Can you apply for more than one course at the same University?

[MrsAvocet]

My DS is interested in applying for a very specific course (it's a subset of engineering) but not many places offer it so he will probably apply for a mixture of that course and the more general parent subject. His current preferred University offers both the specific and more general degree. Could he apply for both?
His reasoning is that whilst lots of general degrees have a module in his area of specific interest, it's likely to be better taught somewhere that also teaches it specifically and he's more likely to be able to choose it when he gets to optional modules/projects, which does make sense, plus he likes the location etc. But my worry is that if he is unsuccessful for one he may well be unsuccessful for the other too, and it feels like putting too many eggs in one basket.
Plenty of time yet - he's only year 12 - but I'd be interested to hear if anyone's DC have been in a similar position and what they did. (Assuming it is even allowed!)

I was on Reddit and saw someone post a screenshot of their UCAS portal and he'd been accepted on 3 courses at the same uni. The courses were very similar- like Aeronautical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering and Maths, Aeronautical Engineering and Physics

Yes it's fine. It may not be the most sensible choice, but it is acceptable.

It's fine - and with the two degrees being closely linked, it makes it easier to write an appropriate personal statement (I think they still exist for next year's applicants).
He has five choices in all, so I would think doing the same at more than one uni could cause problems.
It's something he could ask at open days though - whether if he applies for the more niche course but doesn't get an offer, would the uni automatically consider offering for the wider course without actually applying for it.

If it’s engineering, check the niche course is accredited by the Engineering Council. This is vital for qualification as a Chartered or Incorporated engineer. If it’s not accredited, is the application in?

General engineering is just that. General. Some disciplines of engineering are barely touched. So check the courses, check accreditation and check if the students on general engineering ever become engineers! Loads go into finance jobs and not engineering at all. Check links with employers and how much in demand the niche course will be. Most engineers have specialised at university. The reason is that any single branch of engineering has a huge amount of content. Many employers value that in depth knowledge and interest.

My DC1 did this a couple of years ago. Applied to 2 different courses in same faculty (same broad subject, similar to your engineering example).
Received offers for both but then declined one when it came to deciding on the final firm and insurance.

I attend a Russell Group University. I applied for a single honours then two joint honours for the same subject alongside another. I was offered a place conditionally on all three so I'm sure it's fine. Similarly, a friend applied for 5 along the same lines and got accepted.

My DC1 applied for Geography and Combined Social Sciences at Durham three years ago. He got offers for both courses.

I think if your Personal Statement makes sense for both courses your DC will be fine. Some unis of course don't even read the personal statement.

DD’s friend was determined to go to Sheffield and 4 of her UCAS choices were Sheffield courses. Got all the offers, and currently there in First Year.

I asked this question on MN earlier this academic year for my yr13 DD and many replies said not to for a variety of reasons. However, she emailed the university admissions department and they said yes, she could, and that each application is viewed separately (despite being same department). So she applied for two incredibly similar courses at the same university (plus 2 other universities). She’s not had an offer for either course as yet though. But they’ve told her not to expect anything until March/April.
In your DS’s situation I’d do the same and suggest he runs it by their admissions dept. Always worth an ask!

Yes but it would take up 2 out of the 5 choices. It's not uncommon.

Dd applied for 4 similar courses at the one uni and another at a different uni. Got all unconditional

Ds applied for 3 at the one uni and 2 at different units. Got 2 conditionals at the same uni and 2 unconditional before deciding what course to do.