Aeronautics and Astronautics / Materials and Structures MEng
University of Southampton

Key Course Facts
Course Description
Aeronautics and astronautics focuses on fast-moving aircraft and spacecraft in the Earth’s atmosphere and outer space. This course focuses on building your knowledge of structural design and materials selection for aerospace applications.
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.
In your third and fourth years, you will develop your understanding of how materials behave, and enhance your skills in the structural analysis of aircraft and spacecraft. In your third year you will also carry out an individual project, bringing together the concepts and skills you have learned.
During your fourth year, you will take further advanced and specialised modules and participate in a group design project, applying your engineering knowledge to solve a real-world problem.
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.
Student Reviews
Below you can see course specific reviews for 51 graduates of Aeronautics and Astronautics / Materials and Structures MEng at University of Southampton for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Aeronautical Engineering.
Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.
All Aeronautical Engineering courses of University of Southampton
Salary
Salary of Graduates of Aeronautics and Astronautics / Materials and Structures MEng at University of Southampton
Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Aeronautics and Astronautics / Materials and Structures MEng at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.
15 months after graduation | 3 years after graduation | 5 years after graduation | |
---|---|---|---|
Median salary | £29000 | £33500 | £41500 |
25-75 percentile range | £27000 - £31000 | £30500 - £39500 | £35500 - £48000 |
All Aeronautical Engineering courses of University of Southampton
Salary of all UK Graduates of Aeronautical Engineering
15 months after graduation | 3 years after graduation | 5 years after graduation | |
---|---|---|---|
Median salary | £27597 | £32050 | £37396 |
25-75 percentile range | £23821 - £30797 | £25785 - £37213 | £30105 - £44675 |
All Aeronautical Engineering courses of UK
Jobs & Career Perspectives
15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.
All Aeronautical Engineering courses of University of Southampton
Current jobs
Job in line with future plans
Utilise skills from studies
Work is meaningful
Required skill level of job after 15 months
% Skilled jobs
Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)
Example below based on all graduates of Aeronautics and Astronautics / Materials and Structures MEng at University of Southampton
35% | Engineering professionals |
20% | Information Technology Professionals |
5% | Skilled trades occupations |
5% | Managers, directors and senior officials |
5% | Natural and social science professionals |
5% | Business, Research and Administrative Professionals |
5% | Science, engineering and technology associate professionals |
0% | Administrative occupations |
0% | |
0% | Sports and fitness occupations |
Grading & Study Time
Assessment Methods
Study Time Distribution
Grading Distribution
Students of the course received the following grades
Entry Requirements / Admissions
Minimum Required UCAS Tariff
UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course
All Aeronautical Engineering courses of University of Southampton
Qualification requirements
Typical Offer: A*AA including grades A*A in mathematics and physics (in any order) with a pass in the physics Practical 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: A*AB including grades A*A in mathematics and physics (in any order) with a pass in the physics Practical, and grade A in the EPQ We are committed to ensuring that all students 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 student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows: AAA including mathematics and physics with a pass in the physics Practical or A*AB including A*A in mathematics and physics (in any order) with a pass in the physics Practical Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable.
We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4" 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.
Typical offer: AAA to include Mathematics and Physics. All applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/Grade 4.
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A*A in A-level mathematics and physics (in any order) with a pass in the physics Practical 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. The University’s qualifications equivalencies table will be used: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/index.page#_ga=2.143280181.1285720294.1533033883-1673588377.1531313130 We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma We do not accept the BTEC Diploma Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma or the BTEC Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
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.
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: A*AB including grades A*A in mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical and grade A in the EPQ Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable.
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
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 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) offer 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.
H1 H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 including mathematics at H1 and physics at H1 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. There are no additional requirements
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades A*A in A-level mathematics and physics (in any order), with a pass in the physics Practical 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. The University’s qualifications equivalencies table will be used: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/index.page#_ga=2.143280181.1285720294.1533033883-1673588377.1531313130 We do not accept the BTEC National Extended Diploma We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma Applicants with a BTEC National Extended Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
Typical entry criteria will be to achieve an A*A in Maths and Physics at A-level plus D in the Technical Extended Certificate
A*AA from 3 A levels including grades A*A in mathematics and physics (in any order), with a pass in the physics Practical or A*A from two A levels including mathematics and physics (in any order) with a pass in the physics Practical and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate 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. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable.
D2, D3, D3 in three Principal subjects including mathematics and physics, one of which must be at D2. 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. Cambridge Pre-U's 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 grade D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A.
If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.
Requirements for international students / English requirements
IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)
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- 6.5
- Graduate Degrees
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- 6.5
- Undergraduate Degrees
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still be able to join Aeronautics and Astronautics / Materials and Structures, MEng.
Costs
Tuition Fees Aeronautics and Astronautics / Materials and Structures MEng
Ireland | £9250 | year 1 |
---|---|---|
EU | £22760 | year 1 |
International | £22760 | year 1 |
England UK | £9250 | year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | year 1 |
Additional fee information
Average student cost of living in the UK
Rent | £518 |
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) | £50 |
Supermarket shopping | £81 |
Clothing | £35 |
Eating out | £33 |
Alcohol | £27 |
Takeaways / food deliveries | £30 |
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) | £24 |
Holidays and weekend trips | £78 |
Transport within city | £17 |
Self-care / sports | £20 |
Stationary / books | £13 |
Mobile phone / internet | £13 |
Cable TV / streaming | £7 |
Insurance | £51 |
Other | £95 |
Average student cost of living | £1092 |
London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.
How to apply
Application deadline:
January 1, 2024
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.
Possible Entry Points:
- year 1 (Default entry point)
University Rankings
Positions of University of Southampton in top UK and global rankings.
Rankings of University of Southampton in related subject specific rankings.
Computer Science
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- #12
- #110
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- Technology
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URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Subject
[Published 06 June, 2020]
Engineering
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- #1
- #20
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- Aerospace Engineering
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ARWU by subject - Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking
[Published 26 May, 2021]
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- #5
- #100
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- Engineering
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URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Subject
[Published 06 June, 2020]
See all university rankings of University of Southampton
What students say about studying Aeronautical Engineering in the UK?
About University of Southampton
The University of Southampton, often abbreviated to Soton, is a research university located in Southampton, England. Although the university was founded in 1862, it has only enjoyed full university status from 1952 onwards. The university has five campuses in total, with the main one based in the Highfield area of Southampton.
Where is this programme taught



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Ranking publishers
ShanghaiRanking Consultancy
- Published:
- 26 May, 2021
Urap
- Published:
- 06 June, 2020