Space Systems Engineering (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in engineering, maths, physical sciences or a related subject. 

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

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?

If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.

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. 

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

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. 

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 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service 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 vibrant entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK/EU students pay £9,250.
• International students pay £23,136.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK and EU nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries  may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page.

Application deadlines

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

You'll also need to send 2 academic references. 

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.

Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• academic achievements
• relevant professional experience
• personal statement
• academic references

We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000