PhD Space Engineering

The Surrey Space Centre is the largest UK academic centre for space engineering research. With a host of expert academics and close links with industry, the Centre offers the ideal research environment for the next generation of space scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs.

3,474+ people have created a bespoke digital prospectus

Key course information

Entry requirements
See full entry requirements
Start date
January 2026
Attendance
Full-time
Duration
4 years
UK fees
£5,006*
Overseas fees
£27,200

Why choose this
programme?

As a PhD candidate within the Surrey Space Centre, you’ll work alongside academics, postdoctoral researchers and fellow postgraduate researchers as they push the boundaries of low-cost small satellites and develop new innovative technologies. You’ll also benefit from strong academic-industrial strategic partnerships with both Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) and Airbus DS.

Throughout your research, you’ll have access to our world-class academic research facilities. These cover:

  • Advanced multidisciplinary small satellite and space system engineering techniques for Earth orbit and interplanetary space
  • Innovative communications
  • Remote sensing
  • Robotics and space science payloads for small satellites
  • Enabling technologies for low-cost space exploitation and planetary exploration.

Following the completion of your PhD, you’ll able to apply for membership with the Institute of Engineering and Technology. You’ll also be able to apply for chartered engineer status with the Engineering Council UK and with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Find out more information

Statistics

98%

Of our postgraduate research graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2025, HESA)

Top 15 for research power

The University of Surrey ranks 15th in the UK for research power for engineering (REF 2021) 

Top 20 for research outputs

The University of Surrey ranks top 20 in the UK for the overall quality of our research outputs (REF 2021)

About the University of Surrey

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Code of practice for research degrees

Surrey’s postgraduate research code of practice sets out the University's policy and procedural framework relating to research degrees. The code defines a set of standard procedures and specific responsibilities covering the academic supervision, administration and assessment of research degrees for all faculties within the University.

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View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2025/26 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.

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