Satellite Systems Engineering MSc

Please note: the first intake for this course is September 2022. You can apply now to start in September 2022 or January 2023.

The University of Bradford is offering an exciting opportunity to those who want to pursue their career in the space/satellite sector.

This programme is unique in covering not only the three pillars of space/satellite systems: communications, earth observation and navigation, but also artificial intelligence (AI) and distributed systems, which are keys to the future satellite systems.

You will benefit from being taught by a team of world renowned technical experts in space/satellite engineering and state-of-the-art space laboratory facilities.

You'll gain theoretical knowledge and have hands-on experience in constructing a cubesat/pocket cube. You'll also develop software modules for the Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TTC) system, which are key components of a space system, either as a part of the taught modules or as an MSc project. You'll be supported by state-of-the-art space lab facilities, including a cleanroom for the construction of the cubesat/pocket cube and a small scale TTC control centre.

Both short-term and long-term placement opportunities, either in industry or in an academic institution, are open, providing a career gateway to students studying on this programme.

There are potential placement opportunities with Satellite Applications Catapult and Airbus. Satellite Applications Catapult will co-supervise up to two 3-6 month student placements per annum. Students accepted for the placement will receive a stipend directly from Catapult. In addition, Catapult has an internship programme that offers MSc graduates the opportunity to apply for a graduate placement at Catapult for up to 18 months.

The SENSE Earth Observation Centre for Doctoral Training at the University of Leeds also offers summer internship opportunities to suitably qualified students choosing MSc projects co-supervised by SENSE academics.

In addition, the Space Placements in Industry (SPIN) scheme managed by the UK Space Agency and supported by the Satellite Application Catapult provides placement opportunities for those considering employment in the space sector. It connects space sector organisations who want to find the most talented and enthusiastic people to ensure the future success of their business. Students who hope to work in the space sector and are keen to develop new skills, applying and building on the knowledge they've acquired in their studies to date, are welcomed to apply through the Catapult website.

Scholarships or stipends of up to £10,000 each are available to eligible applicants studying on this programme.

Entry requirements

2:2 or above in electrical and electronics engineering, telecommunications engineering, computer science, physics, or mathematics, from an approved degree awarding body.

Candidates who do not fulfil the normal entry requirements but have extensive industrial experience in a related area, for example: communications and RF engineers, satellite engineers, computer scientists/software programmers, physicists, will be considered on an individual basis.

English language requirements

Minimum IELTS 6.0 or equivalent, with at least 5.5 in each subtest or GCSE English Language at grade C/4.

If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course. See the Language Centre for more details. For further information on English Language requirements please see the dedicated international entry requirements page.

What you will study

Modules

The provisional course structure features the following modules:

• Space Dynamics and System Design
• 
  
• Satellite Communications Systems
• 
  
• Satellite Navigation Systems
• 
  
• Satellite Earth Observations Systems
• 
  
• Ground Satellite Systems
• 
  
• AI and Distributed Computing for Satellite Systems
• 
  
• MSc Project

Duration
1 year

Start date
September, January

Location
City Campus