MSc Space Technology and Planetary Exploration
Surrey is at the forefront of a revolution in space, utilising new advances in technology to decrease the cost of space exploration. It is the only university in the world that has had a sustained programme of building complete satellites, performing the mission planning, working with international launch agencies and providing in-orbit operations.
Our Space Technology and Planetary Exploration 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 are very attractive to companies in the space-related industries.
In addition, an MSc Satellite Engineering programme is available. This is aimed at those students who require a more research-focused MSc. This programme is primarily taken by students working in industry, where their extended MSc project can be related to their day-to-day work.
Entry standards
Typical entry requirements: a good honours degree in an engineering discipline, or mathematics, computing or physical sciences. Our normal entry level is a minimum of a good lower second from a good UK university, or overseas equivalent; however, with industrial experience, we can be flexible in our entry requirements.
English language requirements
Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).
Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.
MSc Space Technology and Planetary Exploration - structure and modules
Module Titles
Compulsory Modules
- Advanced Guidance, Navigation and Control
- Satellite Remote Sensing
- Space Robotics
- Spacecraft Systems Design
Compulsory Modules
- Advanced Guidance, Navigation and Control
- Satellite Remote Sensing
- Space Robotics
- Spacecraft Systems Design
Optional modules include:
- Advanced Signal Processing
- Antennas and Propagation
- Digital Design with VHDL
- Dynamics and Control of Spacecraft
- Launch Vehicles and Propulsion
- Mathematics of Signal Processing
- Microwave Engineering Principles
- RF and MMIC Design Technology
- RF Systems and Circuits
- Spacecraft Bus Systems
Programme Structure
Our MSc programmes are made up of eight taught modules. Each module is worth 15 credits. A project, worth 60 credits, is introduced in Semester 1 and runs beyond Semester 2. This brings the total to 180 credits for the programme.
The MSc Space Technology and Planetary Exploration comprises eight taught modules, four in Semester 1 and four in Semester 2. Half of these modules are optional modules, enabling you to tailor your programme to match your interests. A Postgraduate Diploma in Space Technology and Planetary Exploration can be awarded if you acquire 120 credits, including at least 60 credits from taught modules.
Your project is chosen in Semester 1 and work on it begins in Semester 2 on a part-time basis. In Semester 3 you will be working on your project on a full-time basis, with final report and a viva voce assessment conducted at the end of the semester.
MSc Space Technology and Planetary Exploration - entry standards
Entry standards
Typical entry requirements: a good honours degree in an engineering discipline, or mathematics, computing or physical sciences. Our normal entry level is a minimum of a good lower second from a good UK university, or overseas equivalent; however, with industrial experience, we can be flexible in our entry requirements.
English language requirements
Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).
Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.
Start date
September
MSc Space Technology and Planetary Exploration - fees and funding
Fees
Space Technology & Planetary Exploration (full time):
UK/EU - £6,400
Overseas - £15,015
Space Technology & Planetary Exploration (part time per 15 credits):
UK/EU - £535
Overseas - £1,250
Funding
A few scholarships are available from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and charitable trusts. There are also Commonwealth scholarships available within the University for overseas students, but these are very competitive and early application is vital.
MSc Space Technology and Planetary Exploration - professional context
Links with Industry and International Organisations
We have very close links to satellite and communications companies who use our programmes as their main training ground. Our programmes are supported by the European Space Agency, the UK Industrial Space Committee, and major UK and European space companies including EADS Astrium, SSTL, Logica CMG, NPA Satellite Mapping and Analyticon.
Lectures, visits and projects are provided in association with a large number of key industrial partners. For example, as part of the Satellite Communications A module, there are five industrial lectures to complement the academic presentations.
We have collaborations with organisations in Europe, China, India, Pakistan, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia and the US.
Professional recognition
As an IET-accredited institution, our programmes are countable under the continuing professional development (CPD) scheme. However, the Satellite Engineering MSc is not IET-accredited due to its extended project component (the dissertation is worth 120 credits).
Careers
Surrey’s satellite and space technology programmes are renowned internationally and our graduates are highly regarded.
The Satellite Communications Engineering and Space Technology and Planetary Exploitation programmes are designed to give you the specialist multidisciplinary knowledge and skills required for careers based on working in the satellite and space industries and their applications.
These programmes will therefore make you very attractive to the relevant space-related industries that employ over 6500 people in the UK alone.
MSc Space Technology and Planetary Exploration - teaching
Staff perspective
Dr Craig underwood
MSc Space Technology and Planetary Exploration - learning
Facilities, Equipment and Support
Through consistent investment, we have built up an impressive infrastructure to support our students and researchers.
The University of Surrey hosts the Surrey Space Centre – a unique facility comprising academics and engineers from our own spin-out company, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. Our Mission Control Centre was designed and developed by students to support international CubeSat operations as part of the GENSO network and it also supports the development of the University’s own educational satellites.
Our teaching laboratories provide ‘hands-on’ experience of satellite design and construction through the use of EyasSAT nano-satellite kits. They also house meteorological satellite receiving stations for the live reception of satellite weather images.
Project
The project is a major part of the programme. It is designed to enable you to demonstrate your skills and ability to solve real-life problems, while gaining more detailed knowledge on a particular topic. It can be theoretical, simulation-based or experimental. In all cases, you are expected to show innovation and an ability to come up with your own solutions.
Projects can either be carried out within a research group or, when the project is based on a practical problem suggested by industry, at the partner organisation’s premises. Participants have worked with INMARSAT, Logica, BT, Astrium, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) and a number of local small companies.
Teaching and Assessment
Taught Masters programmes in the Department of Electronic Engineering utilise our research-active staff in conjunction with state-of-the-art facilities. We provide a range of learning experiences – lectures, tutorials, directed study, practical laboratories and project work – that will prepare you for your professional life. The academic staff who teach on this programme are all research-active, and the specialist space modules are delivered by staff recognised as world leaders in small satellite technology.
We are particularly keen to develop in all our students a broad range of generic skills to complement the core technical or scientific competencies of their chosen subject area. Our modular programme format, coupled with the increasing use of innovative teaching and learning strategies such as e-learning and industrially focused short courses, provides a flexible study environment whilst maintaining academic rigour and quality.
All modules are assessed by a combination of formal written examinations, taken at the end of each semester, and coursework assignments.
You will be assigned a personal tutor who will help you to monitor your progress. Very often this tutor will also be your project supervisor, who will guide you through your project work.
MSc Space Technology and Planetary Exploration - graduate profile
Graduate Profile: Adam Stevens
MSc Space Technology and Planetary Exploration
Surrey offers a degree course specifically tailored to the challenges of space engineering, taught by professionals who work at the cutting edge of the field. It has an unparalleled resource in the world-leading Surrey Space Centre and associated company, Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL).
The programme is well structured, with a multidisciplinary purview that covers everything you might need to know to move into a career in the space industry. I particularly enjoy the fact that in one week you might have lectures on robotics, astrodynamics, systems design, rocketry, communications, remote sensing or signal processing. The project is a great opportunity to work on examples of space exploration technology with a real expert as your supervisor.
The programme offers pathways into further education and careers working on space missions. Currently I am looking at pursuing the field further by studying for a PhD. I have gained skills that cover all areas of the field.
The programme emphasises applications to engineering problems and uses examples extensively. My project has given me experience of solving a real problem, researching around it and working with my supervisor to take the project forward. The module assignments have also held similar challenges.
I am staying at Manor Park in University accommodation, which is good and well situated for campus and other amenities, particularly the Surrey Sports Park.
MSc Space Technology and Planetary Exploration - more
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd
The Surrey Space Centre houses both space academic activity and part of the University’s space spin-out company, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL). This ensures close links between our degree programmes and the industrial activity of this cutting-edge space research company.
SSTL was originally formed in 1985 by a small group of academic researchers, whose pioneering spirit has helped it to become a leader in space technology. Since 2000, SSTL has grown by approximately 20 per cent each year and now employs over 300 people, generating sales of more than £24 million per year – two thirds of which are export contracts. It has been involved in over 34 space missions.
SSTL has formed its own spin-out company, DMCii, to exploit the imaging data generated by its recent highly successful constellation of Earth-imaging micro-satellites. These satellites are playing a major role in providing timely and detailed satellite imagery for humanitarian purposes. For example, Surrey’s Beijing-1 satellite was the major source of humanitarian imagery during the 2008 China earthquake disaster, enabling the assessment of damage and the planning of rescue efforts over the vast area affected. SSTL also designed, built and launched Giove-A – the first of Europe’s Galileo navigation satellites.
Recently, SSTL was acquired by EADS Astrium, one of the world’s leaders in space transportation, spacecraft and satellite services including prime contractor for Ariane 5, the Columbus space laboratory, the Automated Transfer Vehicle for the International Space Station, its leading-edge large and complex geostationary telecommunications satellites, and the Skynet 5 secure communications system for the UK Ministry of Defence. SSTL will complement Astrium UK’s existing space capabilities that include space transportation, satellites and services. The University continues to work closely with SSTL and EADS Astrium in developing innovation in space technology.
MSc Space Technology and Planetary Exploration - apply
You can apply for this programme online using the link(s) below. We recommend making an application as soon as you can, even if you do not have all the necessary supporting information ready at that time.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to enter a username and password. If you've used our application system before, please enter your details or click the forgotten password link.
If you are a new user, you will need to create a username and password by clicking the New User button.
Start date
September
Programme length
12 months full-time, up to 48 months part-time
For general enquiries
T: 0800 980 3200 or
+44 (0)1483 681681
E: pg-enquiries@surrey.ac.uk
For admissions enquiries
T: +44 (0)1483 686069
E: feps-pg@surrey.ac.uk