Aeronautics and Astronautics with External Placement Year

Summary

Flight is about pushing boundaries. From high-speed aircraft in the atmosphere to spacecraft operating beyond it, aeronautics and astronautics explores how these vehicles are designed, built and perform in some of the most demanding environments.

On this integrated master’s, you will develop a deep understanding of the science and engineering behind air and space travel. You will build a strong foundation in core engineering principles while learning how they are applied to real-world aerospace challenges.

In your first two years, you will study key areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion systems, fluid dynamics, mechanics of flight and control. These fundamentals will give you the grounding needed to understand and design aircraft and spacecraft.

In your third year, you will deepen your understanding of aircraft design, including its environmental impact, and complete an individual project that brings together your learning. In your final year, you will study advanced aerospace topics and take part in a group design project, applying your knowledge to a real engineering problem.

You can also choose to take an Industrial Placement Year, giving you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in industry and apply your skills in a professional setting.

Key features of the course

Take your learning further. This integrated master’s allows you to develop advanced knowledge and specialist skills in aerospace engineering.

Learn through application. Individual and group design projects challenge you to solve real-world engineering problems and bring your ideas to life.

Gain real-world experience. An optional Industrial Placement Year gives you the chance to work in an engineering organisation and build valuable professional skills.

Access world-class facilities. These include dedicated design studios and workshops, the largest wind tunnel of any UK university, jet engine and space propulsion facilities, a flight simulator and a professional manufacturing centre.

Prepare for your future career. This course is fully accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, supporting your route to chartered status.

Student support

Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) will support you throughout your time at Southampton, offering academic guidance, career advice and signposting to wellbeing and pastoral services when needed.

You will be part of a collaborative community, learning alongside students and staff who are shaping the future of aerospace engineering.

Further information

You will study in an environment designed for hands-on learning, with access to specialist facilities that support both individual and team-based work.

The skills and experience you develop will prepare you for careers across the aerospace sector, from aircraft and spacecraft design to propulsion, manufacturing and emerging technologies.

Course Modules

Typical modules include:

Year one: Introduction to Aeronautics and Astronautics; Engineering Design; Electrical and Electronic Systems; Mathematics; Mechanics, Structures and Materials; Thermofluids.

Year two: Aerodynamics; Astronautics; Engineering Management and Law; Materials and Structures; Mathematics; Mechanics of Flight; Propulsion; Systems Design and Computing.

Year three: Individual Project; Aerospace Control Design; Aerothermodynamics; Aircraft Structural Design; Introduction to Aircraft Design; plus module options.

Year four: Group Design Project; Advanced Aerospace Engineering Management, plus additional module options to deepen your knowledge, such as Race Car Aerodynamics or Spacecraft Instrumentation.

Testing is conducted through a combination of unseen written examinations and assessed coursework in the form of problem-solving exercises, laboratory reports, design exercises, essays, and individual and group projects. Experimental, research and design skills are assessed through laboratory reports, coursework exercises and oral presentations.

The Industrial Placement Year is assessed via an individual reflective report.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Mechanical Engineers, Institution of
• Aeronautical Society, Royal