Aeronautics and Astronautics / Spacecraft Engineering

Program Overview

---

Aeronautics and Astronautics / Spacecraft Engineering (MEng)

Award

Master of Engineering

Typical Offer

A*AA

Duration

4 years

Course Type

Full-time

Campus

Boldrewood

UCAS Course code

H493

Apply for this course

Order a prospectus

Open days and visits

About this course

Take your engineering abilities to the final frontier of human endeavour. You’ll explore many aspects of aerospace engineering, including the design and manufacture of fast-moving air and space vehicles. You'll then specialise in spacecraft systems engineering, to prepare you for a career in the space industry and beyond.

Aeronautics and Astronautics looks at the science, engineering and manufacture of aircraft and spacecraft. You'll learn how they operate within our atmosphere and in space.

On this spacecraft engineering degree you’ll study the general principles of aerospace engineering, then take more advanced modules specialising in the design and operation of spacecraft, and their environmental impact.

In year 3 on MEng Aeronautics and Astronautics with Spacecraft Engineering you'll complete an individual research project and in year 4 you’ll participate in a group design project.

You’ll have access to our 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
• flight simulator
• professional manufacturing centre

As part of this aeronautics and astronautics spacecraft engineering course you can:

• showcase your work in our annual Engineering Design Show
• attend site visits to experience engineering in practice
• apply your engineering knowledge to solve a real-world problem

Year in industry

Enhance your employability by taking this course with a paid industrial placement year.

Apply using:

• Course name: Aeronautics and Astronautics / Spacecraft Engineering with Industrial Placement Year
• UCAS code: H400

You'll spend this extra year at an engineering firm, applying the skills and knowledge you've learned so far.

The fee is 20% of the standard annual tuition fee.

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

This course is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) as meeting the academic requirement, in full, for Chartered Engineer registration.

This course is accredited by:

• Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS)
• Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
• Engineering Council
• European Accreditation of Engineering Programmes (EAEP)

Entry requirements

A-levels

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

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 mathematics and/or physics at A-level 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: AAA including mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) 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.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

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)

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects 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.

BTEC

• RQF BTEC: 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).
• QCF BTEC: D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus 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).

Access to HE Diploma

Not accepted for this course. Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

Irish Leaving Certificate

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

Irish certificate additional information

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

Irish Offer Contextual

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.

Scottish Qualification

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.

Cambridge Pre-U

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

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Cambridge Pre-Us can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A-levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D2 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A or D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of A-level grade B.

Cambridge Pre-U Offer Contextual

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.

Welsh Baccalaureate

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.

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

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

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.

T-Level

Not accepted for this course. Applicants with a T level Technical Qualification in a relevant subject can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

Other requirements

• UK students
• International students
• Other ways to qualify

GCSE requirements

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

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:

• overall score: 6.5
• reading: 6.0
• writing: 6.0
• speaking: 6.0
• listening: 6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre- sessional English programmes before your course starts.

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

• our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
• skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)

Find out more about our Admissions Policy.

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

Course structure

The first 2 years are the same across our Aeronautics and Astronautics degrees. They focus on core engineering science. In the third and fourth years, your studies become more specialised.

This is a very practical course, with many opportunities for practical engineering experience.

You will visit industry and research establishments and learn workshop training and research techniques.

Year 1 overview

You'll take an induction programme with all our Aeronautics and Astronautics students. This will give you your first practical experience and the opportunity to get to know your fellow students.

We'll develop your design and programming skills and teach you to build and test engineering systems, components and mechanisms.

You'll also learn manufacturing skills in our workshops so that you can make your ideas a reality.

Core modules include topics such as:

• aircraft operations and flight mechanics
• design and computing
• electrical and electronic systems
• mathematics
• thermofluids

Year 2 overview

You'll build on your core knowledge from the first year, and increases your focus on Aeronautics and Astronautics disciplines. Compulsory modules include:

• aerodynamics
• astronautics
• mechanics of flight
• propulsion

These modules feature hands-on teaching, using facilities such as our wind tunnels, turbojet and rocket engine.

You’ll take a systems design and computing module, and participate in a team project to design, create and test a robot, drone, responsive system or other device.

At the end of the second semester you’ll take a flight test course, in which experiments are performed on board a Jetstream aircraft.

Year 3 overview

You'll deepen your understanding of aircraft design, including their environmental impacts. You'll take a specialist module on spacecraft systems engineering and design. Your other core modules, will include:

• aerothermodynamics
• aircraft structural design
• aerospace control design
• advanced astronautics

You'll choose an optional module from topics including:

• experimental methods for aerodynamics
• heat transfer and applications
• wing aerodynamics

You'll carry out an individual research project using many of the concepts that you've learnt over the previous 2 years. For example, students have investigated how to deflect asteroids, or improve the aerodynamics of race cars to increase their performance.

Year 4 overview

Technical modules can be selected from a list of advanced level topics which focus on spacecraft design. These include:

• spacecraft propulsion
• orbital mechanics and control
• failure of materials and structures

You’ll participate in a group design project - a chance to apply your conceptual engineering and scientific knowledge to an engineering design problem.

Previous projects include the development of a small satellite, and a fuel- efficient ion thruster for spacecraft. These projects are often linked to current research or supported by industry, like Airbus or the European Space Agency.

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)

Course time

How you'll spend your course time:

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3
• Year 4

Year 1

• Study time: 35% scheduled learning & teaching, 65% independent learning
• Assessment: 48% written exam, 32% coursework, 20% practical exam

Year 2

• Study time: 26% scheduled learning & teaching, 74% independent learning
• Assessment: 61% written exam, 29% coursework, 10% practical exam

Year 3

• Study time: 17% scheduled learning & teaching, 83% independent learning
• Assessment: 46% written exam, 29% coursework, 25% practical exam

Year 4

• Study time: 17% scheduled learning & teaching, 83% independent learning
• Assessment: 49% written exam, 16% coursework, 35% practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Careers and employability

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Careers services and support

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.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students: £9,535
• EU and international students: £28,800

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 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.

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: H493
• 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: [insert email] Tel: +44(0) [insert phone number]

Related courses

Aeronautics and Astronautics / Spacecraft Engineering (MEng) is a course in the Aeronautical and astronautical engineering subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

• BEng Aeronautics and Astronautics
• MEng Aeronautics and Astronautics
• MEng Aeronautics and Astronautics / Aerodynamics
• MEng Mechanical Engineering / Aerospace Engineering

Program Outline

---

Careers:

This degree will teach you how to become a spacecraft engineer and open the door to many exciting career opportunities in the space industry, engineering and beyond, including: aerospace engineer IT and management consultant pilots software and systems engineer It also provides a great launch pad for further studies at PhD level. Recent graduates have gone on to work at organisations like: Airbus Defence and Space Dstl Dyson European Space Agency Formula 1 teams Jaguar Land Rover Rolls-Royce Surrey Satellite Technology Limited We are a designated university for the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme. You can also join the Southampton University Air Squadron for possible flying opportunities.