Satellite Systems Engineering MSc
City Campus, United Kingdom
MSc Satellite Systems Engineering
University of Bradford
Satellite Systems Engineering
MSc Satellite Systems Engineering at the University of Bradford
The MSc Satellite Systems Engineering at the University of Bradford is designed for those who wish to start or further their career in the space, satellite, telecommunications, and RF sectors. This programme uniquely covers the three pillars of space and satellite systems — communications, earth observation, and navigation — alongside artificial intelligence (AI), radio frequency (RF) engineering, and digital signal processing (DSP), all foundational to future satellite and telecommunications systems.
You will gain important theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience using industry-standard hardware equipment and software platforms. State-of-the-art laboratory facilities support your learning, including a cleanroom for the construction of miniaturised satellites, a small-scale Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TTC) Centre, an anechoic chamber, an electronics lab, and an RF and Wireless lab.
The programme team has a long research track record in satellite systems engineering and strong collaborations with space agencies and satellite operators. The team has been part of the Satellite Network of Excellence (SatNEx) since 2004, funded by the European Union and the European Space Agency, and has developed the Automated Solar Activity Prediction (ASAP) system in collaboration with NASA and ESA.
Key Programme Highlights
- Covers all three pillars of satellite systems: communications, earth observation, and navigation, plus AI and DSP
- Hands-on experience constructing a CubeSat or PocketQube using state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities
- Taught by world-renowned technical experts including former directors at Eutelsat, ESA, and Thales Alenia Space
- Placement opportunities with Satellite Applications Catapult and Airbus, plus access to the UK Space Agency SPIN scheme
Curriculum and Modules
The MSc Satellite Systems Engineering curriculum blends theoretical foundations with practical laboratory work and industry collaboration. Each 20-credit module is delivered through weekly lectures, scheduled seminars featuring industry experts, project supervision, tutorials, and laboratory sessions where applicable. Assessment combines group projects with oral presentations, individual reports, and open-book examinations.
Satellite Communications Systems
20 UK CreditsCovers the principles and design of satellite communication systems, including link budget analysis, modulation techniques, multiple access schemes, and the integration of satellites with terrestrial networks.
Satellite Earth Observation Systems
20 UK CreditsExplores satellite imaging, remote sensing techniques, and earth observation applications including environmental monitoring, climate study, and space weather analysis.
Satellite Navigation Systems
20 UK CreditsExamines Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) including GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS, covering positioning algorithms, signal processing, and navigation system design.
RF Engineering and Wireless Communications
20 UK CreditsProvides technical skills in radio frequency engineering, antenna design, wireless communication systems, and digital signal processing, supported by both software and hardware-based laboratories.
AI and Distributed Satellite Systems
20 UK CreditsIntroduces the application of artificial intelligence to satellite systems, covering machine learning for satellite data analysis, autonomous operations, and distributed satellite architectures.
MSc Research Project
60 UK CreditsAn independent research project allowing you to apply your knowledge to a real-world satellite engineering challenge. Projects may be co-supervised by industry partners such as Airbus or the Satellite Applications Catapult.
Elective and Specialist Topics
Admission Requirements
The MSc Satellite Systems Engineering programme welcomes applicants with a strong background in engineering, science, or related technical disciplines. Candidates with extensive industrial experience in relevant areas such as communications, RF engineering, or satellite engineering may also be considered on an individual basis. Contact Uni4Edu to discuss your eligibility and begin your application.
Academic Requirements
- Undergraduate Degree2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in electrical and electronics engineering, telecommunications engineering, computer science, physics, or mathematics
- Industry Experience RouteCandidates without standard entry qualifications but with extensive industrial experience in communications, RF, satellite engineering, or related fields may be considered individually
- Academic TranscriptsOfficial transcripts from all previously attended higher education institutions
- Personal StatementA statement outlining your motivation, relevant experience, and career goals in the satellite and space sector
- ReferencesAt least one academic or professional reference supporting your application
English Language Requirements
- IELTSMinimum overall score of 6.0, with at least 5.5 in each subtest
- TOEFL iBTEquivalent score accepted — contact Uni4Edu for details
- Pre-sessional EnglishA pre-sessional English course is available for applicants who do not meet the IELTS requirement
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Bradford offers several funding opportunities for students enrolling in the MSc Satellite Systems Engineering programme. These scholarships are designed to support academically outstanding and professionally driven individuals from both the UK and internationally. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on eligibility and how to apply.
Bradford-Renduchintala MSc Scholarship
GBP 10,000Established specifically for students enrolling in the MSc Satellite Systems Engineering programme, this scholarship supports academically outstanding and professionally driven individuals. It is awarded as a tuition fee reduction.
Global Scholar Award
GBP 2,000 - GBP 5,000A tuition fee reduction offered to self-funding international students enrolling in eligible full-time courses at the University of Bradford. The award is based on nationality and is automatically applied at enrolment.
Faculty of Engineering and Informatics Scholarship
Up to GBP 7,500A generous tuition fee scholarship offered by the Faculty of Engineering and Informatics to new international students enrolling in eligible postgraduate engineering programmes.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MSc Satellite Systems Engineering programme are well-positioned to enter the rapidly growing UK space sector, which employs over 45,000 people and has been identified as one of the government's key technology areas. The programme team works closely with the University's Career and Employability Services to help you find employment, and career workshops with guest speakers from the space industry are regularly organised.
Potential Career Roles
Industry Partners and Potential Employers
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Bradford has a strong and rising reputation in national and international rankings, recognised for its commitment to social mobility, teaching quality, and research impact. The university has been ranked first on the Higher Education Policy Institute's Social Mobility Index for four consecutive years (2021-2024) and was named University of the Year for Social Inclusion by the Daily Mail University Guide 2026.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering (General) | Guardian University Guide | Top 50 in UK — Contact Uni4Edu for current data |
| Chemical Engineering | Guardian University Guide | #5 in UK (2026) |
| Social Mobility Index | HEPI | #1 in England (2021-2024) |
| Research Impact | REF (Research Excellence Framework) | 77% rated Excellent or World Leading |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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