Advance your space science expertise
Deepen your theoretical and practical expertise in Space Science with this postgraduate diploma—part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s only postgraduate Space Science programme.
You’ll receive focused, practical training in the science of space and its technologies, and learn how space connects with engineering, education, health, government, and other fields. Then broaden your knowledge by choosing subjects that align with your interests and goals.
You’ll graduate ready for technical and professional roles in the space industry, or for further postgraduate study.
Who can study for this qualification
The Postgraduate Diploma of Space Science and Practice (PGDipSSP) is one of two postgraduate programmes in Space Science that the University offers.
Study for the PGDipSSP if:
- you’re already working and want a shorter postgraduate qualification that fits around your commitments
- you’ve earned an undergraduate degree in a subject relevant to Space Science and have now decided to pursue a space sector career.
What you’ll learn
Space Science and Practice looks at the entire space industry. You’ll study the technology behind space travel and exploration, and the ethical, legal, and cultural issues we face as we explore beyond Earth.
It’s a flexible programme that gives you plenty of options to steer your own learning. Build technical skills in a related area of your choice, and study subjects like policy and management to build professional skills for working in the space sector.
For example, you could choose to learn:
- the science behind the environment of space
- to design technology to operate in space
- the experimental, mathematical, and computing skills you’ll need for space-sector work
- policymaking systems and structures that you can apply in the space context
- workplace management systems that you can use in space-sector organisations.
You’ll also learn about working in a team and will develop skills in public speaking, preparing reports, and presenting.
How you’ll study
This is a two trimester (1 year) qualification. Throughout your study, your courses will be taught in person, and all lectures will be recorded so you can review them. You’ll receive extra material from the University’s online learning management system.
Structure of the diploma
You’ll prepare for a career in the space sector by completing the postgraduate diploma in two blocks of study—one per trimester.
- Trimester 1—take at least 60 points drawn from a broad range of courses. At least 15 of those points will be directly related to Space Science.
- Trimester 2—broaden your skills and knowledge by taking up to 60 points from across the Faculty of Science and Engineering and other areas of the University. For example, if you want non-technical career options, choose courses in subjects like education, health, public management, and public policy. These courses could lead to work in teacher development, science workplace management, and science policy.
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 PGDipSSP 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 PGDipSSP
2. (a) The course of study for the PGDipSSP shall consist of courses worth 120 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.
(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)
Future careers
The space sector is growing fast, and there are career opportunities in New Zealand and abroad.
In New Zealand, space companies and organisations working in related areas need people trained in space-related disciplines. 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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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
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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.
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
-
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.
-
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.
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 that are involved in policy development and advanced scientific research. This means 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.
Further research or study
If you do well in your Postgraduate Diploma, consider continuing your Space Science studies at Master’s level.
Study for a Master of Space Science and Practice
The Master of Space Science and Practice deepens your knowledge of Space Science and Practice, and includes independent research under the supervision of world-class academics.
The Master’s degree gives you the academic grounding for research-intensive roles and senior positions that require demonstrated expertise. It’s also excellent preparation for PhD study.
Academic staff research interests
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.