Program Overview
The MSc Space Science & Technology program at University College Dublin equips graduates from Physics, Engineering, and related fields to transition into the global space sector. It emphasizes hands-on learning, industry connections, and career preparation through a curriculum that includes CubeSat lab work, satellite systems engineering, and mission design projects. The program prepares students for in-demand roles in satellite operations, mission analysis, and space research, providing access to a network of space agencies and industry partners.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This MSc Space Science & Technology program is designed for graduates of Physics, Engineering, and related disciplines who wish to transition their expertise into the expanding global space sector. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, industry connections, and career preparation.
Objectives:
- Equip students with the knowledge, context, practices, and methodologies of the global space sector.
- Prepare students for a wide range of professional roles in industry, research, and the public sector.
- Develop cross-cutting skills in laboratory experiments, Python programming, data analysis and interpretation, critical thinking, technical writing, project development, and collaborative team-working.
- Provide students with access to extensive space expertise across multiple domains, from astrophysics to CubeSats.
- Foster a supportive learning environment with multi-disciplinary, industry, and international connections.
- Engage space agencies and the space industry through seminars, networking, training, collaborative research, and internships.
Teaching:
- The program features a hands-on CubeSat lab, payload development, and satellite systems engineering of a high-altitude balloon experiment.
- Students participate in an international mission design team project.
- Expert teaching staff provides guidance and support.
- The program incorporates workshops with senior industry practitioners.
Careers:
- The program is space industry focused, preparing graduates for careers in related sectors and research.
- In-demand roles include satellite operator, test engineer, mission specialist, payload scientist, and systems engineer.
- Application areas include Earth observation and environmental monitoring, navigation, telecommunications, and meteorology.
- Prospective employers include Spire, ESA, DLR, ISISPACE, EUMETSAT, Réaltra, Ericsson, InnaLabs, Icon Group, Mindseed, Skytek, Eire Composites, etc.
- The MSc can serve 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.
Other:
- 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.
- A 3-month internship provides relevant training for industry or research and can lead to employment.
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.
