Graduate Certificate in Space Studies
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
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You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
LCSD
Study as
Full-time
Mode
On-campus/Online
Fees
$AU 17,100 per 0.5 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2025
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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
- Successfully completed either the Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program at UniSA or the International Space University Summer Space Program.
This program will be available in Semester 2, 2025 for applicants who have completed the Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program within the last 3 years. Applications for Semester 2 2025 intake will be open from 1st April 2025.
Degree overview
- Expand your knowledge on space issues through a personalised research project.
- Extend your learning from the Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program (SH-SSP), offered by UniSA and the International Space University.
- Study at the No. 1 university in SA for learning resources1 and skills development2.
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2020-21 – Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate and Postgraduate). SA public universities.
22022 Good Universities Guide – Postgraduate.
Snapshot
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 three 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 once a year at the beginning of Study Period 5 in July.
On-campus teaching for this program is based at the Mawson Lakes campus. Only 20 minutes from the city centre with easy parking. The Mawson Lakes campus is also accessible by bus and train with the Mawson Lakes train station only a short walk.
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.
What you'll learn
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 nanosatellites and improving reliability 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.
Study hours
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, as well as to 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.
Assessment
Your assessment will include:
- project concept, proposal and report
- participation in presentation of your project report, either in person or via video conference.
Global opportunities
The Graduate Certificate in Space Studies is based on the international, intercultural and interdisciplinary educational philosophy for which the International Space University (ISU) is renowned. As a graduate of this truly global qualification, you could consider a career anywhere in - or out of - the world:
- space technology (design of space launch systems, space vehicle component design and satellite payloads)
- telecommunications
- earth observation/remote sensing
- space policy and regulation
- space tourism
- applications of space technologies
To be inspired about where space-related qualifications can lead you, look no further than the success stories on the International Space University (ISU) website.
Why Graduate Certificate in Space Studies
The space industry is emerging as one of the most lucrative industries globally.
The industry was valued at US$360 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach US$558 billion by 2026. Much of this growth is driven by demand for nanosatellites and re-useable launch vehicle systems supported by the massive investment in development of these next generation space systems.
With the announcement of the Australian Space Agency and federal investment, it is expected that by 2030, the value of the local space industry will have tripled to $12 billion and create up to 20,000 jobs.
The Graduate Certificate in Space Studies program will appeal to people within space-related industries or those who have a genuine interest in space. Students will be drawn from and enter employment in the following space sectors:
• Space science and technology (design of space launch systems, space vehicle component design and satellite payloads)
• Telecommunications
• Earth observation / Remote sensing
• Space policy and regulation
• Space mission design
• Applications of space technologies
Online study
Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. This means that you can:
- study online, including accessing 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.
Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any applicable requirements will be detailed on individual course pages.
Industry facts
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces 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 also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal 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.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your program director
Dr Ady James is an Associate Professor at UniSA where he teaches Systems Engineering, Space Studies and Space Science.
He is Co-Director for the Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program and the Director of Education & Training with the SmartSat CRC.
He obtained a Ph.D. in Space Science at University College London’s Department of Space and Climate Physics in 1997, where he developed a fast ion spectrometer for the Russian Mars 96 spacecraft. After completing his PhD he worked on various space programs including Mars 96, Cluster II, XMM Newton, MOSES and, most recently, Solar-B (Hinode) launched in 2006. He then spent 4 years as project manager for the Basic Technology Smart X-ray Optics program up until October 2010 and then as Systems Engineer for the VIS instrument on the ESA Euclid Space project until early 2012.
In early 2012 Dr James moved to Australia to establish a local node of the Mullard Space Science Laboratory (MSSL), during this time he has taught Project Management and Systems Engineering as well as supervising numerous MSc and PhD student. From 2013 until it’s closure in 2017 Dr James was Academic Director for the UCL Australia campus. Dr James has been involved in the Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program since 2012 and was co-Director for the 2018, 2019 and 2020 programs.
Dr James is a Fellow of the Association of Project Management and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
