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.
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.
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
You can access six study streams on this Masters programme:
As well as supporting the career development of Civil Engineering graduates, this programme provides the necessary further learning for engineers working in the construction industry who hold related first degrees such as engineering geology or construction management.
It is also designed to update the technical skills of practising engineers engaged in the planning, design, construction and operation of civil-engineering works.
This programme is studied full-time over one academic year and part-time / distance learning for between two to five academic years. It consists of eight taught modules and a dissertation.
This degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng(Hons) or an Accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree.
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.
Structural Engineering Group Modules
Bridge Engineering Group Modules
Geotechnical Engineering Group Modules
Construction Management Group Modules
Infrastructure Engineering Group Modules
Water and Environmental Engineering Group Modules
Dissertation
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:
Knowledge and understanding
Intellectual / cognitive skills
Professional practical skills
Key / transferable skills
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.
This degree mirrors the two-year Masters programme structure that is common in the USA, and is an ideal stepping stone to a PhD or a career in industry.
The optional professional placement component gives you the opportunity to gain experience from working in industry, which cannot normally be offered by the standard technically-focused one-year Masters programme.
The Electronic Engineering Euromasters programme is designed for electronic engineering graduates and professionals with an interest in gaining further qualifications in advanced, cutting-edge techniques and technologies. Current pathways offered include:
Please note that at applicant stage, it is necessary to apply for the Electronic Engineering (Euromasters). If you wish to specialise in one of the other pathways mentioned above, you can adjust your Euromaster programme accordingly on starting the course.
This programme is studied full-time over 24 months. It consists of eight taught modules, two modules based on experimental reflective learning and an extended project.
Please view the website for an example module listing.
The MSc Euromasters complies with the structure defined by the Bologna Agreement, and thus it is in harmony with the Masters programme formats adhered to in European universities. Consequently, it facilitates student exchanges with our partner universities in the Erasmus Exchange programme.
A number of bilateral partnerships exist with partner institutions at which students can undertake their project. Current partnerships held by the Department include the following:
The taught postgraduate degree programmes of the Department are intended both to assist with professional career development within the relevant industry and, for a small number of students, to serve as a precursor to academic research.
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:
A graduate from this MSc programme should:
Enhanced capabilities of MSc (Euromasters) graduates:
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.
Our MSc Euromasters programme is designed for electronic engineering students and professionals with an interest in gaining further qualifications in advanced, cutting-edge techniques and technologies in the selected pathway, with enhanced project, as well as training in transferable skills including business awareness and management.
We offer numerous Electronic Engineering MScs in more specialised fields of study, from space engineering to mobile communications systems, and if you wish to specialise in one of these pathways you can adjust your course accordingly.
The advanced taught technical content is in sub-disciplines of electronic engineering closely aligned with the internationally-leading research conducted in the four research centres of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
This programme is studied full time over 12 months or can be part-time over 48 months. It consists of eight taught modules and a standard project.
Please view the website for a module list
The taught postgraduate Degree Programmes of the Department are intended both to assist with professional career development within the relevant industry and, for a small number of students, to serve as a precursor to academic research.
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:
A graduate from this MSc Programme should:
Students on the Programme may study (in the first two semesters) any four modules from the pool available to MSc students in semester 1 and any four modules from the pool available to MSc students in semester 2.
This enables the student to freely choose the combination of modules that will best suit their desired personal development and career aspirations.
With the aid of advice from a tutor they will also choose a combination of modules, which will typically be closely related to a specific discipline area being one of space systems, communication systems, wireless technologies, signal processing, integrated circuits or nanotechnology.
Additionally the project dissertation which the student will complete will be one which relates suitably to the area of the taught modules chosen by the student and as such it will be supervised by an academic from an appropriate research centre within the department.
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 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.
Engineering graduates are in high demand from recruiting companies worldwide.
This course has been designed to meet the needs of a broad range of engineering industries. As a Masters student, you’ll gain the specialist and generic skills necessary to lead future developments.
This one-year MSc in civil engineering is suitable for graduates with a background in any discipline of civil engineering. Applicants with a degree in environmental engineering, earth science, maths, physics and mechanical engineering may also be considered.
You can graduate with an MSc in Civil Engineering or choose to follow a specialist named stream:
You'll take the compulsory module Civil Engineering Design Projects. This module gives you the opportunity to work on real projects. Students currently undertake a renewable energy project. You’ll develop comprehensive and innovative designs that involve structural engineering, geotechnical engineering and water engineering, management, environmental and financial planning.
You'll also take the compulsory module Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methods which supports the dissertation project. You also have a wide choice of optional modules.
Following successful completion of the taught component, you’ll undertake a dissertation. If you’re on one of the specialist streams you’ll undertake a research project on a topic related to that stream.
Starting in session 2017-18, a new class on Building Information Modelling (BIM) will be available as an option for students who register for this MSc. Knowledge of BIM, a process for creating and managing information on a construction project across the project lifecycle, is sought after by employers.
As part of the class Independent Study in Collaboration with Industry, you can apply to work with industry projects.
Our £6 million state-of-the-art laboratory facilities are well-equipped with high-technological instrumentation and available space to investigate:
The MSc Civil Engineering programme (including the specialist streams except for the water engineering stream) has been fully accredited by Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng accredited undergraduate first degree.
The accreditation of MSc in Civil Engineering with Water Engineering & Project Management will be applied three years after initial launch in 2016.
The course has two semesters of taught classes. Some classes involve fieldtrips and/or lab work. For fieldtrips, you need to wear warm clothing, waterproof jacket/trousers and sturdy shoes/boots (e.g. hiking boots or non-slip wellington boots).
For lab work, you’ll need a lab coat. At the start of your course you’ll attend a two-day induction welcoming you to the department.
High-calibre civil engineers are in demand throughout the world. As a graduate you'll have many different career options including:
This Postgraduate Certificate is designed for engineering professionals who are interested in developing their careers into systems engineering or project management roles in the space domain.
Students will develop a powerful set of skills and knowledge about space systems and gain awareness and understanding of the economic and organisational context within which space sytems are developed including the limitations these can impose. Depending on the modules chosen, students may focus more on business, project management, reliability or design aspects.
Students undertake modules to the value of 60 credits.
The programme consists of four taught modules of 15 credits each.
Core modules
Students must take Space Systems (15 credits) and either three from the list below or two from the list below and one optional module.
Optional modules
Teaching and learning
The programme consists of four taught modules, each of which is delivered as a five-day block week consisting of a blend of interactive lectures, small-group exercises and presentations, case studies and workshop activity. Formative feedback is given to students throughout the modules. Modules are formally assessed through coursework to be completed a few weeks after the module, and for some modules there is also a short test or a 1.5 hour written examination.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Space Systems Engineering PG Cert
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
Students who have studied this subject have found employment in aerospace, defence, communications, rail, construction, engineering, IT, management consultancy and many other areas.
Employability
Systems engineering is a highly sought-after expertise, particularly in engineering and technology-based organisations.
The programme's industrial advisory board ensures that the subjects students learn about cover the key issues faced by industry.
The programme combines interactive lectures, group exercises and case studies to reinforce key points. Lecturers are experts in the field, many of whom have engaged in the practice of systems engineering in industry, and all of whom oversee research across a broad range of subjects relating to systems engineering, project management and technology management.
Students with this degree will gain the skills, knowledege and confidence to further their careers. They will be able to build their professional contacts with like-minded individuals from different organisations.
On completion of the 60-credit programme, students may choose to apply to transfer their credit towards a 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma or a 180-credit MSc in Systems Engineering Management.
Accreditation:
The MSc in Systems Engineering Management (which students may choose to go on to study on successful completion of this Postgraduate Certificate) is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Graduate students will find the programme of substantial use in developing their knowledge and skills base for bridge analysis, design and management.
The programme also offers the opportunity for practising bridge engineers to update their knowledge of current design and assessment codes and guidelines, become familiar with developments in new techniques for the design, construction and management of bridges.
The Bridge Engineering programme encompasses a wide range of modules addressing the whole life-analysis of bridge structures from design to end-of-life.
Optional modules from some of our other study streams are also offered, covering structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water engineering, construction management, and infrastructure engineering and management.
Graduates are highly employable and may progress to relevant specialist PhD or EngD research programmes in the field.
This programme is studied over either one year (full-time) or between two and five years (part-time or distance learning). It consists of eight taught modules and a dissertation project.
This degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng(Hons) or an Accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree.
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.
Bridge Engineering Group Modules
Structural Engineering Group Modules
Geotechnical Engineering Group Modules
Construction Management Group Modules
Infrastructure Engineering and Management Group Modules
Water and Environmental Engineering Group Modules
Dissertation
The programme aims to provide graduates with:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:
Knowledge and understanding
Intellectual / cognitive skills
Professional practical skills
Key / transferable skills
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.
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The Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering (ACSE) at the University of Sheffield
