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Master of Space Operations

Educating leaders in Defence, government & industry
You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.
Home to the largest space capability in the country, UNSW Canberra’s Master of Space Operations will advance your knowledge and expand your career opportunities. Learn from the best of the best in science education and graduate with the skills required to provide planning and operational expertise to a growing industry.
Commencing Terms
Semester 1 & 2
Duration
1 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Online
Campus
Canberra
Codes
Program code 8624
CRICOS code -
Entry Requirements
View all admission criteria
Fees
2024 Indicative first year full fee
$36,000*
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
$36,000*
Blue planet Earth. Spacecraft launch into space. Elements of this image furnished by NASA.

Overview

From GPS and banking to environmental and emergency management, space systems play an ever-increasing role in our daily lives.

The Master of Space Operations is designed for postgraduate students who wish to gain a detailed understanding of the technical, strategic and economic drivers required to conceive, design, and operate spacecraft within the rapidly changing global space sector. 

UNSW Canberra has a range of on-site capabilities to enable end-to-end space mission including Australia’s first space mission concurrent engineering design facility. Space facilities also include the Falcon Telescope, a cleanroom, a thermal vacuum chamber laboratory, and satellite ground stations.

Program Code
8624
Campus
Canberra
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
48

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Entry requirements

Please refer to the UNSW Handbook for the Entry Requirements.   

English language requirements

 

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Please refer to the UNSW Handbook for the Entry Requirements.   

English language requirements

 

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Program structure

Students undertaking the Master of Space Operations are required to complete 48 Units of Credit (UOC) by completing eight 6-UOC courses from the list in the Handbook entry for the program (see the list in Course Availability below). 

In the Master of Space Operations program, students must complete four core courses and four elective courses. Not all elective courses will be available in a particular year. 

The courses in the program may be taken in any order but it is recommended that the four core courses are completed first, followed by the four elective courses. 

With the approval of the Program Coordinator, students who obtain a distinction average or better in four courses may complete a 12-UOC research project in lieu of two elective courses. The project is recommended for those with a strong interest in pursuing original research in a particular area or intending to undertake a higher-level research qualification. 

With the approval of the Program Coordinator, students may take up to two elective courses (12 UOC) from other coursework programs. 

Research project

The option of undertaking a research project worth 12 UOC within the School of SEIT or HASS is available to Masters students who obtain a distinction average or better in four courses and is subject to approval by the Program Coordinator. 

The research project can be completed within one session through enrolment in ZEIT8297 Project Report - Systems Engineering (Full Time) or ZHSS8401 Research Project International and Political Studies (Full Year). The research project can be spread across two sessions through enrolment in ZEIT8296 Project Report - Systems Engineering (Part Time) or ZHSS8400 Research Project: IPS (Single Session). Completion of either course results in the achievement of 12 UOC. 

The project is recommended for those with a strong interest in pursuing original research in a particular area or intending to undertake a higher research degree qualification. 

Full program structure

Potential careers

  • Satellite and ground segment controller
  • Space Operations officer
  • Space systems operations
  • Space entrepreneur
  • Space operations policy analyst

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.

Ready to start your application?

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

2024 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$36,000*
2024 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$36,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.

Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).

You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

2024 Indicative First Year Fee
$44,500*
2024 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$45,500*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships


At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.


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