Aeronautics and Astronautics with External Placement Year Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours) - BEng (Hon)
Course Overview - Aeronautics and Astronautics with External Placement Year Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours) - BEng (Hon)
Summary
Flight is about pushing boundaries. From aircraft moving at high speed through the atmosphere to spacecraft operating beyond it, aeronautics and astronautics explores how these vehicles are designed, built and perform.
On this course, you will develop the knowledge and skills to understand and design air and space vehicles. You will build a strong foundation in engineering while learning how core principles are applied to real-world challenges in aerospace.
In your first two years, you will study key areas such as aerodynamics, pro...
Summary
Flight is about pushing boundaries. From aircraft moving at high speed through the atmosphere to spacecraft operating beyond it, aeronautics and astronautics explores how these vehicles are designed, built and perform.
On this course, you will develop the knowledge and skills to understand and design air and space vehicles. You will build a strong foundation in engineering while learning how core principles are applied to real-world challenges in aerospace.
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 how aircraft and spacecraft operate.
In your third year, you will deepen your understanding of aircraft design, including its environmental impact. You will also complete an individual project, bringing together the concepts and skills you have developed.
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
Build a strong engineering foundation. Study the core sciences that underpin aeronautics and astronautics in your early years.
Learn through application. Your individual project allows you to explore a topic in depth and apply your knowledge to a real challenge.
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, 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 study and practical project work.
The skills and experience you develop will prepare you for careers across the aerospace sector, from aircraft design and manufacturing to space systems and emerging technologies.
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
2027-09-20
Campus
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Application Details
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
A23-B52
Institution Code
S27
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
A level
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 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.
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
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
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*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.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Not accepted
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
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 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.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
D
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.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
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.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
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.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU, International | £0 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| Channel Islands, England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Republic of Ireland | £10,050 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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