Clearing contact details
Clearing and Confirmation Hotline
Email:admissions@southampton.ac.uk
Phone:023 8059 4732
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ
Aeronautics and Astronautics
- BEng (Hon)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- 14 September 2026
- Undergraduate
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
Course summary
This three-year course covers the core subjects of aeronautics and astronautics, focusing on fast-moving aircraft and spacecraft in the Earth’s atmosphere and outer space. The first two years are the same across our Aeronautics and Astronautics degrees and focus on core engineering science, such as aerodynamics, propulsion systems, mechanics of flight, fluid dynamics and control, giving you a professional grounding for the design and operation of air vehicles and spacecraft.
Modules in your third year will deepen your understanding of aircraft design, including their environmental impacts. You will also carry out an individual project, bringing together the concepts and skills you have learned.
You will have access to extensive facilities, which include dedicated student design studios and workshops, the largest wind tunnel in any UK university, state-of-the-art jet engine and space propulsion facilities, a flight simulator and a professional manufacturing centre.
Our courses are fully accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society and Institution of Mechanical Engineers and offer a route to chartered status.
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; Aerothermodynamics; Aircraft Structural Design; Aerospace Control Design; Introduction to Aircraft Design, plus additional module options.
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.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Aeronautical Society, Royal
- Mechanical Engineers, Institution of
This course is available in Clearing. If you have submitted an application, you can add this course. If you haven’t sent us an application yet, you can do this until 24th September 2026.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
Study options
- BEng (Hon) • Full-time • 3 Years
Start dates
- 14 September 2026
Apply by
14 January
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:
- H422
- Institution code:
- S27
- Campus name:
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
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
14 January
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:
- H422
- Institution code:
- S27
- Campus name:
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
Find out about equivalent entry requirements and qualifications for your country: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/international/your-country.page
Entry requirements
UCAS TariffNot accepted
A levelA*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.
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.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)Not accepted
Access to HE DiplomaNot 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.
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 Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)D - D*
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).
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)D - D*
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma 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 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.
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.
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.
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.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme38 points
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.
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 WalesA
A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A) and physics (minimum grade A), with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) or A*A 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.
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.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)A
A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A) and physics (minimum grade A), with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) or A*A 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.
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.
Extended ProjectA
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.
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)H1, H1, H1, H2, H2, H2
H1 H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 including mathematics, applied mathematics and physics
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - PrincipalD2, D3, D3
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.
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
OCR Cambridge Technical DiplomaDD - 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.
Accepted subjects: Engineering
Applicants who have not studied mathematics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended CertificateD - D*
Typical entry criteria will be to achieve a grades A*A 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.
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.
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.
T LevelNot accepted
If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | with 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.
Find out more about the University’s English Language requirementshttps://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.
Most of the students who previously enrolled on this course joined us with grades lower than our published entry criteria. After receiving their grades, we carefully considered each students’ individual circumstances before confirming their place on their chosen course.
We encourage everyone with the potential to succeed to apply, regardless of their background. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer lower than the typical offer for that programme.
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.
Historical entry grades report
This report uses your grades to show how students with similar results have done when applying to this course in the past. Sometimes, there isn’t data for every possible set of grades. When that happens, universities and colleges occasionally fill in the gaps for sets of grades that are typically accepted.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|
* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
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: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page
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