About this course

Take your engineering passions to the skies as you learn to design the aircraft and spacecraft of the future. You’ll explore vital areas of electronics and take up the challenge of developing greener air travel. You'll also gain specialist knowledge of avionics, practical computing and programming. This course will prepare you for a career in the aerospace industry.

BEng Aerospace Electronic Engineering gives you a broad knowledge of electronics. You can then focus on new and future aerospace technologies, including:

autonomous, unmanned flying vehicles
GPS to improve flight safety and efficiency

Our expert academics bring industry experience to the classroom. They have worked on projects with NASA and the European Space Agency.

As part of this course you can:

design and build your own electronic circuits, systems and computer software
use our research facilities, including a computer lab, high-voltage laboratory and £110m clean room
develop your enterprise skills with help from our startup supporter, Future Worlds
study engineering management and law to develop your career skills

Our aerospace electronic engineering 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 an Incorporated Engineer
partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer

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

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

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.

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ODT

Download 2024-25 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

A-levels

AAA including mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics

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 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: AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either physics, electronics or further mathematics (minimum grade A), 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 36 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

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at Higher Level 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 grade A in A-level mathematics and grade A in either physics, electronics or further mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics

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

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 can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics and grade A in either physics, electronics or further mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics.

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

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 year 3 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

In your final year, you'll complete your individual project. This will develop your planning, presentation and problem-solving skills, and let you choose a topic that interests you.

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:

take modules from other disciplines such as psychology or anthropology
take a range of innovative interdisciplinary modules

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:

Circuits

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

Digital Systems

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 industry standard hardware design tools.

ELEC Part One Laboratory Programme

This module is the lab programme for all first-year students enrolled on an ELEC degree programme. It aims to give students the opportunity to apply the theory that they learn in their other modules, and to provide them with transferrable, subject-based a...

Electronic Systems and Devices

To introduce the physical and electronic properties of materials that underpin semiconductors and semiconductor devices that underpin modern electronic technology. To develop and understanding of electronic devices in circuits, to provide a range of cir...

Engineering Mathematics

This course explores the use of mathematics as a toolbox for engineers need in order to calculate, model, visualise and design systems. The focus is on solving physical problems via equations, both analytically and numerically using computation, along wit...

Fields, Forces and Materials

This module introduces fundamental concepts in electric fields, electromagnetism and mechanics, as a foundation for more advanced topics in electromagnetic theory and mechanics. It also equips students with basic techniques of engineering electromagneti...

Introduction to Signals, Control and Communications

This module is focused on developing the basics of Signals, Control and Communications: • To introduce the underpinning elements of signal processing. • To develop an approach to the modelling of dynamic electromechanical and electronic systems • To i...

Mathematics

This course is designed to develop fundamental mathematical skills which engineers need in order to tackle a wide variety of engineering and design problems. There is a particular focus on developing an understanding of mathematics as a toolbox through pr...

Programming

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

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:

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

Abhinav Singh is the course leader.

Careers

Your specialist skills as an aerospace electronics engineer will be in great demand after you graduate. Most of our graduates go straight into aerospace electronics jobs and electronic engineering careers 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 Masters or PhD level.

Our Electronics and Computer Science graduates have secured roles at organisations including:

Apple
Audi
BAE Systems
China Telecoms Cisco
IBM
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

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 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

Students on this course are encouraged to spend 20 weeks in industry, usually as two 10-week summer placements.

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: H403
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

Aerospace Electronic Engineering (BEng) is a course in the Electrical and electronic engineering subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

a

MEng