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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.
Accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Blue space-themed titles appear on screen with the video title: 'MSc Space Engineering at Birmingham'.
The video is cut with talking head footage and stock footage clips of space engineering related clips.(Dr Leah-Nani Alconcel, Course Lead)
My name is Dr Leah-Nani Alconcel. I am an associate professor of Space Engineering. I'm also the course lead for the new MSC in Space Engineering.
This programme has been designed for new graduates in STEM disciplines and for professionals who wish to reskill or upskill in order to enter the labour market in the space industry.
The programme has three unique selling points: the first one is materials and manufacturing for space, the School of Metallurgy and Materials has a heritage of research in developing advanced materials for aerospace and space applications, in both the civil and defence sectors. The second is in the space environment and radio engineering. And the third is a hands-on approach to spacecraft design, focused on the CubeSat form factor.
Our programme has been informed by our industrial advisory board and our industrial partners are either very experienced in the space sector or have recently begun to invest in space research and development projects. They have identified skills gaps in the labour market, so our programme is designed so that when our students complete their studies they can target those gaps.
University of Birmingham, School of Metallurgy and Materials lock-up appears on screen with the following link: Space Engineering MSc:
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
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.
in the UK - Complete University Guide 2025
Study a course accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society on behalf of the Engineering Council.
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 below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
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 |
Programme Director
Staff profile for Dr Leah-Nani Alconcel, Lecturer in the School of Metallurgy and Materials, at the University of Birmingham
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 or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
If you are unsure if you meet our entry requirements, you can also contact the admissions department to discuss whether your application would be considered.
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
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 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.
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.
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.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
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.
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
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.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
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.