Aeronautics and Astronautics

Summary

Flight is about more than movement. It is about pushing boundaries, solving complex challenges and redefining what is possible in air and space. Aeronautics and astronautics brings together the science and engineering behind fast-moving aircraft and spacecraft, from the atmosphere to orbit and beyond.

On this integrated master’s, you will build a deep understanding of how air and space vehicles are designed, developed and operated. You will study the principles that underpin flight while learning how they are applied in real engineering contexts.

In your first two years, you will focus on core engineering science, including 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 explore aircraft design in greater depth, 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-world engineering challenge.

Key features of the course

Develop advanced knowledge and skills. This integrated master’s takes your learning further, combining core engineering principles with specialist aerospace topics.

Learn through application. Individual and group design projects give you the opportunity to tackle real engineering problems and bring your ideas to life.

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 with 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 projects.

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.

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

• Mechanical Engineers, Institution of
• Aeronautical Society, Royal