Become a space science expert
Deepen your theoretical and practical expertise in Space Science with Master’s level study.
You’ll gain advanced theoretical knowledge and specialist skills in Space Science, and the practical skills that connect space science with engineering, education, health, government, and other fields. You’ll carry out advanced theoretical work and have the chance to carry out independent research or gain practical industry experience.
You’ll graduate from Australasia's only postgraduate Space Science programme, ready for senior technical or leadership roles in the space sector. It’s also a pathway to PhD study.
Who can study for this qualification
The Master of Space Science and Practice suits you if you are:
- a recent graduate in a relevant subject, such as physics, astronomy, environmental science, or a related science (or have equivalent experience in STEM fields) and want to specialise in space science
- already working and want to move into the space sector
- a scientist in a related field who needs specialist expertise in space science theory and practice.
A Master’s degree is a significant time commitment. If you want a shorter postgraduate qualification to fit around your work or other commitments, the Postgraduate Graduate Diploma in Space Science and Practice might suit you best.
How you'll study
This is a three-trimester programme that you can study full-time or part-time. Your courses will be taught in person, and all lectures will be recorded so you can review them. You'll also receive material from the University’s online learning management system.
Your dissertation, internship, and the research components of your degree are supported by a supervisor from the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
Degree structure
You’ll complete the Master’s degree in three blocks of study—one per trimester. The courses in blocks 1 and 2 make up the Postgraduate Diploma in Space Science and Practice, and the third trimester completes your Master’s degree with a dissertation, research project, or internship.
In trimesters 1 and 2, you’ll combine courses directly related to Space Science with others you choose from across the Faculty of Science and Engineering and other areas of the University. For example, you’ll study:
- space mission design—a mock mission-design project to build on your physics and engineering knowledge
- the space sector in New Zealand and overseas—including launch facilities, payload design, mission operations, ground communication, remote-sensing observations, and astronomy
- systems engineering, mission design and testing, and project management.
You could also choose subjects like education, health, public management, and public policy to give you pathways to teacher development, science workplace management, and science policy.
In Trimester 3, choose between completing a dissertation, research project, or internship. If you choose the practical work-experience option, you’re hosted by an organisation involved in space science research or with applications in the public or private sectors. You’ll then critically reflect on your experiences in a report and by presenting a seminar.
There are more details on these options below.
More information
For more programme details and requirements, see the University Calendar. It’s an annual publication and an authoritative source for planning your degree.
Flexible study pathways
The Master of Space Science and Practice is one of the two postgraduate Space Science programmes we offer.
These postgraduate programmes are ‘staircased’—they allow movement in both directions in some cases. For example, if you start with the Diploma you can continue to the Master’s degree without retaking the courses they share. Or, if you begin the Master’s programme but aren’t able to finish, you may still be eligible to receive the Diploma.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the MSSP degree shall have:
(i) completed a Bachelor’s degree with an average grade of at least B in Space Science, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Geographic Information Science, or an equivalent subject; and
(ii) been accepted by the Programme Director or nominee as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean for a candidate who has extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MSSP
2. (a) The course of study for the MSSP shall consist of courses worth 180 points, consisting of:
Part 1:
(i) Challenges and Solutions for Space Systems (SPCE 401) and 402.
(ii) At least 30 points from DATA 471–475; ENSC 401–402; Introduction to Geographic Information Science and its Applications (GEOG 415); PHYS 401–447; SPCE 405–408.
(iii) Up to 60 further points from an approved combination of courses from the schedules to the MSSP, BSc(Hons), EDUC 504–553, GOVT 501–543, HLWB 507–512, Theory and Methods in Pacific Studies (PASI 401), SCIS 410–440.
Part 2:
60 points from SPCE 501–590.
(b) A candidate who has completed a BSc major in Space Science will be exempted from Challenges and Solutions for Space Systems (SPCE 401), and shall instead take 15 further points from Part 1 (ii).
3. Admission to Part 2 will require a B grade average or better across all Part 1 courses or approval of the Programme Director.
4. With the permission of the Programme Director, a candidate may replace 30 points of Part 1 (iii) and the 60 points from Part 2 of the MSSP with Thesis in Space Science (SPCE 595).
5. A candidate for the MSSP shall normally be enrolled for at least three trimesters and shall complete the degree within three years of first enrolling. The Associate Dean may extend the maximum period in special cases.
Future careers
The rigour and depth of the Master’s programme will prepare you for more senior roles within the space sector and related fields.
In New Zealand, these organisations include:
- Rocket Lab
- Zenno
- Starboard
- Dawn
- government organisations like the New Zealand Space Agency and the New Zealand Defence Force.
More career information
Find out more about careers in space science.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Space Science
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This scholarship is intended to assist with costs associated with pursuing a Master’s research degree in any research topic related to New Zealand/Aotearoa.
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Applications are sought from those who are eligible at the time of application, or who will have become eligible by the start of Trimester 2 the following year, to enrol in a Master’s degree by thesis worth 90 points or more. Applicants undertaking a 180-point Master’s degree will not be eligible for this scholarship.
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Scholarships for international students
We're currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Space Science
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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The scholarship was established through the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation in 1998 by a bequest from Dan Fletcher Jones, who retained an active and enquiring interest in science and mathematics.
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Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol in a Master's of PhD programme in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, undertaking research in any aspect of biodiversity and restoration ecology, including the use of novel technologies. Preference will be given to applicants from the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Why Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, is a great place for Space Science study. The local space science industry is booming, and you’ll be studying at the heart of it.
Wellington also hosts many of the space industry’s world-leading companies and public institutions, so you’ll have terrific networking opportunities with industry leaders and policymakers, and plenty of options for mentorship, your research project, or space sector internship.
The capital’s compact size means that travel between the University, your residence, and your industry internship is quick and easy. And once you graduate, you’ll be in the ideal place for the next step in your space sector career.
Build your research skills with PhD study
If you do well in your Master’s degree and show an aptitude for advanced research, you’ll be eligible to apply to become a candidate for a PhD.
You’ll carry out original and sustained research under supervision from world-class academics in the Wellington Faculty of Science and Engineering.
All PhD candidates have the support of the Faculty of Graduate Research.
Academic staff research areas
Morgan Cable
Senior Lecturer
Tulasi Parashar
Senior Lecturer, Physics
Yvette Perrott
Senior Lecturer
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.