Master of Space Science and Practice
Course details
| NZQF Level | 9 |
|---|
About the course
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.
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 your student loan or allowance, and help you sort out your budget. For students facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for support from the Hardship Fund. Depending on your situation, you might also be able to get government or community support. Talk to a student finance adviser Financing your study
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Advance your expertise with PhD study
If you do well in your Master's research, you’ll be eligible to apply for PhD programmes. Full-time candidates usually complete their PhD within three to four years, carrying out original and sustained research under supervision from world-class academics in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
As a PhD candidate, you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.
Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
Bachelor's degree with a B average in a relevant subject.
English language requirements
You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
About the provider
Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious universities. The University is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and its three city campuses are all within easy walking distance of one another, as well as local attractions, shopping districts, and cafés.
The University’s central location gives students access to a
variety of national organisations in the areas of business, government,
politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, as well as
the science and technology communities. Wellington is a compact city where
students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and
events. It is multicultural, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great
food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Victoria University of Wellington at a glance
- Top 1% of the world's universities for research quality and teaching
- 170+ subjects
- 20 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate programmes
- 40+ research institutes and 4 libraries
- 3,000 of our 17,000 students are international students, from 120+ countries
- 130+ clubs and societies
- 5+ stars from the latest QS Stars Rating of Excellence
- #1 in New Zealand for research intensity (in the latest assessment of the Performance-Based Research Fund)
- Wellington School of Business and Government is one of an elite group of commerce faculties worldwide that hold the Triple Crown of international accreditations of EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA
- Top 2% of the world’s universities (QS World University Rankings 2026)
- Top 100 in the world in 7 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Graduate outcomes*
- Of the graduates who responded that they are currently working full time, 91% were employed prior to or within 6 months of degree completion.
- 67% were in full-time employment.
*Based on those who completed the 2023–2024 Graduate Destinations Survey.
Entry requirements
To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:
- a good command of the English language
- a good record of academic achievement.
Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The University considers each student’s academic and English-language background when assessing applications. If a student doesn’t meet entry requirements, our team can help them meet their study goals.
If a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements for:
- English language - Students can apply for our English for Academic Purposes programme
- Undergraduate study - Students can apply for our Foundation Studies programme
- Postgraduate study - Students can talk to us to help build a pathway to their degree
The University offers complete support for students through a range of wellbeing and learning services. These include a specialised international team that is dedicated to supporting students during their studies, which helps international students meet new friends and settle into university and Wellington life.
Some of the support services include:
- dedicated international student orientation and events
- a free arrival meeting service at the airport
- the International Buddy Programme, where you get paired with a ‘buddy’ from the get-go
Students can make the most of the many opportunities to get
involved in different communities, embrace new experiences, and develop skills
for their future careers. The university encourages all students to develop
strong global citizenship skills through their studies and extracurricular
programmes such as the Kitea
Impact Programme, which is also free to join.