MSc Space Science & Technology
University College Dublin
Key Information
Campus location
Dublin, Ireland
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 year
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 9,560 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* EU fee per year - € 9560; non-EU fee per year - € 27720
Introduction
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.
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.
Ideal Students
Who should apply?
Full-Time option suitable for:
- Domestic (EEA) applicants: Yes
- International (Non-EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region: Yes
This programme is suitable for graduates of physics or engineering who want to apply their undergraduate expertise in the space sector.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships on our website.
Curriculum
What modules can I take?
Stage 1 - Core
- The Space Environment
- Applications of Space Science
- Space Sector Professional Skills
- Satellite Subsystems
- Space Detector Laboratory (10)
- Space Mission Design (10)
- Space Sector Internship
Stage 1 - Option
- Remote Sensing and GIS
- Data Science in Python (MD)
- Machine Learning with Python
- Machine Learning with Python (Online)
- Planetary Geomorphology
- Remote Sensing
- Stellar Astrophysics & Astronomical Techniques
- Galaxies, Observational Cosmology & the Interstellar Medium
- Theoretical Astrophysics
- Physics Demonstrating\Tutoring
- Physics Data Analysis (Python)
Program Outcome
- Describe the state-of-the-art of knowledge in space science and technology.
- Apply acquired knowledge and technical skills in the space industry, or in graduate research.
- Draw on a suite of relevant professional and transferable skills.
- Engage actively in professional networking within the field.
- Participate constructively in multi-disciplinary, international teams.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
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.