stud...

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:

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

42%

Scheduled learning & teaching

58%

Independent learning

How we'll assess you

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

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

59%

Written exam

41%

Coursework

Academic support

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

Course leader

Sean Symon is the course leader.

Careers

This degree will open the door to jobs for aerospace engineers and many other exciting career opportunities in the space industry, engineering and beyond, including:

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

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

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

Airbus Defence and Space
BAE Systems
Dstl
Dyson
European Space Agency
Formula 1 teams
Jaguar Land Rover
Rolls-Royce
Royal Air Force
Surrey Satellite Technology Limited

We are a designated university for the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme. This means you could receive military sponsorship. This is also a BAE Systems preferred course.

You can also join the Southampton University Air Squadron for possible flying opportunities.

Employability sits at the heart of our curriculum and our courses are constantly adapted to ensure they meet industry requirements.

Your personal academic tutor and employability coordinator can advise you on your career paths.

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. 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 £28,800.

The Government has recently announced changes to UK tuition fees from September 2025 onwards. We will update our website to reflect this shortly.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

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 Hub 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

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

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

Related courses

Aeronautics and Astronautics (BEng) is a course in the Aeronautical and astronautical engineering subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

a

MEng