MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering
Cranfield, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
21 Sep 2026
EARLIEST START DATE
28 Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 33,045 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for overseas students | £14,520 - for home students
Key Summary
Space still remains largely unexplored, and there is always the possibility of making new discoveries. The field of astronautics and space engineering has driven the development of many new technologies, such as GPS, satellite communications, and weather forecasting. Although the space sector contributes significantly to the economy, it still represents a vast market with untapped potential for development and commercialisation.
There is a continuing need for talented employees with a good understanding of spacecraft systems engineering, coupled with a broad range of technical skills. Evolving constantly since 1987, the MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering has consistently prepared graduates for highly successful careers in the space sector, from earth observation to planetary exploration, launch vehicles to spacecraft operations, and much more.
Overview
The MSc is suitable for students with a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent, in mathematics, physics or an engineering discipline. Students from other sciences, mathematics, or computing backgrounds are welcome to apply.
We also offer a part-time route for students looking to remain in employment while studying.
To help students find appropriate funding, we have created a funding finder where you can search for suitable sources of funding by filtering the results to suit your needs. Visit the funding finder.
ASEAN-UK: Women in STEM Scholarships
Cranfield University is proud to join the Women in STEM Scholarship initiative by offering six fully funded scholarships for female students from selected countries in East Asia. We are looking for women with a background in STEM who can demonstrate their need for financial support and who wish to inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in STEM.
Master's Loan from Student Finance England
A Master's Loan is now available for UK applicants to help you pay for your master’s course. You can apply for a loan at GOV.UK.
Cranfield University GREAT Scholarship
In partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, Cranfield University is offering 3 scholarships of financial support to the value of £10,000 to students from Bangladesh, Thailand and Vietnam.
Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Countries
Students from developing countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the UK can apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship, which includes tuition fees, travel and a monthly stipend for master’s study.
Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding emerging leaders to pursue a one-year master’s at Cranfield University. The scholarship includes tuition fees, travel and a monthly stipend for master’s study.
IGEM Postgraduate Master's Scholarship
The Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) is offering postgraduate master's scholarships worth £6,500 to those studying an Engineering Council-accredited degree.
Royal Aeronautical Society
The Royal Aeronautical Society offer Centennial Scholarships for those studying an accredited course.
Lendwise Postgraduate Student Loan
The Lendwise Postgraduate Student Loan provides tuition fees and maintenance loans of between £5,000 and £100,000 for eligible applicants studying at Cranfield University.
Compulsory Modules
All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course.
- Research Skills
- Space Systems Engineering
- Space Propulsion
- Astrodynamics and Mission Analysis
- System Design and Management
- Elective Modules
- Positioning, Navigation and Timing Systems
- Finite Element Methods
- Guidance, Navigation, and Control of Space Systems
- Mathematics and Programming for Astrodynamics and Trajectory Design
- Satellite Communications
- Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics and Control
- System Design and Management
- Payload System Design: Imagers and Earth Observation
- Space Robotics
- On-Board Data Handling and TT&C
- Space Electric Propulsion
- Introduction to Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- Space Environment
- Structural Mechanics
- Astrodynamics Software Tutorial
- Human in Space and associated ECLSS
- Thermal Analysis and Design Software
- Impact Dynamics and Spacecraft Protection
- Launch and Re-Entry Aerodynamics
- Cranfield University has been ranked amongst the world’s top universities in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject.
- In Engineering – Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing, Cranfield has been ranked 27th in the world and attained top scores in Employer and Academic Reputation.
Cranfield University is heavily supported by the space industry in the UK. Many of these companies provide case study lectures, concepts and thesis topics for the individual research projects, and some actively support the group design projects. They also provide a guide to the content of the course, so they are confident that Cranfield is training people with the industry skills employers require. To help our students gain employment, we also arrange company visits and interview days with key employers.
Our graduates have gone into roles including:
- Chief Engineer
- Advanced Flight Test Engineer
- Aerospace Systems Consultant
- AOCS Engineer
- Advanced Projects Systems Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Flight Dynamics Engineer
- Head of Space Exploration
- Mission Systems Engineer
- Principal Spacecraft Mechanisms Engineer
- Propulsion Engineer
- Propulsion Structures Design Engineer
- Satellite System Engineer
- Senior System Engineer
- Space Systems Engineer
- Spacecraft Operations Engineer
- Aeronautical Engineer
If your interests lie in research, many former students have gone on to pursue PhDs at Cranfield and other universities.
Why this course?
This master's degree is highly respected around the world, and many of our students obtain employment/research offers in the space sector before the course finishes. You will gain unique exposure to potential employers through interaction with our industry partners at events such as the group design project industry presentation, guest lectures and dedicated interview days, dedicated interview days and alumni conferences. In many space companies and agencies within Europe, you will find our former graduates, some in very senior positions. We are also delighted to have our first astronaut graduate, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, who is currently in training with ESA. Many of our graduates continue to contribute to the course, forming a valuable network of contacts for those entering the industry, and this course will equip you with the skills required to join them in a successful career in industry or research.
During the Astronautics and Space Engineering MSc, you will have the opportunity to take part in a Student Experience Flight in our National Flying Laboratory Centre’s (NFLC) light aircraft. This flight experience will complement your MSc studies, focusing on the effects of control, spatial disorientation and the effects of “G” forces. During the flight, you will have the opportunity to take control of the aircraft. Each experience is 2 to 3 hours in duration and includes a pre-flight safety briefing outlining the details of the manoeuvres to be flown, a flight of approximately 1 hour, and a post-flight debrief.
In addition to the academic activities, many of our students participate in a range of exciting space-related extracurricular activities with CranSEDS, our local branch of UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (UKSEDS). This society participates in events such as rocket and rocket engine build and testing, satellite design and Lunar/Mars rover competitions, and has an impressive track record of success in these endeavours.
The taught programme for the Astronautics and Space Engineering master's is generally delivered from October to September. A range of core modules allows you to gain a firm grounding in space engineering before opting for specialist modules to build your knowledge in a certain area.
Taught modules 30%, group project 30%, individual research project 40%
Group Project
This is a space mission design study conducted in teams of 10-15 students. It typically takes place from September to April and is assessed by written reports and presentations. It emphasises space systems engineering methodologies, and is designed to prepare our graduates for the project-based working environment often found in space companies and agencies. The topics chosen for the project are strongly influenced by industry.
Recent group projects have included:
- Asteroid Sample Return,
- Titan Exploration Mission,
- European Data Relay Satellite System.
Our part-time students are encouraged to participate in a group project as it provides a wealth of learning opportunities. However, an option of an individual dissertation is available if agreed with the Course Director.
Individual Project
The individual research project is the largest single component of the course, typically taking place between April and August. It allows you to develop specialist skills in an area of your choice by taking the theory from the taught modules and joining it with practical experience. A list of suggested topics is provided, and includes projects proposed by academic staff and industry.
Recent individual research projects have included:
- Thermal Analysis of a Google Lunar X-Prize Rover,
- CubeSat Ground Station Implementation,
- Responsive Space and Concurrent Engineering,
- Space Suit Performance During Seat Ingress/Egress,
- Radar Data Simulation for Soil Moisture Estimation.
Part-time students are encouraged to participate in a group project as it provides a wealth of learning opportunities. However, an option of an individual dissertation is available if agreed with the Course Director.