Master of Space Science and Practice

Summary

Set your sights on a career in space science with this unique degree.

Take your skills to new heights with Australasia's only postgraduate space science programme.

The Master of Space Science and Practice is designed to meet the needs of today’s growing space sector. You’ll gain specialist knowledge in space science, along with practical skills that connect to fields like engineering, education, health, and government.

Applications open

The Master of Space Science and Practice is now open for applications in Trimester 2, 2026, and for 2027. Apply now through Pūaha.

Three steps to build your expertise

You'll prepare for a career in the space sector with three blocks of study.

• Start with a range of subjects, including courses focused specifically on space science.
• Expand your knowledge through subjects aligned with your interests and professional goals.
• Gain hands-on experience through research and real-world practice—with the option of an industry internship.

By the end, you’ll be ready to do independent research or apply your knowledge to space sector challenges. You’ll have transferable skills in communication, data modelling, and the interpretation of scientific research.

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Master of Space Science and Practice Scholarship

This new scholarship is specifically for students starting the Master of Space Science and Practice in 2026. We will award up to four scholarships, each valued at $2,500.

• Master of Space Science and Practice Scholarship

Flexible study pathways

The Master’s programme is paired with a Postgraduate Diploma in Space Science and Practice, giving you options as you study. Choose the qualification that best fits your career goals, available time, and budget.

These programmes are designed to be flexible. If you start with the Diploma, you can continue on to the Master’s degree. Or, if you begin the Master’s programme but aren’t able to finish, you may still be eligible to receive the Diploma.

What you’ll study Trimester one

In your first trimester, you’ll take at least 60 points drawn from a broad range of courses. At least 15 of those points will be directly related to Space Science.

Trimester two

In your second trimester, you’ll broaden your skills and knowledge by taking up to 60 points from across the Faculty of Science and Engineering and other areas of the University.

You’ll take courses in subjects such as education, health, public management, and public policy. These courses provide pathways relating to teacher development, science workplace management, and science policy.

The courses in blocks one and two make up the Postgraduate Diploma in Space Science and Practice.

Trimester three

In your third trimester, you'll complete 60 points from a dissertation, research project, or internship.

How you’ll study

Your courses will be taught in person, and content will be provided for review via lecture recording. Additional material will be supplied via the University’s online learning management system. The dissertation, internship, and research components of the degree will be supported by active supervision.

Connect with the space industry

From its isolated position, surrounded by water, Aotearoa is the ideal place to launch into space—and the industry is booming. You’ll be studying at the heart of Aotearoa’s most exciting new industry, and taking advantage of our connections—to public bodies like the New Zealand Space Agency, and to world-leading space companies based in New Zealand. You may have the opportunity to do a research project or internship with the Robinson Research Institute.

Careers in space

The space sector is experiencing significant growth, and there are career opportunities in New Zealand and beyond.

In New Zealand, space companies such as Rocket Lab, Zenno, Starboard, Dawn, Kea, IDS Consulting, Snowdown Consulting, New Zealand Defence Force, NZSA, and government ministries require a workforce trained in space-related disciplines.

There is also a large international market, including the Australian Space Agency, Nova Systems, Gilmour Space Technologies, Blue Dwarf Space, Axiom, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Astra, Planet Labs, NASA, ESA, JAXA, ISRO, Chinese Space Agency, and the UK space market.

Financial support

You can get support to stay on top of your finances by downloading our money management resources or by meeting with one of our student finance advisers.

We can show you how to manage ...