Develop your expertise in spacecraft engineering on this MSc Space Systems Engineering course, unique to the University of Southampton. Developed by world-class experts from our Astronautics Research Group and endorsed by the UK Space Agency, it will give you the skills and knowledge to pursue further specialism, whether you’re a recent engineering, science or maths graduate or already working in the aerospace industry.
On this master's degree you'll gain a detailed overview of how to design a total space system. You’ll learn how the various component subsystems function and integrate with one another, and gain advanced knowledge of space systems engineering.
Drawing on content from the professional courses we run for the European Space Agency and spacecraft industry, this master's course is ideal for both graduates and those who already have some professional experience of astronautics or aerospace engineering.
The degree has a strong practical focus. You’ll take part in individual and group design projects as well as conducting your own critical research project, allowing you to develop your expertise in spacecraft engineering.
You’ll be able to put theory into practice with the help of world-class facilities such as our spacecraft propulsion laboratory, autonomous systems test bed and shaker table.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course lead
Your course leader is Dr Zhiwei Hu, Reginald Platt Lecturer in Civil Aviation within Engineering and Physical Sciences. His research interests include turbulence simulations, computational fluid dynamics and high-speed train aerodynamics. Visit Dr Hu's staff profile to read more about his work.
Accreditations
This master's programme is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning for Chartered Engineer registration. Candidates must hold a BEng/BSc undergraduate first degree that is accredited for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with ONCAMPUS. Learn more about the programmes available.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
This full-time master's course runs for a whole year.
For the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you’ll focus on the taught part of the course. Exams take place at the end of each semester.
You'll spend the last 4 months of your course working full-time on your research project. You’ll be able to do some preparation for this in semester 2.
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
Learning methods depend on your choice of modules, but could include:
lectures
tutorials
practical laboratory work
individual and group projects
Your learning will be enhanced by our industry-standard facilities, including spacecraft propulsion laboratory, autonomous systems test bed and shaker table.
Assessment
We'll assess you through:
written exams
problem-solving exercises
laboratory reports
design exercises
essays
individual and group projects
presentations
Dissertation
You'll carry out a research project and complete a dissertation, focusing on an area you've studied in the taught part of the course.
The project is a chance for you to show the skills and knowledge you've gained in the first 2 semesters.
past research projects include:
designing a very low Earth orbit (VLEO) satellite constellation
the development of a microwave electron cyclotron resonance gridded ion thruster
an ultra-small nano-Hall effect thruster for operation on CubeSats
Academic Support
You’ll be assigned a personal academic tutor at the start of your degree. They’ll provide you with personal support and advice throughout your course.
Careers
Endorsed by the UK Space Agency, this course has a strong industry reputation and will equip astronautics and aerospace engineering professionals for further specialisation in spacecraft engineering.
Roles you'll be qualified for include spacecraft systems engineer and aerospace software engineer. Our graduates have gone on to work at organisations including:
Airbus
Canadian Space Agency
GMV
Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
You’ll also be in the perfect position to continue your studies at PhD level.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV/resume and interview skills workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
International applicants: Monday 29 July 2024, midday UK time
UK applicants: Friday 30 August 2024, midday UK time
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
your knowledge of the subject area
why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
how you intend to use your qualification
References are not required for this programme.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
