Graduate Certificate in Space Studies
Postgraduate
2024
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
Postgraduate
2024
LCSD
Full-time
On-campus/Online
$AU 16,250 per 0.5 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2024
Applicants are required to have:
This program will be available in Semester 2, 2024 for applicants who have completed the Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program within the last 3 years.
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2020-21 – Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate and Postgraduate). SA public universities.
22022 Good Universities Guide – Postgraduate.
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.
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:
1 An alternative prerequisite is completion of an International Space University Space Studies Program held elsewhere in the world.
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.
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
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.
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
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.
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.
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in 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 (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.
Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form.
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.