Space Science & Technology
Course highlights include a hands-on CubeSat lab, payload development and satellite systems engineering of a high-altitude balloon experiment and participation in an international mission design team project. A 3-month internship provides relevant training for industry or research and can lead to employment. Students have completed internships at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC), ESA, NASA-Ames, Cosine, ENBIO, InnaLabs, Skytek, Eblana Photonics and Réaltra.
Open to all graduates of physics and engineering
Tailor your curriculum via 'options' modules
Workshop sessions with senior industry practitioners
Vision and Values Statement
This course engages students with the context, practices and methodologies of the rapidly evolving global space sector, so they are equipped to succeed in a wide range of roles.
The development of skills in critical thinking, technical writing and collaborative team-working is embedded throughout the programme.
International standards for effective space project management provide the real-world framework and context within which professional skills are honed through assignments, laboratory work, field trips, reports and projects.
Extensive space expertise is available to students who experience a learning environment where cross-disciplinary, industry and international connections are rich.
The programme is delivered with the support of space agencies and industry through networking, training and internship opportunities.
Related Programmes
MSc Physics (Negotiated Learning) FT
Subjects taught
Stage 1 - Core
The Space Environment PHYC40660
Applications of Space Science PHYC40730
Space Sector Professional Skills PHYC40740
Satellite Subsystems PHYC40810
Space Detector Laboratory (10) PHYC40870
Space Mission Design (10) PHYC40880
Space Sector Internship PHYC40950
Stage 1 - Option
Data Science in Python COMP41680
Data Science in Python (MD) COMP47670
Planetary Geomorphology GEOG30790
Technical Comms (Online) MEEN40820
Stellar Astrophysics & Astronomical Techniques PHYC30100
Galaxies, Observational Cosmology & the Interstellar Medium PHYC40030
Theoretical Astrophysics PHYC40360
Physics DemonstratingTutoring PHYC40570
Entry requirements
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.
Application dates
How to apply?
The following entry routes are available:
MSc Space Science&TechFT(NL) (F060)
Duration
1 Years
Attend
Full Time
Deadline
Rolling*
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised.
Credits
90
Duration
1 year full-time.
Fees
MSc Space Science & Technology (F060) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 8750
nonEU fee per year - € 25600
***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website
Enrolment dates
Next Intake: 2020/2021 September
Post Course Info
Careers & Employability
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.
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.