Program Overview

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Astronautics and Space Engineering MSc

The Astronautics and Space Engineering MSc is a highly respected program that prepares graduates for successful careers in the space sector. With a focus on spacecraft systems engineering and a broad range of technical skills, this course is ideal for students with a background in mathematics, physics, or engineering.

Overview

• Start date: October
• Duration: One year full-time, normally three years part-time (by extended thesis)
• Delivery: Taught modules 30%, group project 30%, individual research project 40%
• Qualification: MSc
• Study type: Full-time / Part-time
• Campus: Cranfield campus

Course Details

The taught program for the Astronautics and Space Engineering master's is generally delivered from October to September. A range of core modules allows students to gain a firm grounding in space engineering before opting for specialist modules to build their knowledge in a certain area.

Group Project

This is a space mission design study conducted in teams of 10-15 students. It typically takes place from September to April and is assessed by written reports and presentations. Recent group projects have included:

• Asteroid Sample Return
• Titan Exploration Mission
• European Data Relay Satellite System

Individual Project

The individual research project is the largest single component of the course, typically taking place between April and August. It allows students to develop specialist skills in an area of their choice by taking the theory from the taught modules and joining it with practical experience.

Modules

The modules offered reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of the staff. Changes may occur due to research developments, legislation changes, or for a variety of other reasons.

Compulsory Modules

All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course:

• Research Skills
• Space Systems Engineering
• Space Propulsion
• Astrodynamics and Mission Analysis
• System Design and Management

Elective Modules

• Positioning, Navigation and Timing Systems
• Finite Element Methods
• Guidance Navigation and Control of Space Systems
• Mathematics and Programming for Astrodynamics and Trajectory Design
• Satellite Communications
• Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics and Control
• System Design and Management
• Payload System Design: Imagers and Earth Observation
• Space Robotics
• On-Board Data Handling and TT&C
• Space Electric Propulsion
• Introduction to Computer Aided Design (CAD)
• Space Environment
• Structural Mechanics
• Astrodynamics Software Tutorial
• Human in Space and associated ECLSS
• Thermal Analysis and Design Software
• Impact Dynamics and Spacecraft Protection
• Launch and Re-Entry Aerodynamics

Teaching Team

The course is taught by a small team of dedicated space engineering specialists. Previous sponsors of their work include UK research councils, the European Commission, the Royal Society British National Space Centre, and the European Space Agency.

Accreditation

The Astronautics and Space Engineering MSc is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for further learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Your Career

Cranfield University is heavily supported by the space industry in the UK. Many of these companies provide case study lectures, concepts, and thesis topics for the individual research projects. Our graduates work in space organizations including Airbus Defence & Space, European Space Agency, SpaceX, and more.

Part-time Route

We welcome students looking to enhance their career prospects whilst continuing in full-time employment. The part-time study option is designed to provide a manageable balance that allows you to continue employment with minimal disruption.

Fees and Funding

Course Fees

• Home: ｣14,520 (full-time), ｣14,520 (part-time)
• Overseas: ｣33,045 (full-time), ｣33,045 (part-time)

Funding Opportunities

• ASEAN-UK: Women in STEM Scholarships
• Master's Loan from Student Finance England
• Cranfield University GREAT Scholarship
• Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Countries
• Chevening Scholarships
• IGEM Postgraduate Masters Scholarship
• Royal Aeronautical Society
• Lendwise Postgraduate Student Loan

Entry Requirements

• A UK lower second-class undergraduate degree with honors, as a minimum, or equivalent international qualification.
• Ideally, applicants will have studied in mathematics, physics, or an engineering discipline.
• English language requirements: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge Assessment English, Duolingo English Test, LanguageCert Academic, Pearson PTE Academic, Skills for English SELT, Trinity College London.