Aerospace Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year

Aerospace electronic engineering is the discipline concerned with the design, development and maintenance of the electronic systems that make modern aircraft and spacecraft function. From navigation, communication and flight management systems to sensors, avionics, power electronics and the complex digital architectures of next-generation air vehicles, the discipline sits at the intersection of electrical engineering, electronics and aerospace technology. It demands both deep technical knowledge and the ability to work within the rigorous safety and regulatory requirements that govern aviation and space systems.

At the University of Southampton this four-year full-time programme begins with a foundation year for those who need additional preparation before the main degree. You will explore vital areas of electronics alongside specialist knowledge of avionics, practical computing and programming, developing the technical capabilities needed to design the aircraft and spacecraft of the future. The programme engages with the challenge of developing greener air travel, reflecting the aerospace industry's urgent need to reduce its environmental impact.

You will build expertise across analogue and digital electronics, signal processing, control systems, embedded computing and the specific applications of these in aerospace contexts.

Southampton has strong aerospace and electronics research capacity, and the programme benefits from that research environment.

Graduates move into careers in the aerospace, defence, space and avionics industries, working in design, development, test, systems integration and maintenance engineering. Many work for aircraft manufacturers, avionics suppliers, defence contractors, satellite companies and regulatory bodies. Postgraduate study in aerospace engineering, electronic engineering or systems engineering is also a natural pathway for those seeking research or specialist technical roles.