Propulsion and Engine Systems Engineering (Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science)

Program Overview

Propulsion and Engine Systems Engineering (Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science) (MSc)

About this course

MSc Propulsion and Engine Systems Engineering explores the performance and reliability of rocket motors, jet engines and compressors. Our master’s courses combine the traditional aspects of mechanical engineering with interdisciplinary subjects so you can specialise in a career you want. Our international centre for research and teaching is recognised across the world.

Entry requirements

• You’ll need a 2:1 degree in one of the following subjects:
  • mechanical engineering
  • aerospace engineering
  • automotive engineering
  • vehicle engineering
• You must also have a 2:1 score in two modules from the following list of topics:
  • thermodynamics
  • fluid mechanics
  • systems engineering
  • automotive engineering
  • propulsion
• Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
• Information for students who have studied in China: This programme only accepts applicants who have studied at an X1, X2, X3 or X4 institution.
• English language requirements: If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
  • overall score: 6.5
  • reading: 6.0
  • writing: 6.0
  • speaking: 6.0
  • listening: 6.0

Course structure

Our master’s degree in propulsion and engine systems engineering runs for 12 months. The first 8 months are mainly spent studying taught modules. Your lectures will be divided into two 12-week periods, referred to as semesters 1 and 2, both ending with exams.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Learning and assessment

• The learning activities for this course include the following:
  • lectures
  • classes and tutorials
  • practical work
  • individual and group planning exercises
  • knowledge share
  • one-to-one tutorials
• We’ll assess you through:
  • written exams
  • oral presentations
  • coursework in the form of:
    • problem solving exercises
    • lab reports
    • design exercises
    • essays
    • individual and group projects
  • research project

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.

Fees, costs and funding

• Fees for a year's study:
  • UK students pay £9,250.
  • EU and international students pay £31,500.
• Deposit: If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
• What your fees pay for: Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
• Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

How to apply

• Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
• Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal.
• Search for the course you want to apply for.
• Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
• Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
• Submit your application.

Application deadlines

• International students who require an ATAS: Tuesday 29 July 2025, midday UK time
• International students who do not require an ATAS: Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time
• UK students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

If you're an international student you'll need approval from the UK's Academic Approval Scheme before you can study this course.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Related courses

Propulsion and Engine Systems Engineering (Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science) (MSc) is a course in the Mechanical engineering subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

• MSc Computational Engineering Design (Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science)
• MSc Engineering Materials (Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science)
• MSc Mechatronics (Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science)