Master's in Space Science and Technology

University College Dublin (UCD) is a world-renowned university located in Dublin, Ireland. Founded in 1854, it is one of the oldest and largest universities in the country, with a current student population of over 34,000. UCD offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs across a broad range of disciplines, including arts, humanities, business, law, engineering, medicine, and science. The university is particularly well-known for its programs in agriculture, veterinary science, and architecture, and is also a leader in research in areas such as nanotechnology, information technology, and food science. The campus itself is situated on 350 acres in the south suburbs of Dublin, providing a picturesque and spacious setting for students and staff. Facilities on campus include state-of-the-art lecture theaters, research labs, libraries, sports facilities, and accommodation options for students.

This programme 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. UCD is building Ireland’s first satellite, EIRSAT-1. 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. Careers & Employability The programme 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.