This module enables you to develop independent research skills and contribute new information to a cutting-edge field of astronomy, planetary science or space technology. The module materials guide you in learning key methods to complete an in-depth research project remotely. These methods include remotely controlling experimental/observation equipment, using software to support calculations and simulations, and applying techniques to analyse data from publicly available or Open University archives. Your project will be on a topic of active research at the OU, ensuring we provide expert support.
You’ll start by choosing a project model from our selection. Each project model will set out a topic and methods that build on knowledge and skills from your earlier studies. After an initial literature review, you’ll devise your research question and work plan with guidance from your tutor supervisor and a current researcher in the field. Then you’ll conduct your research, including data generation/acquisition, analysis, further literature review, developing interpretations, and reporting. The structure of the module is summarised below:
Getting started
Introduction and orientation; choose your project model; meet your tutor and tutor group; refresh your information searching skills; refresh/start learning project model methods.
Developing your research question and research plan
Initial literature review; draft your research question and work plan; refine your research question and work plan following discussion with/feedback from your tutor, tutor group, and the topic specialist; conduct a skills audit.
Data generation/acquisition, analysis and interpretations
Apply project model methods for data generation/acquisition and analysis; further literature review; develop interpretations; draft selected sections of your report for tutor feedback.
Reporting your findings
Give a short talk summarising your key results and interpretations; complete your project report.
On completion, you’ll be able to:
You can choose a project directly linked to the space industry. Whatever project you choose, as you plan and conduct your research project, you’ll develop organisational skills, autonomy, and scientific communication skills valuable in various professions and for research degrees such as PhDs.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
In addition to your tutor supervisor’s support, you’ll benefit from interactions with a ‘module team specialist’ for your chosen project model. This specialist will be a current researcher in your project field. They’ll take questions on forums, contribute feedback on your research question, and offer practical support, such as scheduling your access to remote equipment.
Course work includes:
Your work will be assessed mainly on your final project report (80%), while the remaining marks will come from tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) centred on progress updates and planning.
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
You can only study this module as part of specific Open University qualifications.
SXS841 is a compulsory module in our:
Masters level project in physical sciences (SXS841) starts once a year – in November.
It will next start in November 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in November 2030.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
You must have passed Space science (S818).
This module builds on the knowledge and skills you’ll gain in Space science (S818) and from your undergraduate degree.
Before the module begins, we strongly recommend engaging with the Prepare or make a head start website for SXS841. It will provide links to resources to help you improve or refresh important skills and knowledge for your research project, such as critically reviewing scientific literature. Furthermore, the site will introduce the selection of project models; we’ll encourage you to tell us your preferred model. Some project models will have a student limit due to the availability of key equipment or tutor supervisors with suitable expertise, so expressing your preference early will give you the best chance of getting your first choice.
Some students with disabilities could have difficulties accessing online journals, data and software to generate data (for example, by modelling or controlling remote equipment) or analyse data. Library staff can support students with access to online journals. In cases where the software is under OU control, we will endeavour to make it accessible to meet your needs. However, we will not have such control over external resources, so some project models may not be accessible to all students. You can choose from various project models to tailor your choice to your needs.
If you’re using printed materials as part of reasonable adjustments to support your studies, note that printed versions of online materials are unavailable for this module.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.
| Start | End | Register by | England fee |
|---|
| 07 Nov 2026 | 31 Oct 2027 | 08 Oct 2026 | Not yet available* |
| *This start date is open for pre-booking, which means you can reserve your place ahead of the fees being confirmed. We’ll publish updated 2026/27 fees and funding information in late March 2026. |
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in England.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate tuition fee loans in Northern Ireland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Scotland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Wales.
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Joint loan applications
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As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average, the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.
Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
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Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
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We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
