Space Science & Technology
MSc Space Science & Technology
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)
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 is building Ireland’s first satellite, EIRSAT-1.
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
Internship Opportunities*
A 3-month 30 credit internship provides relevant training for industry or research and can lead to employment. Students have completed internships at the European Space Agency (ESA), European Astronaut Centre (EAC), Cosine (Netherlands), German Aerospace Center, NASA-Ames, ENBIO, InnaLabs, Skytek, Mindseed, Eblana Photonics, ICEYE, Arralis Ltd, ispace, Mindseed and Réaltra Space Systems Engineering.
*Placements are secured through a competitive process and are not guaranteed.
Subjects taught
Stage 1 - Core
The Space EnvironmentPHYC40660
Applications of Space SciencePHYC40730
Space Sector Professional SkillsPHYC40740
Satellite SubsystemsPHYC40810
Space Detector Laboratory (10)PHYC40870
Space Mission Design (10)PHYC40880
Space Sector InternshipPHYC40950
Stage 1 - Option
Remote Sensing and GISBSEN40780
Data Science in Python (MD)COMP47670
Machine Learning with PythonCOMP47750
Machine Learning with Python (Online)COMP47990
Planetary GeomorphologyGEOG30790
Remote SensingGEOG40890
Stellar Astrophysics & Astronomical TechniquesPHYC30100
Galaxies, Observational Cosmology & the Interstellar MediumPHYC40030
Theoretical AstrophysicsPHYC40360
Physics Demonstrating\TutoringPHYC40570
Physics Data Analysis (Python)PHYC41080
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. Mode of Delivery: Face-to-Face.
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: 2024/2025 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.
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.