Program Overview
The MSc in Space Engineering delves into the full spacecraft engineering lifecycle, covering the space environment, materials and manufacturing, and advanced design concepts. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on activities, and a research project, the program equips graduates with the scientific knowledge and skills necessary for careers in space technology development and research. It aligns with industry demands, preparing students for leadership roles in designing, deploying, and controlling equipment in space.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This MSc program in Space Engineering provides a postgraduate qualification in spacecraft engineering, covering the full life cycle of space missions. It aims to equip students with advanced scientific knowledge, concepts, and skills necessary for a research or technology development career in spacecraft engineering.
Objectives:
- Equip students with advanced scientific knowledge, concepts, and skills for a research or technology development career in spacecraft engineering, with a particular focus on the space environment and its hazards and mitigation, and materials and manufacturing for space applications.
- Provide students with the opportunity to carry out individual research project work in spacecraft technology and engineering, to acquire the generic research skills necessary to engage in future research or study, and to enable them to report research outcomes to an audience.
- Produce graduates with broad knowledge and research skills of spacecraft technology and engineering, hence preparing students for further academic study and/or industrial employment.
Outline:
The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, project-based, and laboratory-based teaching and learning methods. It is structured into three semesters:
Semester 1:
- Core Modules:
- Advanced Space Missions Analysis and Design (20 credits)
- Communications, Ethics & Teamwork for Space Missions (10 credits)
- Materials and Manufacturing for Space Applications (10 credits)
- Space Environment (20 credits)
Semester 2:
- Optional Modules: Students choose three 20-credit modules from a selection that includes:
- CubeSat Design (20 credits)
- Human Spaceflight critique (20 credits)
- Orbital Mechanics and Spacecraft Constellations (20 credits)
- Satellite Communications (20 credits)
- Spacecraft Mechanical Design (20 credits)
- Space Propulsion and Power Systems (20 credits)
Semester 3:
- Individual Research Project (60 credits): Students carry out a full-time research project for one-third of the academic year (May to September). The project involves a broad range of topics related to Space Engineering, with supervision provided by the School.
Assessment:
The program uses a diverse range of assessment methods to develop the skills required to succeed as an engineer of tomorrow in Spacecraft Engineering. This includes:
- Group and individual projects
- Critical reviews of subject material
- Laboratory reports
- Technical reports and presentations
- Traditional examinations
Teaching:
The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, project-based, and laboratory-based teaching and learning methods. In addition to technical modules, the course also provides training for transferable skills.
Careers:
The course meets the industrial demand for the training and education of both existing and future engineers in the advanced concepts of Spacecraft engineering.
- The University of Birmingham Careers Network provides tailored careers guidance, work experience opportunities, mentoring, global internships, and placements to help students achieve their career goals.
- The program exposes students to up-to-date knowledge of current and future trends in the field while developing the skills of critical evaluation and analysis needed for success as an engineer.
- Annual tuition fee for 2024/25
- UK students: £11,340
- International students £29,340
- Are you an international applicant? All international applicants to this course will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of £2,000 on receipt of an offer, to secure their place.
- Postgraduate Loans (PGL) for Masters students:
- UK and EU students (with settled or pre-settled status) looking to pursue a Masters programme in the UK can apply for a non-means-tested loan from the British government via the Student Loans Company (SLC).
- The loan will be paid directly to you, into a UK bank account. It is intended to provide a contribution towards the costs of Masters study and whether the loan is used towards fees, maintenance or other costs is at your own discretion.
