Space Engineering MSc – 2022 entry
Key information
Start date: February 2022
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: 5 years
Start date: October 2022
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: 5 years
Start date: February 2023
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: 5 years
Why choose this course
The night sky presents us with the idea of infinity, and advances in space engineering lead the way in giving us the opportunity to go further and explore more than ever before.
At Surrey, we pioneered sophisticated ‘micro-satellites’ in the 1980s. Since then, we’ve maintained a programme of building entire satellites, performing mission planning, working with international launch agencies and providing in-orbit operations. This activity keeps us at the forefront of the space revolution.
With Surrey Space Centre on our campus, and our strategic partnership agreements with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd and Airbus, we continue to be part of the lifeblood in the UK’s industrial space sector.
What you will study
Our MSc is designed to give you the specialist multidisciplinary knowledge and skills required for a career working with space technologies. You’ll have access to all aspects of the design and delivery of spacecraft and payloads.
We’re the only UK academic institution that develops and executes complete space missions – from initial concept to hardware design, manufacturing and testing, to in-orbit operations. All this is controlled by our own spacecraft mission operation ground station at Surrey Space Centre. Because of this, you’ll have the chance to gain first-hand experience of real space missions.
Technical characteristics of the course
Our MSc 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, exploring 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 multidisciplinary course and projects are often closely associated with ongoing space projects carried out by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. This is a large local company that builds satellites commercially and carries out industrially- sponsored research.
Research
At Surrey Space Centre, we carry out applied research most relevant to space engineering, ranging from whole mission developments and execution, to scientific investigations into specific technologies that support their deployment in the space industry.
Many student projects are conducted in collaboration with industry and focus on real applications, bridging the gap between university education and the end product.
Professional recognition
MSc - Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for 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.
Careers and graduate prospects
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University. Our graduates have lifetime access to Surrey Pathfinder, our online portal for appointment and events bookings, jobs, placements and interactive development tools.
As a graduate of this course, you’ll be in high demand in the UK and European space industries.
Several graduates have been employed by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, which was founded by Surrey Space Centre, and Airbus. Other employers include:
- European Space Agency
- QinetiQ
- Satellite Applications Catapult.
Schools and departments
Academic year structure
If you’re studying this course full-time, you’ll study eight modules across the year – four in each semester. During the first semester, you’ll also apply for and agree on a project with an academic supervisor and begin initial work on the project before working on it full-time after the end of the second semester. From that point, you’ll have approximately two and a half months to complete the work and write up your dissertation.
You can also study this course part-time, taking between 2 and 5 years. The length depends on how many modules you study each year. You can study between two and six modules each year. We recommend part-time students work on their project in their final year of study when all eight modules have either been completed or are near completion.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules can be either 15, 30, 45, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
Optional modules for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Levels 6 and 7
Choose 2 of the optional modules in Semester 1
Choose 4 of the optional modules in Semester 2
Timetable
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday - Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. Part-time classes are normally scheduled on one or two days per week, details of which can be obtained from the Academic Hive. View our Timetabling Policy (PDF).
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Entry requirements
A minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree in either Aerospace Engineering, Communication Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Information and Communication Technologies, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or Telecommunication Engineering, or a recognised equivalent international qualification. We'll also consider relevant work experience if you don't meet these requirements.
International entry requirements by country
Do I meet the requirements for this course?
We require you to submit a full application so that we can formally assess whether you meet the criteria published. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an outcome based on an enquiry (via email, webform enquiry, phone or live chat).
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in each other element.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Credit transfer
The University of Surrey recognises that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts. If this applies to you, a process called recognition of prior learning (RPL) may allow you to enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience, or to join the start of a course without the formal entry requirements. This means that you may be exempt from certain elements of study in the course for which you have applied and be awarded credit based on your previous qualifications/experience. There are restrictions on RPL for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims.
Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information. Please email Admissions (admissions@surrey.ac.uk) with any queries.
Fees
Start date: February 2022
Full-time - 1 year
UK £10,600
Overseas £22,400
Part-time - 5 years
UK £1,200*
Overseas £2,500*
Start date: October 2022
Full-time - 1 year
UK £10,900
Overseas £23,100
Part-time - 5 years
UK £1,200*
Overseas £2,500*
Start date: February 2023
Full-time - 1 year
UK £10,900
Overseas £23,100
Part-time - 5 years
UK £1,200*
Overseas £2,500*
Please note:
- These fees apply to students commencing study in the academic year 2022-23 only. Fees for new starters are reviewed annually.
- If you are on an unstructured self-paced part-time course, the fee shown is per 15 credits for the 2022-23 academic year. The fee payable in subsequent years will be reviewed annually.
Additional costs
There are associated costs with this course:
- Books/stationery/admin: Costs may be incurred associated with the purchase of writing paper and associated stationery.
Funding
You may be able to borrow money to help pay your tuition fees and support you with your living costs. Find out more about postgraduate student finance.
Scholarships and bursaries
We're committed to making sure that we offer support for students who might need it.
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Course | Status |
|---|---|
| Space Engineering MSc Full-time, 12 months, February 2022 | Applications closed |
| Space Engineering MSc Part-time, 60 months, February 2022 | Applications closed |
Space Engineering MSc Full-time, 12 months, October 2022 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 22 July 2022 |
Space Engineering MSc Part-time, 60 months, October 2022 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 22 July 2022 |
Admission information
Our postgraduate admissions policy* provides the basis for admissions practice across the University and gives a framework for how we encourage, consider applications and admit students. You can also read our postgraduate applicant guidance.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and regulations, and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View an example of our offer terms and conditions and our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will generally be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course and changes for the specific academic year.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read more.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University has had to change the delivery (and in some cases, the content) of its programmes, together with certain University services and facilities for the academic year 2022/23. These changes include the implementation of a hybrid teaching approach during 2022/23.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH