Space Technology and Planetary Exploration

Advertisement

The University of Surrey is at the forefront of a revolution in space, utilising new advances in technology to decrease the cost of space exploration. It was the pioneer of sophisticated micro-satellites in the 1980s and has gone on to have a sustained programme of building complete satellites, performing mission planning, working with international launch agencies and providing in-orbit operations.

Why Surrey?
We have a unique concentration of academic staff experienced in the satellite area, as well as developed contacts with all the major satellite manufacturers, operators and service providers. Industry participates in the MSc programme in both lecturing and projects, and facilitates excellent engagement for our students.

Programme overview
The University of Surrey is at the forefront of a revolution in space, utilising new advances in technology to decrease the cost of space exploration. It was the pioneer of sophisticated micro-satellites in the 1980s and has gone on to have a sustained programme of building complete satellites, performing mission planning, working with international launch agencies and providing in-orbit operations.

Our Space Technology and Planetary Exploration programme is designed to give you the specialist multidisciplinary knowledge and skills required for a career working with space technology and its applications. Surrey students have access to all aspects of the design and delivery of spacecraft and payloads and are very attractive to companies in the space-related industries.

Our MSc programmes are made up of eight taught modules. Each module is worth 15 credits. A project, worth 60 credits, is introduced in Semester 1 and runs beyond Semester 2. This brings the total to 180 credits for the programme.

The MSc Space Technology and Planetary Exploration comprises eight taught modules, four in Semester 1 and four in Semester 2. Half of these modules are optional modules, enabling you to tailor your programme to match your interests. A Postgraduate Diploma in Space Technology and Planetary Exploration can be awarded if you acquire 120 credits, including at least 60 credits from taught modules.

Your project is chosen in Semester 1 and work on it begins in Semester 2 on a part-time basis. Over the summer (project) period you will be working on your project on a full-time basis, with final report and a viva voce assessment conducted at the end of the academic year.

Taught Masters programmes in the Department of Electronic Engineering utilise our research-active staff in conjunction with state-of-the-art facilities. We provide a range of learning experiences lectures, tutorials, directed study, practical laboratories and project work that will prepare you for your professional life. The academic staff who teach on this programme are all research-active, and the specialist space modules are delivered by staff recognised as world leaders in small satellite technology.

We are particularly keen to develop in all our students a broad range of generic skills to complement the core technical or scientific competencies of their chosen subject area. Our modular programme format, coupled with the increasing use of innovative teaching and learning strategies such as e-learning and industrially focused short courses, provides a flexible study environment whilst maintaining academic rigour and quality.

All modules are assessed by a combination of formal written examinations, taken at the end of each semester, and coursework assignments.

You will be assigned a personal tutor who will help you to monitor your progress. Very often this tutor will also be your project supervisor, who will guide you through your project work.

An honours degree in a relevant engineering discipline, mathematics, computing or physical sciences. Our minimum entry level is a 2.2 from a good UK university, or overseas equivalent. Relevant industrial experience will also be considered.English language requirementsIELTS minimum overall: 6.5IELTS minimum by component: 6.0We offer intensive English language pre-sessional courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.