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Aeronautics and Astronautics / Spacecraft Engineering with External Placement Year

  • Master of Engineering (with Honours)
  • 5 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 20 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Main Site - Highfield Campus
More about University of Southampton

Course options

2025-20262026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Summary

Space is where complexity meets possibility. Designing a spacecraft means understanding how every system connects, from propulsion and structures to onboard systems and control. Aeronautics and astronautics brings these elements together to make missions beyond Earth achievable.

On this integrated master’s, you will develop the knowledge and skills to design complete spacecraft systems, exploring how subsystems interact and perform in demanding environments. You will build a strong engineering foundation while specialising in space-focused design, preparing you for a career in the space industry.

In your first two years, you will study core engineering science, including aerodynamics, propulsion systems, fluid dynamics, mechanics of flight and control. These fundamentals will give you the grounding needed to understand both aircraft and spacecraft.

In your third and fourth years, you will focus on spacecraft systems, learning how to design, analyse and test them, while considering their environmental impact. You will complete an individual project in your third year, before applying your knowledge to a real-world challenge through a group design project in your final year.

You can also choose to take an Industrial Placement Year, giving you the opportunity to apply your learning in a professional engineering environment and gain valuable industry experience.

Key features of the course

Focus on spacecraft systems. Learn how subsystems are designed, integrated and tested to operate effectively in space.

Build strong engineering foundations. Study core topics that underpin both aeronautics and astronautics in your early years.

Learn through application. Individual and group projects allow you to bring together your knowledge and tackle real engineering challenges.

Gain real-world experience. An optional Industrial Placement Year gives you the chance to work in industry, developing professional skills and preparing for your future career.

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, working alongside students and staff with a shared interest in aerospace and space systems 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 design work.

The skills and experience you develop will prepare you for careers in the space sector and wider aerospace industries, including spacecraft design, systems engineering and emerging space technologies.

Modules

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; Advanced Astronautics; Aerospace Control Design; Aerothermodynamics; Aircraft Structural Design; Spacecraft Systems Engineering and Design; plus module options.

Year four: Group Design Project; Advanced Aerospace Engneering ; plus additional module options to deepen your knowledge, such as Spacecraft Orbital Mechanics and Control or Spacecraft Propulsion.

Assessment method

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.

Professional bodies

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

  • Mechanical Engineers, Institution of
  • Aeronautical Society, Royal

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site - Highfield Campus

Study options

  • Master of Engineering (with Honours) • Full-Time • 5 Years

Start dates

  • 20 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
H400
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Southampton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
H400
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
A*AA

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

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.

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.

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

T Level
Not accepted

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.

Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

Access to HE Diploma
Not accepted

GCSE/National 4/National 5

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

Scottish Advanced Higher

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.

Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
D-D*

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA 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 grades AA in A-level mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (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.

AQA Level 3 Technical Level (720 glh)
DD-D*D

Typical entry criteria will be to achieve Grade A* in A-level Maths plus DD in the Tech Level or Grade A in A-level Maths plus D*D in the Tech Level

Accepted subjects: Engineering. Must be offered in combination with A-level Mathematics and units M1 and M2 must be taken.

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

Extended Project
A

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.

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
DD-D*D

Typical entry criteria will be to achieve Grade A* in A-level Maths plus DD in the Technical Diploma or Grade A in A-level Maths plus D*D in the Technical Diploma

Accepted subjects: Engineering

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

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 38

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).

Applicants who have not studied mathematics and/or physics at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
A

AAA including mathematics (minimum grade A) and physics (minimum grade A), with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) or AA from two A levels including mathematics and physics (the A* can be in either subject), with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) and A from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.

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 mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Not accepted

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H1H1H2H2H2H2

H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 including mathematics, applied mathematics and physics

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D-D*

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA 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).

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
D-D*

Typical entry criteria will be to achieve a grades AA in Maths and Physics at A-level plus D in the Technical Extended Certificate or grades AA in Maths and Physics at A-level plus D in the Technical Extended Certificate. A pass in the physics 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.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
A

AAA including mathematics (minimum grade A) and physics (minimum grade A), with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) or AA from two A levels including mathematics and physics (the A* can be in either subject), with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D2D3D3

D2, D3, D3 in three Principal subjects including mathematics (minimum grade D3) and physics (minimum grade D3)

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

If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams. https://www.southampton.ac.uk/engineering/undergraduate/courses/aerospace/h493_meng_aeronautics_and_astronautics_spacecraft_engineering.page

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5with no component below 6.0

All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

A proportion of students who enrolled on this course in previous years exceeded their offer conditions securing their place on their chosen course with grades higher than our published entry criteria.

We encourage all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, to apply to study with us. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Learn more on the University of Southampton website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£10050
EU & InternationalTBC

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Please see our website for further details and updates regarding tuition fees.

We anticipate that international tuition fee levels for 2027 entry will be confirmed in August 2026.

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