MSc Space Science and Technology
This Space Science and Technology programme at University College Dublin is ideal for graduates of Physics, Engineering and closely related disciplines, who want to transfer their expertise to the fast-growing global space sector. Ireland is a member of the European Space Agency (ESA) and dozens of Irish companies and researchers are involved in major international space missions.
Quick Facts
| Duration | 1 year full-time |
| Start Date | September |
| Tuition Fee | €27,720 per year |
| Location | Dublin, Ireland |
Course highlights include a hands-on CubeSat lab, payload development and satellite systems engineering of a high-altitude balloon experiment and participation in an international mission design team project.
A 3-month internship provides relevant training for industry or research and can lead to employment. Students have completed internships at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC), ESA, NASA-Ames, Cosine, ENBIO, InnaLabs, Skytek, Eblana Photonics and Réaltra.
Courses included:
- The Space Environment
- Applications of Space Science
- Space Sector Professional Skills
- Satellite Subsystems
- Space Detector Laboratory
- Space Mission Design
- Space Sector Internship
"UCD has been producing remarkable graduates for over 160 years. For a university with so much history and years of reputation, UCD is surely one of the best universities out there. I am also excited for my remaining years ahead in UCD and I can’t wait to make more friends along the way."
Yi Hua
Career Opportunities
The Space Science and Technology programme at University College Dublin is space industry focused, while also preparing graduates to pursue careers in related sectors, and in research. Satellite operator, test engineer, mission specialist, payload scientist and systems engineer are all roles that are in demand globally. Earth observation and environmental monitoring (especially to meet sustainable development goals), navigation, telecommunications and meteorology are application areas that rely heavily on graduates with satellite expertise.
The MSc can act 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.
Why study with us?
UCD is consistently ranked in the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide. In the 2022 QS World University Rankings, UCD was again named as one of the best universities globally, and was placed 173rd in the world.
UCD is the most international and diverse university in Ireland with 8,500 international students from 130 different countries. Our network of 288,000 successful and influential alumni can be found in 169 different countries around the world.
The UCD campus is one of the largest urban campuses in Europe and is situated just 5 kilometres from Ireland’s capital city of Dublin. Our students enjoy world-class teaching and learning facilities, modern and comfortable student accommodation, state-of-the art sports and fitness amenities, an Olympic sized swimming pool, a cinema, cafes and student centre all on our beautiful, nature-filled campus.