University of Leicester

What you'll study

This MSc blends core engineering principles with space science topics. Teaching typically comprises a set of taught modules followed by a substantial individual project or dissertation supervised by experienced staff in the University’s Space Research Centre. Modules cover spacecraft systems and mission design, the space environment, instrumentation and sensors, orbital mechanics, remote sensing and Earth observation, satellite communications, and data analysis and programming for space applications.

• Core themes: spacecraft systems engineering; mission analysis and design; orbital dynamics and attitude control.
• Science and instrumentation: space environment and plasma physics; detector and payload design; remote sensing principles and applications.
• Skills and methods: programming for data processing, signal analysis, laboratory and clean-room practices (where available), systems engineering workflows and project management.
• Project: an individual research or design project that may involve instrument development, data analysis of space missions, or systems-level spacecraft design, culminating in a dissertation and oral examination/presentation.

Assessment is through a combination of coursework, laboratory reports, written examinations, group design exercises and the final project. Optional modules and short practical sessions vary by year and staff availability.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree (or equivalent) in physics, astronomy, aerospace or mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, mathematics or a closely related subject. Applicants with substantial relevant industrial experience or a lower-class honours degree can also be considered on an individual basis.

If English is not your first language you will be required to demonstrate competence in English; the University accepts a range of recognised qualifications and tests as evidence of proficiency. Candidates from non-standard backgrounds may be asked to provide examples of relevant technical work or to attend an interview.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to roles across the space sector and related industries. Typical destinations include spacecraft systems engineer, payload or instrumentation engineer, mission analyst, satellite operations engineer, remote sensing scientist, data scientist for Earth observation, and roles in space systems integration, testing and project management. The programme also prepares students for PhD study in space science, planetary science and engineering research.

Leicester alumni work in national and international space agencies, commercial satellite manufacturers and operators, research institutes, and technology companies involved in communications, navigation and Earth-observation services. The skills developed — systems thinking, data analysis, instrument understanding and project delivery — are also valued in adjacent sectors such as aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester has a long-established Space Research Centre with an active research and instrumentation programme; students benefit from being taught and supervised by staff experienced in planetary science, instrumentation and spacecraft-related research. The city hosts a strong local space ecosystem and close links with regional and national space organisations, offering networking and placement opportunities.

The programme emphasises practical, hands-on experience combined with theoretical rigour, and the University supports student projects through laboratory facilities and access to research expertise. This combination makes the course well suited to students aiming for technical roles in the space sector or to progress to research degrees.