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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.

  • Develop skills in conducting science in the space environment through the use of robotic experiments
  • Explore current debates in space and planetary sciences using data from space missions
  • Develop technical and professional skills according to your individual needs and interests

This postgraduate diploma is the same as the first two-thirds of our MSc in Space Science and Technology (F77). The first half is the same as our Postgraduate Certificate in Space Science (K28).

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

How to register

Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.

Modules

To gain this qualification, you need 120 credits as follows:

Stage 1 (60 credits)

60 credits from:

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 31 Jan 2026

Stage 2 (60 credits)

At least 30 credits from option group 1:

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 2025
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 2025
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 2025
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 2025
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 04 Oct 2025
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 04 Oct 2025
Applied statistical modelling  (M348) 1

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

See full description

 30 04 Oct 2025
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 04 Oct 2025
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

 30 No current presentation
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

Register
 30 04 Oct 2025
Coding theory (M836) 2

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

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Register
 30 04 Oct 2025
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 04 Oct 2025
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.

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 30 04 Oct 2025
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 04 Oct 2025
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 04 Oct 2025
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.

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 30 04 Oct 2025
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.

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 30 04 Oct 2025
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.

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 30 04 Oct 2025
Electromagnetism (SM381) 1

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

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 30 04 Oct 2025
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.

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Register
 30 04 Oct 2025
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 04 Oct 2025
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 04 Oct 2025
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 04 Oct 2025
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.

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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.

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Register
 30 01 Nov 2025
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 2025
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.

Up to 30 credits from option group 2:

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 2025
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 Nov 2025
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 Nov 2025
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T848 and U810.

You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 40 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:

  • Knowledge and understanding
  • Cognitive skills
  • Practical and professional skills
  • Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes.

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. 

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.

You should typically have

  • a UK honours degree (or equivalent) in physics, astronomy, geosciences, chemistry, engineering or mathematics.

We’ll ask you to prove you have this when you register for your first module Space science (S818). We will, however, consider applications from non-graduates with other relevant qualifications or experience.

We don’t require you to have previously studied space science or astronomy.

You can check if you’re ready for S818 with our self-assessed diagnostic – Are you ready for S818?

Some option modules have additional entry requirements. We’ll ask you to prove you meet them when you register for any of these modules:

It’s important that you read the entry requirements (found in the individual module descriptions) for any option modules you’re considering before registering.

We recommend you have minimum IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores of:

  • Reading: 5.5
  • Writing: 5.5
  • Speaking: 5.5
  • Listening: 5.5
  • Overall: 6.0.

Our free course, Succeeding in postgraduate study, helps you develop the skills and confidence to manage the requirements and demands of postgraduate study.

How long it takes

Most students study the Postgraduate Diploma in Space Science and Technology part-time, completing 60 credits a year over two years. Typically, this means 12–18 study hours each week.

You must complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Space Science and Technology within four years.

Career relevance

This qualification is directly relevant to scientific and technical careers in the space sector. It is particularly relevant to roles that are concerned with acquisition, handling and interpretation of data obtained by space-based instrumentation.

Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.

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