University of Surrey

PhD Space Engineering

University of Surrey

Course overview

As a PhD candidate in Space Engineering at the University of Surrey, you will work within the renowned Surrey Space Centre, collaborating with academics, postdoctoral researchers, and fellow researchers. This programme pushes the boundaries of low-cost small satellites and develops new innovative technologies for space.

You will also benefit from strong academic-industrial strategic partnerships with both Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) and Airbus DS. Your research will focus on the most important and newest parts of space technology. You will use the University's excellent, world-class research buildings and equipment.

The University will give you at least two academic supervisors. These experts will help guide you and check your progress. The Centre holds monthly seminars open to all researchers. You’ll get an opportunity to attend presentations from each research group, and all research students are expected to present their individual work.

Following the completion of your PhD, you will be able to apply for membership with the Institute of Engineering and Technology and apply for Chartered Engineer status with the Engineering Council UK and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Entry requirements

Grade Requirements:

  • Applicants are expected to hold a first or upper second-class (2:1) degree in a relevant discipline.
  • Alternatively, a lower-second (2:2) degree plus a master's degree with distinction is also accepted.

English Proficiency:

  • International students are to show proficiency in English by having an IELTS overall score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component.

Scholarships

  • Discounts for Surrey Graduates

    As graduate of Surrey you may be eligible for a 20 per cent discount on our taught masters programme fees.

    Up to 20% of fees
  • Early Payment Discount

    The discount is awarded as a £2,000 fee waiver for eligible students in the first year of their studies.

    Up to £2,000
  • ICAEW Foundation Bursary

    The ICAEW Foundation Bursary will be given as a one-off payment of £5,000 for one year of postgraduate study.

    Up to £5,000
  • International Alumni Discount for Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS

    The discount of 20% only applies to the first year of the Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS programme.

    Up to 20% of fees
  • International Excellence Award (Postgraduate)

    This prestigious £5,000 award recognises academic excellence and is awarded to selected students starting a masters degree at Surrey.

    Up to £5,000
  • International Excellence Award (Undergraduate)

    The scholarship is awarded as a £5,000 fee waiver.

    Up to £5,000
  • ISTAT Foundation Scholarship Program

    Contributing to the development of future aviation professionals by providing funds and avenues for students with a keen interest in commercial aviation.

  • Surrey MBA AI Pathfinders Scholarship

    This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.

  • Surrey MBA Eastern Europe Bridge Scholarship

    This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.

  • Surrey MBA Employer Partnership Scholarship

    This scholarship allows the Surrey MBA to match employer contributions towards the tuition fee up to 40%.

  • Surrey MBA Enterprise Trailblazer Scholarship

    This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.

  • Surrey MBA Service Stewardship Scholarship

    This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.

  • Surrey MBA Women in Leadership

    This is a partial scholarship that covers 10 – 50% of the tuition fee.

  • The Professor GQ Max Lu Global Scholarship

    The total value of the award is £30,000 (£10,000 x 3 years).

    Up to £30,000

Career opportunities

A PhD in Space Engineering from the University of Surrey opens doors to exciting opportunities in career roles such as the following:

  • R&D Engineer
  • Engineering and Scientific Consultant
  • Research Scientist
  • University Professor
  • Data Scientist

Cost of study

The annual tuition fee to study a PhD in Space Engineering at the University of Surrey is £27,200. Kindly note that fees are subject to a yearly increase.

Admission

Applications for this course can be made online using the application platform of the university. For a seamless application process, feel free to reach out to our trained counsellors at AHZ.

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