Key information
Duration: Full-time (48 months)
Start dates & application deadlines:
- Starting January 2027 — Apply before Oct 2026
- Starting April 2027 — Apply before Jan 2027
- Starting July 2027 — Apply before Apr 2027
- Starting October 2027 — Apply before Jul 2027
Language: English
Delivered: On Campus
Campus Location: Guildford, United Kingdom
Overview
On the Space Engineering PhD programme at the University of Surrey, you’ll work alongside academics, postdoctoral researchers and fellow postgraduate researchers as they push the boundaries of low-cost small satellites and develop new innovative technologies.
What you will study
- Postgraduate researchers are registered for a maximum of four years’ full-time study. You’ll be allocated two Surrey-based academic supervisors, in addition to any external collaborative supervisors. Your principal supervisor will be an expert in your area of research and will monitor your research progress.
- The supervisors will help you define the initial objective and scope of your research, and to refine these as the project evolves. They’ll direct you to resources to help you learn the necessary experimental, theoretical or computing skills, and they’ll advise you on the completion of your PhD and the content of your thesis. In many cases, external collaborative supervisors are appointed to contribute specific expertise or facilitate access to resources or organisations. Your office will be located in the Surrey Space Centre building and you’ll typically share space alongside researchers with related interests.
- As a PhD student, you’ll be assigned to a research group that includes a team of academics, postdoctoral researchers, guest scientists and fellows. Many areas of research at the Centre are interdisciplinary and you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with scientists at universities, research establishments and industries around the world. If your PhD project is collaborative, it may involve travel for meetings with collaborators and access to specialised facilities.
Programme Structure
Research themes
- Astrodynamics
- Onboard data handling
- Propulsion
- Remote sensing and Earth observation
- Space environment and protection
- Spacecraft structures and mechanisms.
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
GPA: Lower Second Class, Upper Second Class (recommended)
English requirements
- Duolingo English Test: 120
- TOEFL iBT: 88 (or 4.5 on the new TOEFL iBT 1-6 score, CEFR-aligned equivalent)
- PTE Academic: 67
- IELTS: 6.5
Other requirements
General requirements: Applicants are expected to hold a first or upper second-class (2:1) UK degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent overseas qualification), or a lower-second (2:2) UK degree plus a good UK masters degree - distinction normally required (or equivalent overseas qualification).
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
International: 53,072 AUD / year (≈ 28,300 GBP / year)
Domestic: 9,823 AUD / year (≈ 5,238 GBP / year)
Additional Details
Part-time: UK £2,619; Overseas £14,200
Living costs
Guildford, United Kingdom: 1,238–2,138 AUD / month
For more information, visit the programme website.
