Understand our future in the stars
Study for a career in Aotearoa New Zealand’s most exciting new industry. Learn the exciting science and tech, and grapple with the political, economic, and cultural issues behind space exploration.
The University is New Zealand’s only educational institution that offers Space Science as a major. Our industry connections mean you’ll benefit from guest lectures from renowned experts on the real-life applications of space technology.
You’ll graduate with a strong foundation for a range of careers in New Zealand’s growing space sector: technical skills in space science and a thorough understanding of the ethical, legal, political, and humanitarian aspects of the space industry.
What you’ll learn
Space Science looks at the entire space industry. Your study includes the technology behind space travel and exploration, and the ethical, legal, and cultural issues we face as we explore beyond Earth.
You’ll learn:
- the basic science behind the environment of space, and the tech that gets humans there
- the experimental, mathematical, and computing skills you’ll need to work in the space sector
- the history of astronomy and space exploration
- how important the night sky is in Māori and Pasifika cultures.
You’ll also learn about working in a team and will develop skills in public speaking, preparing reports, and presenting.
Choose your study path
You can study Space Science at undergraduate level either as a major subject or as a minor within a Bachelor of Science (BSc). You can also take Space Science study as part of a conjoint degree, or combine it with another subject as a double major—a great way to add skills for your space-sector career.
Note that any second major you take within your BSc might have different entry requirements on top of the usual university requirements.
Degree options
To complete a BSc majoring in Space Science, you need to take 190 points (12 courses) of compulsory Space Science courses within your degree.
You’ll earn these points by taking:
- four courses at 100-level
- four courses at 200-level
- four courses at 300-level.
You’ll need to take two compulsory Space Science courses each trimester. These include Space Science courses and courses from other subjects, like Computer Science, Mathematics, Data Science, and Geographic Information Systems.
Here’s more info on how our degrees work. You can also check out the Future careers section below for more information.
The Bachelor of Science (BSc) page explains your options and how you can structure your study. The flexible study page explains what double majors and conjoint degrees are, and has a list of subjects you can combine in your study.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Space Science at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
A BSc in Space Science gives you many possibilities.
Shape your career
Combine Space Science with other majors for the career you want.
You could combine Space Science with:
- Physics or Mathematics—to build the mathematical and problem-solving skills for work in space physics and astrophysics
- Data Science, Statistics, or Artificial Intelligence—to help you find data science work in the space sector, or statistics jobs focusing on space data (like Earth observation)
- Geophysics or Geography—to understand the relationships between space and geophysics that will prepare you for a career in planetary science
- Environmental Sciences—to learn how space can help us protect our environment—great for environmental science careers, including policy analysis
- Science Communications—to work in science journalism or the communication and marketing of high-tech products
- Law, Commerce, or Management (as conjoint degrees)—for careers in these areas of the space sector.
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 first-year and school-leaver 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 scholarship is open to full time students enrolled in Mathematics or Physics, who are entering their second or subsequent year or postgraduate study at Te Herenga Waka— Victoria University of Wellington.
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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.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
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 offer 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.
Postgraduate study
Once you’ve finished your undergraduate degree, study Space Science at postgraduate level to join internationally recognised researchers doing innovative work.
If you’ve done well in your BSc, you could be eligible for the Master of Space Science and Practice (MSSP). The Postgraduate Diploma in Space Science and Practice is another pathway to the MSSP.
Master of Space Science and Practice
Postgraduate Diploma in Space Science and Practice
If you want to do independent research, you could study 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.
Honours degree study
The School doesn’t currently offer an Honours degree—an extra year of advanced study at postgraduate level—in Space Science.
But if you’ve studied Space Science as part of a double major, you can do an Honours degree in your other major subject and then do a space-related research project as part of the Honours degree. The Honours programme you choose has to have a research component.
Talk to the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences to learn more.
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.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.