Satellite Systems Engineering MSc

Overview

The University of Bradford is offering an exciting opportunity to those who wish to start or further their career in the space, satellite, telecoms, and RF sectors.

This programme is unique in covering not only the three pillars of space/satellite systems: communications, earth observation and navigation, but also artificial intelligence (AI), radio frequency (RF) engineering, and digital signal processing (DSP), all of which are foundational to future satellite and telecommunications systems.

The benefits of this innovative MSc-level programme include:

• being taught by a team of world-renowned technical experts
• access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities
• opportunity to gain industry-ready skills and competence, and a complete understanding of key concepts delivered through a blend of peer-commended scholarship, inspirational teaching, industrial collaboration, and cutting-edge research

You will acquire important theoretical knowledge, gain hands-on experience using industry-standard hardware equipment and software platforms, and benefit from interactions with the UK industry through industrial seminars, visits and/or collaborative projects. In addition, you will be supported by state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, including a cleanroom for the construction of miniaturised satellites, a small-scale Telemetry, Tracking, and Contol (TTC) Centre, an anechoic chamber, electronics lab, and RF and Wireless lab.

Placement opportunities

Both short-term and long-term placement opportunities, either in industry or in an academic institution, are open, providing a career gateway to students studying on this programme.

There are potential placement opportunities with Satellite Applications Catapult and Airbus. Satellite Applications Catapult will co-supervise up to two 3-6 month student placements per annum. Students accepted for the placement will receive a stipend directly from Catapult. In addition, Catapult has an internship programme that offers MSc graduates the opportunity to apply for a graduate placement at Catapult for up to 18 months.

The SENSE Earth Observation Centre for Doctoral Training at the University of Leeds also offers summer internship opportunities to suitably qualified students choosing MSc projects co-supervised by SENSE academics.

In addition, the Space Placements in Industry (SPIN) scheme managed by the UK Space Agency and supported by the Satellite Application Catapult provides placement opportunities for those considering employment in the space sector. It connects space sector organisations who want to find the most talented and enthusiastic people to ensure the future success of their business. Students who hope to work in the space sector and are keen to develop new skills, applying and building on the knowledge they've acquired in their studies to date, are welcomed to apply through the Catapult website.

Find out about our recently-opened Bradford-Renduchintala Centre for Space AI.

Career prospects

Graduates of this course will be able to pursue a range of job roles and career paths, including:

• Satellite Systems Technician
• Satellite Systems Engineer in communications, earth observation and/or navigation
• Systems Analyst
• Telecommunications Engineer
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technologist
• Researcher

Career support

The programme team will work closely with the University's Career and Employability Services team to help you find a part-time or graduate job, and explore options for gaining work experience during your studies.

Career workshops will be organised covering employability topics, with guest speakers from a range of industries invited to share insights into careers, job roles and recruitment.