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Want to help design a spacecraft or take part in a space mission? Push the boundaries of space exploration with our Space Engineering MSc. You could play a role in helping us explore further than ever before. On our course you’ll learn advanced concepts of spacecraft engineering ready for a career in this hugely exciting sector.
Our MSc programme prioritises high-quality teaching and learning, emphasising inquiry-based and independent study methods. This approach ensures that our graduates are equipped to become high-caliber professionals, with the skills needed to thrive in technical roles within the space industry.
During this term you'll master fundamental engineering and physical principles for space missions and spacecraft design and cover core modules that meet Royal Aeronautical Society MSc accreditation standards.
Towards the end of the term, you'll choose optional modules and rank your project choices.
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You'll cover the full life cycle of space missions with a focus on the space environment and its hazards and mitigation, and materials and manufacturing for space applications.
Our course prepares you with a broad knowledge and research skills of spacecraft technology and engineering, and you can choose to specialise in areas such as space weather, radar or sustainability.
Study a course accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society on behalf of the Engineering Council.
6th in the UK - Complete University Guide 2025
Benefit from instruction from our experts in the field. you'll be taught through a blend of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and project-based methods, practical laboratories, group activities, and individual projects.
This course consists of 180 credits. As well as your core modules, you'll choose three optional modules and undertake a research project.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
For the MSc Space Engineering students must have gained at least 100 credits from the taught components, with the remaining 20 credits scoring a minimum of 40%. If the above is not achieved, but the standard MSc award rules (at least 80cr from taught credits, with the remaining 40 at minimum 40%) are, then the MSc Space Technology AQ should be awarded
Module title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
Advanced Space Mission Analysis and Design | 20 | Semester 1 |
Communication, Ethics, and Teamwork for Space Missions | 10 | Semester 1 |
Individual Research Project | 60 | |
Materials and Manufacturing for Space Applications | 10 | Semester 1 |
Space Environment | 20 | Semester 1 |
Select 60 credits of optional modules. Examples of options are below:
Module title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
CubeSat Design | 20 | Semester 2 |
Human Spaceflight Critique | 20 | Semester 2 |
Satellite Communications | 20 | Semester 2 |
Space Propulsion and Power Systems | 20 | Semester 2 |
Spacecraft Mechanical Design | 20 | Semester 2 |
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
in a physical science or engineering subject.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Meet the growing industrial demand for skilled engineers in advanced spacecraft engineering concepts with our comprehensive course. Our goal is to cultivate graduates of the highest caliber, highly sought-after for their skills, knowledge, and leadership abilities within teams tasked with designing, manufacturing, deploying, and controlling space equipment. This course is ideal if you are seeking entry into a PhD programme at Birmingham or elsewhere.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.