Space Exploration Systems PGDip

University of Leicester

Course description

Our Space Exploration Systems MSc focuses on robotic and human space exploration. The degree is managed by an international joint academic-industrial consortium with partners in France, Italy and the UK.

Designed for physicists and engineers, this cutting-edge course explores space systems engineering, space instrumentation, the space environment, space power systems (including nuclear power systems) and space mission design. Over the duration of the course, you will acquire the core applied physics and engineering skills required to develop space systems and missions from initial concept through design, assembly and verification, to launch and operations.

You will have the opportunity to work with academic and industrial practitioners in three countries, to acquire the knowledge and skills expected by space exploration research groups and the space industry in the 21st century academic and commercial sectors.

This course bridges the divide between systems engineering and space and planetary science. For physicists, it provides the systems engineering knowledge required to work in industry. For engineers, it will stimulate an appreciation for space science, and the enabling technologies for robotic and human space exploration and instrumentation which contribute to that science.

You will be educated in an international environment, and will graduate equipped with the top-level competency, professional skills and advanced space project experience needed to meet the requirements of the European and international space sectors.

What's the difference?

The Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) has all the same taught modules as the MSc but without the research project or the placement. If you graduate with a PGDip you can upgrade to an MSc by completing the project component at a later date.

Teaching and learning

The taught part of the MSc (which is also the PGDip course) runs for six months, comprising a mix of lectures, computational and practical workshops, lab work, seminars, project based learning, independent learning and team working activities. Assessment is a mix of exams, continuous assessment and course work.

Some of the seminars and course material will be delivered by industrial partners and experts in the space industry including international collaborators with honorary positions at the University of Leicester.

The project part of the MSc covers the next six months, during which time you will have the opportunity to interact with expert mentors and project supervisors from academia and industry.

Careers and employability

The skills you will develop in the project phase are excellent preparation for life in the workplace. Your knowledge and understanding of the pressures of industry-level projects will be greatly enhanced, and you will perfect the interpersonal skills required to work as part of a successful cross-disciplinary team.

Alternatively, this course offers a solid foundation for further study if you want to take a PhD or pursue a research career in applied/experimental physics or engineering. On completion this course leads to MSc in Space Exploration Systems.