Space Science & Technology

This programme is ideal for graduates of Physics, Engineering and closely related disciplines, who want to transfer their expertise to the fast-growing global space sector. Ireland is a member of the European Space Agency (ESA) and dozens of Irish companies and researchers are involved in major international space missions.



UCD students and staff have built Ireland’s first satellite, EIRSAT-1, a 2U CubeSat that launched on a Falcon 9 rocket on 1 December 2023. EIRSAT-1 was developed within ESA’s ‘Fly Your Satellite’ programme and contains payloads developed in UCD. The spacecraft is being operated from UCD.



- Open to all graduates of physics and engineering

- Tailor your curriculum via 'options' modules

- Workshop sessions with senior industry practitioners



Visit website for more information

https://www.ucd.ie/physics/spacescience/

Module / Trimester / Credits

Stage 1 Core Modules

PHYC40660 The Space Environment Autumn 5

PHYC40730 Applications of Space Science Autumn 5

PHYC40740 Space Sector Professional Skills Autumn 5

PHYC40870 Space Detector Laboratory (10) Autumn 10

PHYC40810 Satellite Subsystems Spring 10

PHYC41100 Space Mission Design Skills Spring 5

PHYC41110 Spacecraft operations Spring 5

PHYC40950 Space Sector Internship Summer 30



Stage 1 Options - A) Min 3 of:

Choose 3 Options

GEOG30790 Planetary Geomorphology Autumn 5

PHYC30100 Stellar Astrophysics & Astronomical Techniques Autumn 5

PHYC41080 Physics Data Analysis (Python) Autumn 5

COMP47670 Data Science in Python (MD) Autumn and Spring (separate) 5

COMP47750 Machine Learning with Python Autumn and Spring (separate) 5

PHYC40570 Physics Demonstrating\Tutoring Autumn and Spring (separate) 5

COMP47990 Machine Learning with Python (Online) Spring 5

PHYC40030 Galaxies, Observational Cosmology & the Interstellar Medium Spring 5

PHYC40360 Theoretical Astrophysics Spring 5

Entrance to the programme normally requires a minimum of a 2.1 honours degree or equivalent in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related discipline (NFQ Level 8 or international equivalent).



In special circumstances, students with a strong Physics or Engineering background and lower second class honours degree may be accepted.



Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.



Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/



These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/

Apply online



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

1 year full-time.

Delivery: On Campus.

F060 Space Science & Technology (Master of Science) Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

The programme is space industry focused, while also preparing graduates to pursue careers in related sectors, and in research. Satellite operator, test engineer, mission specialist, payload scientist and systems engineer are all roles that are in demand globally. Earth observation and environmental monitoring (especially to meet sustainable development goals), navigation, telecommunications and meteorology are application areas that rely heavily on graduates with satellite expertise.



Prospective employers include Spire, ESA, DLR, ISISPACE, EUMETSAT, Réaltra, Ericsson, InnaLabs, Icon Group, Mindseed, Skytek, Eire Composites etc. The MSc can act as a stepping stone to PhD research in areas such as atmospheric physics, space physics, aeronautics, propulsion and astrophysics, and to traineeships at European Space Agency establishments.