Graduate Certificate in Space Studies

University of South Australia

About

The Graduate Certificate in Space Studies is a chance to broaden your understanding of issues related to space.

Designed for graduates, professionals, skilled practitioners and space enthusiasts, you will be immersed in the challenges and opportunities of the space industry.

Gain experience in your area of interest through a personalised research project under the supervision and advice from space industry experts.

In the initial 3 weeks we kick off the program by supporting you in the development of your project ideas whilst developing essential research skills.

You will be mentored by space experts who will guide you as you undertake your research on campus or online.

The Graduate Certificate in Space Studies is offered twice a year;

commencing in mid February, directly after the Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program (SH-SPP), an intensive, five week, live-in experience, or at the beginning of study period 5 in July.

Note:

Program fees stated above.

If an applicant completes the Southern Hemisphere Space Program, 50% of the fee is credited.

Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program The Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program (SH-SSP) comprises the first half of this Graduate Certificate in Space Studies.

This is a joint program between the University of South Australia and the International Space University (ISU), delivered as an intensive, five week, live-in experience during the southern hemisphere summer.

Completion is a UniSA prerequisite for this qualification1.

Studies are based on the international, intercultural and interdisciplinary educational philosophy for which the ISU is renowned.

It is conducted jointly with UniSA, and graduates are awarded an SH-SSP Executive Certificate.

The SH-SSP focuses on all aspects of the space sector and provides a multidisciplinary understanding of the key activities and areas of knowledge required by today's space professions, including:

space science and exploration space applications and services human spaceflight and life sciences space systems engineering and technologies space policy, economics and law space business and project management space humanities, communications, art and culture 1 An alternative prerequisite is completion of an International Space University Space Studies Program held elsewhere in the world.

Structure

Course name Area and cat no Units Reference Rules
ISU Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program - elective course 9
UniSA Component
Space Studies Project ENGG 5010 9 Rule(s): 2
OR
Strategic Space Law LAWS 5017 9 Rule(s): 2

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Applicants are required to have:

  • A completed Bachelors degree from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent, or a completed Advanced Diploma in a related discipline from a recognised higher education institution and at least 3 years of relevant work experience; AND

Learning outcomes

The Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program (SH-SSP) comprises the first half of this Graduate Certificate in Space Studies. This is a joint program between the University of South Australia and the International Space University (ISU), delivered as an intensive, five week, live-in experience during the southern hemisphere summer. Completion is a UniSA prerequisite for this qualification1.

Studies are based on the international, intercultural and interdisciplinary educational philosophy for which the ISU is renowned. It is conducted jointly with UniSA, and graduates are awarded an SH-SSP Executive Certificate.

The SH-SSP focuses on all aspects of the space sector and provides a multidisciplinary understanding of the key activities and areas of knowledge required by today's space professions, including:

  • space science and exploration
  • space applications and services
  • human spaceflight and life sciences
  • space systems engineering and technologies
  • space policy, economics and law
  • space business and project management
  • space humanities, communications, art and culture

1 An alternative prerequisite is completion of an International Space University Space Studies Program held elsewhere in the world.

Research topics are varied and have previously included CubeSats for astronomy, potential atmospheres for a Martian greenhouse, investigating open source machine learning for on-board nano-satellites and improving reuseability performance in rocket engines. Specific research topics vary and can come from any of the numerous subjects introduced during the Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program that you would like to investigate further.

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Your assessment will include:

  • project concept, proposal and report

This degree is offered online. This means that you:

  • will study online, including accessing access videos and course resources
  • participate in an interactive online learning environment
  • submit your assignments and get feedback online
  • use discussion forums for team work and communication

With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.

Your career

Graduates can go on to find employment in:

  • analysis
  • research
  • policy advice
  • project management
  • science
  • engineering

To apply to study with us go to the top of this page and click Apply. You will be directed to our online application portal.

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and areas that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Our student support services can make your life at university easier. We provide a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling. You can also access a range of services through our students association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

Institution