Taught jointly by UCL’s Space & Climate Physics and UCL’s Electronic & Electrical Engineering Departments by expert researchers and engineers in the field, this MSc programme aims to provide a broad understanding of the basic principles of space technology and satellite communications together with specialised training in research methods and transferable skills, directly applicable to a career in the public and private space sectors.
The Space Technology pathway is focussed on the application of space technology in industrial settings, and therefore has as its main objective to provide a sound knowledge of the underlying principles which form a thorough basis for careers in space technology, satellite communications and related fields. Students develop a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of:
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of three core modules (45 credits), four optional modules (60 credits), a Group Project (15 credits) and an Individual research Project (60 credits).
Core modules
Optional modules
Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an Individual research Project, which normally involves attachment to a research group, and culminates in a report of 10,000–12,000 words.
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, coursework problem tasks, team-based coursework exercises, presentations and tutorials. Student performance is assessed through unseen written examinations, coursework, and the individual and group projects.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Space Science and Engineering: Space Technology MSc
STFC and NERC studentships may be available.
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
The programme aims to prepare students for careers in space research or the space industry, or further research degrees.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
UCL Space & Climate Physics, located at the Mullard Space Science Laboratory, is a world-leading research organisation and is the largest university space science group in the UK.
It offers a unique environment at the forefront of space science research, where scientists and research students work alongside top engineers building and testing instruments for space as well as studying the data from these and other spaceborne and ground-based instruments.
The close contact that the laboratory enjoys with space agencies such as ESA and NASA and with industrial research teams encourages the development of transferable skills which enhance job prospects in industrial and research centres in the public and private space sectors.
This MSc effectively transfers to students the knowledge and expertise gained by UCL space scientists over more than four decades and is taught by world-recognised researchers in the field. The programme aims to provide a broad understanding of all aspects of space science together with specialised training in research methods, directly applicable to a career in academia, the public and private sectors.
The Space Science pathway is focussed on scientific research applications of space technology; it aims to equip participants with a sound knowledge of the physical principles essential to sustain careers in space research and related fields. Students develop a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of:
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of four core modules (60 credits), three optional modules (45 credits), a group project (15 credits), and a research project (60 credits).
Core modules
Optional modules
Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project, which normally involves attachment to a research group, and culminates in a report of 10,000–12,000 words.
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, team-based coursework exercises, presentations and tutorials. Student performance is assessed through unseen written examination, coursework, and the individual and group projects.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Space Science and Engineering: Space Science MSc
STFC and NERC studentships may be available.
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
The programme aims to prepare students for further research degrees and/or careers in space research or the space industry.
UCL’s Space & Climate Physics Department, located at the Mullard Space Science Laboratory, is a world-leading research organisation and is the largest university space science group in the UK.
It offers a unique environment at the forefront of space science research, where scientists and research students work alongside top engineers building and testing instruments for space, as well as studying the data from these and other spaceborne and ground-based instruments.
The close contact that the laboratory enjoys with space agencies such as ESA and NASA and with industrial research teams encourages the development of transferable skills which enhance job prospects in academic circles and beyond.
The Master of Space Studies programme is designed to prepare scientists to respond to a myriad of challenges and opportunities. In addition to coursework in space sciences, the curriculum is enriched by a Master's thesis and a series of guest lecturers from international, national and regional institutions.
This is an advanced Master's programme and can be followed on a full-time or part-time basis.
The programme is conceived as an advanced master’s programme and as such it requires applicants to have successfully completedan initial master’s programme in either the humanities and social sciences, exact sciences and technology or biomedical sciences.
The mission of the Department of Physics and Astronomy is exploring, understanding and modelling physical realities using mathematical, computational, experimental and observational techniques. Fifteen teams perform research at an international level. Publication of research results in leading journals and attracting top-level scientists are priorities for the department.
New physics and innovation in the development of new techniques are important aspects of our mission. The interaction with industry (consulting, patents...) and society (science popularisation) are additional points of interest. Furthermore, the department is responsible for teaching basic physics courses in several study programmes.
After the completion of the programme, students will have attained the following learning outcomes:
Knowledge and understanding
LO1: Are capable of analysing and understanding the main scientific, technological, political, legal and economical aspects of space activities.
LO2: Demonstrate an advanced knowledge in one of the following fields: A. Space Law, Policy, Business and Management; B. Space Sciences; C. Space Technology.
Skills
LO3: Are capable of discussing and reporting on the main scientific, technological, political, legal and economical aspects of space activities.
LO4: Can apply, in the field of space studies, the knowledge, skills and approaches they obtained during their previous academic master.
LO5: Are able to integrate their own disciplinary expertise applied to space related activities within their broad and complex multi-disciplinary environment, taking into account their societal, technological and scientific context.
LO6: Can communicate clearly and unambiguously to specialist and non-specialist audiences about space projects in general and their specific area of expertise.
LO7: Have the skills to commence participation in complex space projects in multi-disciplinary and/or multinational settings in the framework of institutions, agencies or industry. This includes information collection, analysis and drawing conclusions, individually and/or as part of a team.
LO8: Can undertake research in the space field individually, translate the findings in a structured fashion, and communicate and discuss the results in a clear manner (oral and written).
Approaches
LO9: Have a multi-disciplinary approach to complex projects, with special attention to the integration of the different and complementary aspects of such projects.
LO10: Understand and are able to contribute to exploiting the benefits of space for humanity and its environment and are familiarised with the broad spectrum of aspects of peaceful space activities, including the societal ones.
LO11: Have a critical approach towards the place of space activities in their societal framework, including ethical questions arising from space activities.
Graduates will be in a position to develop a career in the space sector or in space research.
Depending on his/her previous degree, the student will find opportunities in the space industry (engineers, product developers and technical-commercial functions with a high degree of technical and financial responsibilities), research institutions with activities in space (researchers and project developers), (inter)governmental bodies with responsibilities in research and development programmes related to space (project managers and directors, policy makers on national, European and international levels). The spectrum of employment possibilities encompasses not only the space sector as such, but also the broader context of companies and organisations which use or are facilitated by space missions.
The space sector plays an important role in economic, social, technological and scientific developments. The future of the sector and its manifold applications require highly skilled experts with a broad interdisciplinary perspective. The development of innovative space technologies is fostered by an intense symbiosis between technological sectors and the challenges set by fundamental research in exact and biomedical sciences. Additionally, the economic and social valorisation of space technologies requires an efficient relationship between project developers and the economic sector.
The large scale of space projects imposes important constraints on management. The international character of the space sector and of its broad applications, including the relevance of space for security and defence, implies a need for European and international legal and political measures.
The Master of Space Studies programme is designed to prepare scientists to respond to a myriad of challenges and opportunities. In addition to coursework in space sciences, the curriculum is enriched by a Master's thesis and a series of guest lecturers from international, national and regional institutions.
This is an advanced Master's programme and can be followed on a full-time or part-time basis.
The programme is conceived as an advanced master’s programme and as such it requires applicants to have successfully completedan initial master’s programme in either the humanities and social sciences, exact sciences and technology or biomedical sciences.
The mission of the Department of Physics and Astronomy is exploring, understanding and modelling physical realities using mathematical, computational, experimental and observational techniques. Fifteen teams perform research at an international level. Publication of research results in leading journals and attracting top-level scientists are priorities for the department.
New physics and innovation in the development of new techniques are important aspects of our mission. The interaction with industry (consulting, patents...) and society (science popularisation) are additional points of interest. Furthermore, the department is responsible for teaching basic physics courses in several study programmes.
The objectives of the programme are to develop students' knowledge of all aspects of space studies generally and, specifically, to impart:
Graduates will be in a position to develop a career in the space sector or in space research.
Depending on his/her previous degree, the student will find opportunities in the space industry (engineers, product developers and technical-commercial functions with a high degree of technical and financial responsibilities), research institutions with activities in space (researchers and project developers), (inter)governmental bodies with responsibilities in research and development programmes related to space (project managers and directors, policy makers on national, European and international levels). The spectrum of employment possibilities encompasses not only the space sector as such, but also the broader context of companies and organisations which use or are facilitated by space missions.
Our Masters in Space Engineering programme is designed to give you the specialist multidisciplinary knowledge and skills required for a career working with space technology and its applications.
Surrey students have access to all aspects of the design and delivery of spacecraft and payloads, and as a result are very attractive to employers in space-related industries.
As we develop and execute complete space missions, from initial concept to hardware design, manufacturing and testing, to in orbit operations (controlled by our ground station at the Surrey Space Centre), you will have the chance to be involved in, and gain experience of, real space missions.
This programme is studied full-time over one academic year and part-time students must study at least two taught technical modules per academic year. It consists of eight taught modules and a project.
Example module listing
The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
Our philosophy is to integrate the acquisition of core engineering and scientific knowledge with the development of key practical skills (where relevant). To fulfil these objectives, the programme aims to:
Intended capabilities for MSc graduates:
This programme in Space Engineering aims to provide a high-level postgraduate qualification relating to the design of space missions using satellites. Study is taken to a high level, in both theory and practice, in the specialist areas of space physics, mechanics, orbits, and space-propulsion systems, as well as the system and electronic design of space vehicles.
This is a multi-disciplinary programme, and projects are often closely associated with ongoing space projects carried out by Surrey Satellite Technology, plc.
This is a large local company that builds satellites commercially and carries out industrially-sponsored research. Graduates from this programme are in demand in the UK and European Space Industries.
We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.
In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.
The space sector contributes £13.7bn per annum to the UK economy alone, and space activity across Europe and the world continues to thrive. There is a continuing need for talented employees with a good understanding of spacecraft systems engineering, coupled with a broad range of technical skills. Evolving constantly since 1987, this course has prepared graduates for highly successful careers in the space sector.
Suitable for graduates in engineering, physics or mathematics, this course will prepare you for a career in this exciting field, from earth observation to planetary exploration, launch vehicles to spacecraft operations, and much more.
This Masters is highly respected around the world, and many of our students obtain employment/research offers in the space sector before the course finishes. We encourage interaction between our students and potential employers at events such as the Group Design Project industry presentation, dedicated interview days, and Alumni Conferences. In many space companies and agencies within Europe you will find our former graduates, some in very senior positions. Many of them continue to contribute to the course, forming a valuable network of contacts for those entering the industry and this course will equip you with the skills required to join them in a successful career in industry or research.
This course is also available on a part-time basis for individuals who wish to study whilst remaining in full-time employment. Cranfield University is well located for part-time students from all over the world, and offers a range of support services for off-site students. This enables students from around the world to complete this qualification whilst balancing work/life commitments.
The course is directed by an Industrial Advisory Panel comprising senior representatives from leading space and associated sectors. This group makes sure that the course content equips you with the skills and knowledge required by leading employers.
The Industrial Advisory Panel includes:
The MSc in Astronautics & Space Engineering is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements of Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
The taught programme for the Astronautics and Space Engineering masters is generally delivered from October to September. A range of core modules allows you to gain a firm grounding in space engineering before opting for specialist modules to build your knowledge in a certain area.
Group project
This is a space mission design study conducted in teams of 10-15 students. It typically takes place from September to April and is assessed by written reports and presentations. It emphasises space systems engineering methodologies, and is designed to prepare our graduates for the project-based working environment often found in space companies and agencies. The topics chosen for the project are strongly influenced by industry.
Recent Group projects have included:
Our part-time students are encouraged to participate in a group project as it provides a wealth of learning opportunities. However, an option of an individual dissertation is available if agreed with the Course Director.
Watch a past presentation video to give you a taster of our innovative and exciting group projects (YouTube).
Individual project
The individual research project is the largest single component of the course typically taking place between April and August. It allows you to develop specialist skills in an area of your choice by taking the theory from the taught modules and joining it with practical experience. A list of suggested topics is provided, and includes projects proposed by academic staff and industry.
Recent Individual Research Projects have included:
Part-time students are encouraged to participate in a group project as it provides a wealth of learning opportunities. However, an option of an individual dissertation is available if agreed with the Course Director.
Assessment
Taught modules 25%, Group project 30%, Individual research project 45%
Cranfield University is heavily supported by the space industry in the UK. Many of these companies provide case study lectures, concepts and thesis topics for the individual research projects, and some actively support the group design projects. They also provide a guide to the content of the course, so they are confident that Cranfield are training people with the industry skills employers require.
As a result, our graduates are regularly recruited by organisations including EADS Astrium, SSTL, Vega, ABSL, Tessella, OHB, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and the European Space Agency in roles including Systems Engineer, Spacecraft Operations Engineer, Thermal Analyst and Space Robotics Engineer. We arrange company visits and interview days with key employers.
If your interests lie in research, many former students have gone on to pursue PhDs at Cranfield and other universities.
Uniting emergency response, disaster risk reduction and space technology this programme is designed to prepare students to work in the fields of satellite technology and disaster response to explore the management of risk and disaster losses from a range of perspectives, focusing on emerging risks posed to modern technology by space weather and the monitoring of hazards on Earth from outer space.
Students will learn about a wide variety of natural hazards, how to prepare and plan for emergencies and disasters and how to respond. Students will also learn practical aspects of designing, building and operating satellites and spacecraft including the challenges and risks posed by the environment of outer space.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of six core modules (90 credits), two optional modules (30 credits) and a dissertation (60 credits).
Core modules
Optional modules
Students choose two 15-credit optional modules from the following:
Optional modules are subject to availability of places.
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent project culminating in a report of between 10,000 and 12,000 words.
Teaching is delivered by lectures, seminars and interactive problem sessions. Assessment is by examination, poster, presentation and written essay coursework.
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
This programme aims to prepare students for careers in space research, space and defence industries as well as most industries with risk management requirements.
The unique selling point of the programme is the direct access to key government and business drivers in the field of space weather, with invited seminars and reserch projects supported by the UK Met Office, EDF, Atkins and other institutions interested in the hazards of space.
The natural hazard of space weather is a "new" hazard which has only recently been identified as a significant risk to human society. As the first generation of researchers, practitioners and engineers in this field, students will be at the forefront of major new issues in an expanding sector of the economy. As disaster response comes to rely on more advanced technology aid, relief and disaster response agencies require experts trained in the technological infrastructure to innovate, explain, operate and understand the limitations of these novel systems and the help they can provide before, during and after disasters.
The programme will also provide students will advanced training in many transferable skills, such as computor programming, technical writing, oral and written presentation, the use of engineering design tools and graphic visualisation software.
The Space Physiology & Health MSc course is a unique study programme that provides training for biomedical scientists and physicians with an interest in the biomedical issues associated with space exploration. International experts from academia, contractors and space agencies (including NASA) contribute to the course through lectures, seminars, extensive laboratory practicals and visits to the RAF and Space Agency (ESA & DLR) facilities.
The Space Physiology & Health MSc will provide you with advanced theoretical and practical training in the physiology, psychology and operational medicine of humans exposed to or working in the Space environment.
You will complete the course in one year, studying September to September and taking modules totalling 180 credits, including 60 credits from a research project and dissertation.
This course will provide opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate advanced knowledge, understanding and skills in the following areas:
Teaching
We use lectures, seminars and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the programme. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.
Assessment
You are assessed through a combination of:
The study times and assessment methods detailed above are typical and are designed to provide you with a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Location
This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Guy’s Campus. We try to arrange trips to the European Space Agency, and other related facilities whenever possible to enhance your learning experience.
King’s and partner organisations organise summer research projects depending on applicability and availability.
The course provides a range of multidisciplinary skills and will help those wishing to pursue a career in human physiology in its broadest sense, either in academic research i.e. PhD, in industry, in Ministry of Defence research laboratories or National/International Space agencies including ESA.
Which laws govern the commercial use of outer space? Are States responsible for mitigating space debris? Who is liable for accidents that happen onboard an the aircraft? Learn how to deal with questions like these from both an international and a European perspective.
This LL.M. programme combines public air law, private air law and space law. It has a clearly defined European and international dimension, making it unique in the world. In this intensive one-year master’s programme, you will gain a solid legal foundation in this exciting field, learning from some of the foremost experts in academia and legal practice.
You will learn how to address a wide variety of issues that affect society, such as:
As a student of Advanced Studies in Air and Space Law, you will benefit from:
Are you fascinated by the myriad legal issues involved with aviation and aerospace activities? This programme will help you gain a thorough understanding of the international and European dimensions of this complex, cutting-edge field.
This programme is a good fit for you if you are a law graduate wishing to pursue a challenging master’s study or a legal practitioner wishing to specialise in air and space law who is currently working at for example a(n):
Our MSc in Space Systems Engineering draws extensively on the expert knowledge of the Astronautics group using content from the professional courses we run for the European Space Agency and spacecraft industry. Led by the authors of the best-selling book "Spacecraft Systems Engineering", the course uses an integrated approach to the complete design of a total space system and shows how the various component subsystems function and interface with each other. The course is endorsed by the UK Space Agency (UKSA).
This postgraduate masters course emphasises the key aspects of spacecraft systems engineering, focusing on systems engineering, key spacecraft sub-systems, mission analysis and spacecraft design. It will suit graduates or similarly qualified individuals from engineering, scientific and mathematical backgrounds, with some experience of astronautics or aerospace engineering and who are aiming for further specialisation in spacecraft engineering.
This one-year advanced course draws on the international expertise of our Astronautics Research Groupand content from the courses we run for the European Space Agency. The course provides an integrated approach to the design of a total space system and describes how the various component subsystems function and interface with one another, giving you advanced knowledge of space systems engineering.
The year is divided into two semesters. Each semester, you will have the option to undertake specialist space engineering modules; including spacecraft structural and engineering design and propulsion.
You will work under the guidance of world-class experts in this area and benefit from our cutting edge facilities, including an autonomous systems testbed and shaker table. You will engage in experimental study and complete a critical research project. We offer a range of potential projects, from spacecraft self-healing structures to creating your own moon orbiter.
View the specification document for this course
This MSc programme aims to further the understanding of architecture and urban design in the development of building cities and the social groups that inhabit them. It offers an increased specialism to those interested in the research and design of the built environment intending to take either an academic pathway or a specific direction within their current professional practice.
The programme addresses the study of architecture and cities using the theoretical and analytical framework of space syntax as well as wider theoretical and analytical approaches. Students learn to specialise in one of several streams related to contemporary world challenges: architecture and computing, sustainable urbanism, social inclusion and exclusion, informal settlements, spatial cognition, the physical and immaterial dimensions of social networks and design innovation.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of seven core modules (90 credits), optional modules (30 credits) and a dissertation (60 credits).
Core modules
Optional modules
Dissertation/report
All MSc students submit a 10,000-word dissertation related to the main themes of the programme, typically involving a directed research project on a building or urban site.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through seminars, lectures, design studios, hands-on computer workshops, a variety of field trips in and around London and an international trip (optional). Assessment is through essays, written and take-home examinations, oral presentations, project reviews, debates, group and individual projects, classroom exercises and the dissertation.
Fieldwork
The E-merging analysis and design studio (optional module) is usually accompanied by an international trip.
The cost to the student is not exceeding £500 per person, based on standard costs as specified by the school.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Space Syntax: Architecture and Cities MSc
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
Graduates of the programme go on to many different careers: some have progressed to PhD degrees and have obtained academic positions in top universities worldwide, others have found teaching positions on architectural programmes; some go into policy-making; and many have ploughed their knowledge back into furthering their architectural/design careers. In the past few years an increasing number of graduates have obtained jobs at Space Syntax Limited.
First destinations of recent graduates include roles with leading design and architecture practices, as well as academic or research positions at prestigious international universities or research centres.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
This programme enhances students' intellectual and design abilities in the field of urban/architectural theory, architectural/urban morphology and the social aspects of the urban environment. Graduates of this programme can be involved in both professional and academic activities. Graduates who choose to go into practice will have a leading edge in evidence-informed and research-based design. Those who choose an academic path will have the advanced knowledge and skills required for high-level academic positions.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
The programme provides a unique approach to the study of architecture and cities worldwide, equipping students with exceptional theoretical and analytical skills. It is located at The Bartlett, one of the UK's largest multidisciplinary built environment faculties, bringing together scientific and professional specialisms required to research, understand, design, construct and operate the buildings and urban environments of the future.
The programme is unique in integrating architecture and urbanism, and adopting a user-centred approach. Students receive advanced and exceptional training in theories, data analysis and their creative integration with design thinking.
The degree draws on the rich design industries in London including Space Syntax Ltd and provides networking opportunities to help advance students in their academic and professional capacities both during and after the programme.
Based on a project culture and on our own innovative methodology, this Masters course aims to produce professionals with the ability to innovate in the vast field that is space design. Different spaces and scales will be worked on in a multicultural context, ranging from the human side to urban aspects, focusing on the details and taking on a contemporary, cross-sector approach.
The programme draws on the importance of creative autonomy in the project design process, geared towards producing original solutions by inverting the usual procedure behind space design. This is done by limiting options to a single material but offering the incentive of technical innovation based on the student’s research.
The process culminates when the space designed is able to instantly transmit sensations and atmospheres from the moment the user interacts with the space and the material. The result is a space capable of combining authorship, concept and meaning.
The course gradually reveals the origin, essence and soul of things. It ventures deep into the core and the rigour of the raw materials that construct space, exploring and researching the power of materials in the quest for an architecture that can unveil the intrinsic nature of each one.
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