Accessibility statement

Ask a question Ask a question Register nowRegister Request ProspectusProspectus

Course type: Diploma
Credits: 120

Credits

Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.

One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.

You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.

For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes: 2 years part-time study
Read more about how long it takes
Study method: Distance learning
Course cost: See Fees and funding
Entry requirements: Find out more about; Entry requirements

Postgraduate Diploma in Space Science and Technology

: Course code: E90

This postgraduate qualification is for those with an academic or professional interest in space science and the technology that underpins this discipline. It equips you with the skills to conduct scientific investigations using space-based instrumentation, individually and as a team. You’ll also learn how to use a programming language for space science applications and develop other skills highly relevant to employment in the space sector. You can choose option modules from applied mathematics, computing and IT, engineering, environmental management, physical sciences, project management and systems thinking.

Compulsory module	Credits	Next start
Space science (S818) This module provides an in-depth introduction to the methods of conducting scientific measurements in the space environment and the technologies needed for space missions. See full description Register	60	30 Jan 2027

Compulsory module

Credits

Next start

Space science (S818)

This module provides an in-depth introduction to the methods of conducting scientific measurements in the space environment and the technologies needed for space missions.

See full description

30 Jan 2027

Group 1 option modules	Credits	Next start
Information security (M811) Explore the professional and technical skills necessary to understand, document, manage and implement strategic and operational aspects of your organisation’s information security. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2026
Digital forensics (M812) M812 covers the history of forensics, both criminal and criminal digital law, digital investigation techniques for desktop and mobile devices as well as forensic readiness. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
Software development (M813) Gain the fundamental knowledge and understanding, and analysis and synthesis skills that you will need to develop software artefacts fit for a real-world organisational context. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
Software engineering (M814) Explore the advanced concepts and techniques used throughout the software life cycle, for the effective production and management of large, complex, and long-lived software systems. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2026
Data management (M816) Discover the data management principles, practices and technologies required to develop policies, procedures and systems that control, protect, deliver and enhance the value of an organisation’s data asset. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2026
Network security (T828) This module includes Cisco CCNA Security and Cyber Security Operations; explore information systems security management and secure internetworked systems. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2026
IT systems: planning for success (TM353) ¹ This module teaches you skills to contribute towards successful IT systems: systems that are a critical part of our world yet frequently fail. See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Communications technology (TM355) ¹ Communications technology looks at the underlying technologies of modern electronic communications, such as mobile data and telephony, broadband, Wi-Fi and optical fibre. See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Applied statistical modelling (M348) ¹ M348 is an applied statistics module focusing on general linear and generalised linear modelling. See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820) ² This calculus module explores advanced topics, including the Gâteaux differential, Euler–Lagrange equation, Noether’s theorem and Sturm–Liouville theory. See full description Register	30	03 Oct 2026
Nonlinear ordinary differential equations (M821) ² This nonlinear ordinary differential equations module emphasises geometrical aspects, approximation schemes and the stability and periodicity of solutions. See full description Register	30	03 Oct 2026
Advanced mathematical methods (M833) ² This mathematical models module uses analytical pencil-and-paper methods and the Maple computing language to teach advanced mathematical techniques. See full description	30	No current presentation
Coding theory (M836) ² This module examines error-detecting and error-correcting codes built on algebraic structures with encoding/decoding procedures and cryptography elements. See full description	30	No current presentation
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327) ¹ This module covers core topics in the application of mathematics and is an accessible introduction to the study of applied mathematics at OU level 3. See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326) ¹ Learn about modelling simple fluid flows, ordinary and partial differential equations and mathematical methods that can be used to solve fluid-flow problems. See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Computational applied mathematics (MST374) ¹ This computational applied mathematics module develops computer programming skills to find numerical solutions to mathematical problems. See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Geology and sustainability (S319) ¹ This module considers Earth as a connected system, highlighting a range of regional and global geological challenges and their relationship to sustainability. See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Astrophysics of stars and exoplanets (S384) ¹ Explore the properties, structure, and evolution of stars and exoplanets, and analyse robotic telescope observations of transiting exoplanet host stars. See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Cosmology and the distant Universe (S385) ¹ The module introduces modern cosmology and extragalactic astrophysics, exploring ideas via problem-solving and interpretation of observational evidence. See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Quantum physics (SM380) ¹ SM380 takes you on a journey from the fundamental concepts of quantum physics to contemporary applications in quantum systems and quantum computing. See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Electromagnetism (SM381) ¹ Discover how the theory of electromagnetism unifies electricity and magnetism, one of the most outstanding achievements of classical physics. See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Quantum and statistical mechanics of matter (SM880) ² This postgraduate module teaches the tools of advanced quantum and statistical mechanics of matter, illustrated using atoms, molecules and exotic states. See full description Register	30	03 Oct 2026
Electronics: signal processing, control and communications (T312) ¹ This module provides industry-relevant skills in the application of analogue and digital electronics to signal processing, control and communications. See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Mechanical engineering (T329) ¹ This module mixes practical and theoretical approaches with computer-aided engineering, using finite element analysis (FEA), multibody dynamics (MBD) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Nanoscale engineering (T366) ¹ This module looks at nanoscale engineering, a rapidly developing field where state-of-the-art nanoengineering is enabled by new scientific developments. See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Manufacture materials design (T805) Introducing materials processing from the perspective of a design engineer, this module explores how components are made, focusing on the interactions between manufacturing, materials and design. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
Finite element analysis: principles and applications (T808) Learn the basics of finite element modelling of components and materials under static and thermal stresses, and dynamic analysis using ANSYS software. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2026
Environmental monitoring and protection (T868) This engaging online module will equip you with information on monitoring, modelling, and preventive technologies for water, noise, air, and wastes pollution. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2026
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module T804.
¹You may include only one of these undergraduate modules. While the 30 credits you achieve will contribute to the 120 credits required for this qualification, the grade you get won’t contribute to the overall classification.
²Modules M820, M821, M833, M836 and SM880 have entry requirements – check them on the module descriptions.

Group 1 option modules

Credits

Next start

Information security (M811)

Explore the professional and technical skills necessary to understand, document, manage and implement strategic and operational aspects of your organisation’s information security.

See full description

01 Nov 2026

Digital forensics (M812)

M812 covers the history of forensics, both criminal and criminal digital law, digital investigation techniques for desktop and mobile devices as well as forensic readiness.

See full description

01 May 2026

Software development (M813)

Gain the fundamental knowledge and understanding, and analysis and synthesis skills that you will need to develop software artefacts fit for a real-world organisational context.

See full description

01 May 2026

Software engineering (M814)

Explore the advanced concepts and techniques used throughout the software life cycle, for the effective production and management of large, complex, and long-lived software systems.

See full description

01 Nov 2026

Data management (M816)

Discover the data management principles, practices and technologies required to develop policies, procedures and systems that control, protect, deliver and enhance the value of an organisation’s data asset.

See full description

01 Nov 2026

Network security (T828)

This module includes Cisco CCNA Security and Cyber Security Operations; explore information systems security management and secure internetworked systems.

See full description

01 Nov 2026

IT systems: planning for success (TM353) ¹

This module teaches you skills to contribute towards successful IT systems: systems that are a critical part of our world yet frequently fail.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Communications technology (TM355) ¹

Communications technology looks at the underlying technologies of modern electronic communications, such as mobile data and telephony, broadband, Wi-Fi and optical fibre.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Applied statistical modelling (M348) ¹

M348 is an applied statistics module focusing on general linear and generalised linear modelling.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820) ²

This calculus module explores advanced topics, including the Gâteaux differential, Euler–Lagrange equation, Noether’s theorem and Sturm–Liouville theory.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Nonlinear ordinary differential equations (M821) ²

This nonlinear ordinary differential equations module emphasises geometrical aspects, approximation schemes and the stability and periodicity of solutions.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Advanced mathematical methods (M833) ²

This mathematical models module uses analytical pencil-and-paper methods and the Maple computing language to teach advanced mathematical techniques.

See full description

No current presentation

Coding theory (M836) ²

This module examines error-detecting and error-correcting codes built on algebraic structures with encoding/decoding procedures and cryptography elements.

See full description

No current presentation

Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327) ¹

This module covers core topics in the application of mathematics and is an accessible introduction to the study of applied mathematics at OU level 3.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326) ¹

Learn about modelling simple fluid flows, ordinary and partial differential equations and mathematical methods that can be used to solve fluid-flow problems.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Computational applied mathematics (MST374) ¹

This computational applied mathematics module develops computer programming skills to find numerical solutions to mathematical problems.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Geology and sustainability (S319) ¹

This module considers Earth as a connected system, highlighting a range of regional and global geological challenges and their relationship to sustainability.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Astrophysics of stars and exoplanets (S384) ¹

Explore the properties, structure, and evolution of stars and exoplanets, and analyse robotic telescope observations of transiting exoplanet host stars.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Cosmology and the distant Universe (S385) ¹

The module introduces modern cosmology and extragalactic astrophysics, exploring ideas via problem-solving and interpretation of observational evidence.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Quantum physics (SM380) ¹

SM380 takes you on a journey from the fundamental concepts of quantum physics to contemporary applications in quantum systems and quantum computing.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Electromagnetism (SM381) ¹

Discover how the theory of electromagnetism unifies electricity and magnetism, one of the most outstanding achievements of classical physics.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Quantum and statistical mechanics of matter (SM880) ²

This postgraduate module teaches the tools of advanced quantum and statistical mechanics of matter, illustrated using atoms, molecules and exotic states.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Electronics: signal processing, control and communications (T312) ¹

This module provides industry-relevant skills in the application of analogue and digital electronics to signal processing, control and communications.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Mechanical engineering (T329) ¹

This module mixes practical and theoretical approaches with computer-aided engineering, using finite element analysis (FEA), multibody dynamics (MBD) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Nanoscale engineering (T366) ¹

This module looks at nanoscale engineering, a rapidly developing field where state-of-the-art nanoengineering is enabled by new scientific developments.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Manufacture materials design (T805)

Introducing materials processing from the perspective of a design engineer, this module explores how components are made, focusing on the interactions between manufacturing, materials and design.

See full description

01 May 2026

Finite element analysis: principles and applications (T808)

Learn the basics of finite element modelling of components and materials under static and thermal stresses, and dynamic analysis using ANSYS software.

See full description

01 Nov 2026

Environmental monitoring and protection (T868)

This engaging online module will equip you with information on monitoring, modelling, and preventive technologies for water, noise, air, and wastes pollution.

See full description

01 Nov 2026

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module T804.

¹You may include only one of these undergraduate modules. While the 30 credits you achieve will contribute to the 120 credits required for this qualification, the grade you get won’t contribute to the overall classification.

²Modules M820, M821, M833, M836 and SM880 have entry requirements – check them on the module descriptions.

Group 2 option modules	Credits	Next start
Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871) TB871 builds capability for making strategy within your own chosen area of (professional) practice using ideas and tools from five traditions of systems thinking. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872) This module is about effecting systemic and systematic change in uncertain and complex situations, change that can transform situations for the better. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2026
Project management (M815) This APM accredited module is ideal for aspiring project managers and practising project managers who wish to develop their knowledge and skills of managing technological projects. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849) This module draws on a range of theoretical perspectives from both strategic and innovation management to produce a multi-layered, practical, approach to strategic management of technological innovation. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
Technology innovation management (TB801) This module examines innovation from a management perspective, enabling you to develop an understanding of how to contribute to the process and management of technological innovation. See full description Register	30	01 May 2026
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T848 and U810.

Group 2 option modules

Credits

Next start

Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871)

TB871 builds capability for making strategy within your own chosen area of (professional) practice using ideas and tools from five traditions of systems thinking.

See full description

01 May 2026

Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872)

This module is about effecting systemic and systematic change in uncertain and complex situations, change that can transform situations for the better.

See full description

01 Nov 2026

Project management (M815)

This APM accredited module is ideal for aspiring project managers and practising project managers who wish to develop their knowledge and skills of managing technological projects.

See full description

01 May 2026

Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849)

This module draws on a range of theoretical perspectives from both strategic and innovation management to produce a multi-layered, practical, approach to strategic management of technological innovation.

See full description

01 May 2026

Technology innovation management (TB801)

This module examines innovation from a management perspective, enabling you to develop an understanding of how to contribute to the process and management of technological innovation.

See full description

01 May 2026

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T848 and U810.

Credit transfer

If you’ve successfully completed some relevant postgraduate study elsewhere, you might be able to count it towards this qualification, reducing the number of modules you need to study. You should apply for credit transfer as soon as possible, before you register for your first module. For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

On completion

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our Postgraduate Diploma in Space Science and Technology. You’ll be entitled to use the letters PG Dip SpST (Open) after your name.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

Postgraduate Diploma in Space Science and Technology

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 18 March 2025.

Where do you live?

Please tell us where you live so that we can provide you with the most relevant information as you use this website.

If you are at a BFPO address please choose the country or region in which you would ordinarily be resident.

Please choose the country or region in which you would ordinarily be resident

Postgraduate Diploma in Space Science and Technology

Modules

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

Credit transfer

On completion

Regulations

How long it takes

Career relevance

Request your prospectus

The Open University

Explore

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

Policy

How to register

Modules

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

Credit transfer

On completion

Regulations

How long it takes

Career relevance

Request your prospectus

Where do you live?