Spacecraft Engineering MEng - 2027/8
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 7
Final award and programme/pathway title
MEng Spacecraft Engineering
Subsidiary award(s)
| Award | Title |
|---|---|
| BEng (Hons) | Spacecraft Engineering |
| Ord | Spacecraft Engineering |
| DipHE | Spacecraft Engineering |
| CertHE | Spacecraft Engineering |
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Full-time | UFE15002 | 480 credits and 240 ECTS credits |
| Full-time with PTY | UFE15003 | 600 credits and 300 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Other internal and / or external reference points
This programme is subject to approval. This means that it has received initial agreement from the University and is currently undergoing a detailed final approval exercise, through the University's quality assurance processes. These processes are a requirement for all Higher Education Institutions within the UK, to ensure that programmes are of the highest standard. Occasionally there may be instances where the University may delay or not approve the introduction of the programme.
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences - School of Engineering
Programme Leader
VIQUERAT Andrew (Sch of Eng)
Date of production/revision of spec
19/08/2026
Educational aims of the programme
- To develop a strong foundation in core engineering and physical sciences: Equip students with rigorous knowledge of mathematics, mechanics, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, materials and structures, and electronics and control as the basis for advanced study and professional practice in spacecraft engineering.
- To build integrated competence in spacecraft systems, missions and subsystems: Enable students to understand and apply spacecraft systems engineering across the full mission lifecycle, including mission analysis, orbit selection, payload and bus design, and the design and operation of key subsystems such as structures and mechanisms, propulsion, avionics and AIT, power, thermal control and communications.
- To develop advanced design, analysis and problem-solving skills for space applications: Foster students¿ ability to formulate, model and solve complex engineering problems, using quantitative methods, numerical simulation and experimental techniques to design, evaluate and optimise spacecraft components and systems under realistic technical, regulatory and resource constraints.
- To provide authentic, research and industry-informed project and professional experience: Offer progressive opportunities, including group design projects, individual research projects and an optional Professional Training Year, for students to work on realistic spacecraft engineering tasks, engage with current industrial practice and research, and develop professional skills in teamwork, project management and technical communication.
- To cultivate digital capabilities, employability, resourcefulness and resilience: Develop students¿ confidence in using modern digital tools for modelling, simulation, data acquisition and processing and software development, while intentionally building transferable skills, adaptability and reflective practice that prepare graduates for diverse roles and future leadership in the space sector.
- To promote ethical, sustainable and globally aware practice in space activities: Instil an understanding of the professional, legal, environmental and societal responsibilities associated with spacecraft engineering, including space sustainability, debris mitigation, planetary protection and the international context of space missions, so that graduates can contribute responsibly to the growth of the global space industry.
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| Year 1: Apply core mathematical and scientific principles to analyse simple engineering systems and solve well-defined problems in mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials. | KC | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BEng (Hons), MEng | |
| Year 1: Describe the main classes of engineering materials and basic structural forms, and select appropriate materials for straightforward mechanical components with justification. | KC | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BEng (Hons), MEng | |
| Year 1: Use standard laboratory equipment and basic digital tools to obtain, process, and interpret experimental data, commenting on sources of error and reliability. | CPT | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BEng (Hons), MEng | |
| Year 1: Contribute effectively to small team design-and-build activities, communicating ideas clearly in written and oral formats and reflecting on personal performance. | PT | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BEng (Hons), MEng | |
| Year 1: Demonstrate an emerging awareness of the engineering profession, including health and safety, sustainability, and ethical responsibilities in the context of engineered systems | KCT | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BEng (Hons), MEng | |
| Year 2: Formulate and solve moderately complex problems in structural mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and control using appropriate analytical and numerical methods. | KC | DipHE, Ord, BEng (Hons), MEng | |
| Year 2: Explain the lifecycle of a space mission and the roles of major spacecraft subsystems, deriving and using high-level design budgets (e.g. mass and power) for a small mission concept. | KCP | DipHE, Ord, BEng (Hons), MEng | |
| Year 2: Perform basic mission analysis and subsystem sizing calculations, including orbit selection, simple transfer concepts, and first-order performance estimates for key subsystems. | KCP | DipHE, Ord, BEng (Hons), MEng | |
| Year 2: Operate and test representative spacecraft subsystems or simulators following structured procedures, diagnosing simple anomalies and communicating experimental findings in technical reports. | KCT | DipHE, Ord, BEng (Hons), MEng | |
| Year 2: Work as part of a team to develop and justify a coherent configuration for a small spacecraft mission, articulating trade-offs between performance, risk, sustainability, and cost. | CPT | DipHE, Ord, BEng (Hons), MEng | |
| Year 3: Integrate knowledge of spacecraft dynamics, structures, materials, and space environment to analyse the behaviour and performance of spacecraft and launch-related systems. | KC | BEng (Hons), MEng | |
| Year 3: Apply advanced structural and materials concepts, including composite behaviour and failure criteria, to design and size aerospace structural elements under realistic loading scenarios. | KCP | BEng (Hons), MEng | |
| Year 3: Plan, execute, and report an individual or small-group technical project in spacecraft engineering, selecting appropriate methods, managing time and resources, and critically evaluating results. | CPT | BEng (Hons), MEng | |
| Year 3: Demonstrate professional communication and teamwork skills appropriate to early-career spacecraft engineers, including participation in design reviews and constructive response to feedback. | PT | BEng (Hons), MEng | |
| Year 3: Critically discuss the wider professional, legal, environmental, and societal implications of space activities, including space sustainability, debris mitigation, and responsible use of space. | KCT | BEng (Hons), MEng | |
| Year M: Apply a systems engineering approach to define, decompose, and manage requirements for complex spacecraft and space mission architectures across the full mission lifecycle. | KCP | MEng | |
| Year M: Synthesise advanced knowledge of spacecraft subsystems (e.g. structures, propulsion, avionics, GNC, environment and protection) to produce integrated designs that satisfy multi-disciplinary constraints. | KCP | MEng | |
| Year M: Use appropriate modelling, simulation, and verification tools to predict spacecraft and subsystem performance, assess uncertainty, and justify engineering decisions under realistic constraints. | CP | MEng | |
| Year M: Lead and manage substantial team-based design projects, employing project management techniques, risk management, and inclusive team-working practices to deliver professional-quality outcomes. | CPT | MEng | |
| Year M: Demonstrate originality and critical judgement in addressing open-ended spacecraft engineering challenges, including evaluation of emerging technologies and innovation opportunities within ethical, commercial, and sustainability frameworks. | KCT | MEng |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time
This Integrated Master's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over four academic years, consisting of 480 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5, 6 and 7). Modules are either 15 credits or multiples of 15 credits.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Honours) (360 credits)
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)
Full-time with PTY
This Integrated Master's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over five academic years, consisting of 600 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5, 6, 7 and the optional professional training year). Modules are either 15 credits or multiples of 15 credits.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Honours) (360 credits)
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG2135 | DEFORMATION AND VIBRATION OF STRUCTURES | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
| ENG2134 | ADVANCED FLUID MECHANICS AND THERMODYNAMICS | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
| ENG2091 | AERODYNAMICS & FLIGHT MECHANICS | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
| ENG2123 | CONTROL | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
| ENG2124 | NUMERICAL METHODS & APPLIED PROGRAMMING | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
| ENG2136 | DESIGN, MAKE AND EVALUATE | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
Module Selection for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
As part of the approval process the following new modules have been developed and will be added to the programme once available:
Design Skills for Space Engineering
Space Missions and Environment
Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG3163 | INDIVIDUAL PROJECT | Compulsory | 30 | Year-long |
| EEE3039 | SPACE DYNAMICS AND MISSIONS | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
| ENG3169 | ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
| ENG3215 | HIGH SPEED AERODYNAMICS | Optional | 15 | 2 |
| ENG3209 | NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS & MACHINE LEARNING | Optional | 15 | 2 |
| EEE3040 | SPACE SYSTEM DESIGN | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
Module Selection for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
Choose one optional module out of a choice of two optional modules in Semester 2
As part of the approval process the following new modules have been developed and will be added to the programme once available:
Space Group Design Project
Aerospace Materials and Structures
Year 4 - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 4 - FHEQ Level 7
Choose one optional module out of a choice of two optional modules in Semester 1, and three optional modules out of a choice out of five optional modules in Semester 2
As part of the approval process the following new module has been developed and will be added to the programme once available:
Spacecraft Avionics and AIT
Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG2135 | DEFORMATION AND VIBRATION OF STRUCTURES | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
| ENG2134 | ADVANCED FLUID MECHANICS AND THERMODYNAMICS | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
| ENG2091 | AERODYNAMICS & FLIGHT MECHANICS | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
| ENG2123 | CONTROL | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
| ENG2124 | NUMERICAL METHODS & APPLIED PROGRAMMING | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
| ENG2136 | DESIGN, MAKE AND EVALUATE | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
Module Selection for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
As part of the approval process the following new modules have been developed and will be added to the programme once available:
Design Skills for Space Engineering
Space Missions and Environment
Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG3163 | INDIVIDUAL PROJECT | Compulsory | 30 | Year-long |
| EEE3039 | SPACE DYNAMICS AND MISSIONS | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
| ENG3169 | ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
| ENG3215 | HIGH SPEED AERODYNAMICS | Optional | 15 | 2 |
| ENG3209 | NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS & MACHINE LEARNING | Optional | 15 | 2 |
| EEE3040 | SPACE SYSTEM DESIGN | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
Module Selection for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Choose one optional module out of a choice of two optional modules in Semester 2
As part of the approval process the following new modules have been developed and will be added to the programme once available:
Space Group Design Project
Aerospace Materials and Structures
Professional Training Year (PTY) -
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGP014 | PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR - FULL YEAR STUDY | Core | 120 | Year-long |
Year 4 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 4 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 7
Choose one optional module out of a choice of two optional modules in Semester 1, and three optional modules out of a choice out of five optional modules in Semester 2
As part of the approval process the following new module has been developed and will be added to the programme once available:
Spacecraft Avionics and AIT
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | N | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | N | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | N | |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
| Dual degree | N |
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2027/8 academic year.