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Space Systems Engineering (Degree Apprenticeship)

Course details
  • BEng (Hon)
  • 4 Years
  • Part-time
  • 14/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

Overview

Develop your engineering role in the space or aerospace sector with this work-based degree, and help meet the challenges faced at the next frontier in technology.

With this degree apprenticeship in space systems engineering, you'll develop skills in systems engineering, hardware design, coding and the commercial application of your new abilities. You'll be studying on day release, which means you'll be able to apply your new knowledge to your workplace throughout your study, giving you and your employer a toolkit to meet the skills gap identified by the UK Space Agency.

You'll learn practical methods to apply contemporary space engineering practice in your career, whether in spacecraft operation and aerospace design, or in earthbound fields that can benefit from innovation in technology. You'll also build your connections with commercial and academic operators in the sector, develop your understanding of industry's current state, and position yourself to steer a course through the possibilities of outer space.

This is a new course and we're finalising the detailed information for this page.

Modules

What you'll study

  • Year 1 *
    Introduction to Programming - 20 credits
    Introduction to Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics - 20 credits
    Mathematical Principles - 20 credits
    Principles of Digital Systems - 20 credits

  • Year 2 *
    Introduction to Materials and Manufacture - 20 credits
    Group Design Project - 20 credits
    Space Systems Engineering and Mission Design - 20 credits
    Telecommunication Principles - 20 credits

  • Year 3 *
    Computer Aided Engineering and Product Manufacture - 20 credits
    Control and Instrumentation - 20 credits
    Microcontrollers and Programmable Logic - 20 credits
    Science of the Space Environment - 20 credits

  • Year 4 *
    BEng Individual Project - 40 credits
    Finite Element Analysis in Solid Mechanics - 20 credits
    Sustainable Development and Environmental Management - 20 credits
    Mission Operations and Data Handling - 20 credits
    Spacecraft Manufacturing and Testing - 20 credits

Changes to course content

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

How to apply

To apply for this course you will be taken to the provider's website, where you can find out more information and make an application.

Application codes

Institution code:
P80
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 104 - 112 points

104-112 points from 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, to include a relevant subject.

A level - BBC - BCC

104-112 points from 2 or 3 A levels, to include a relevant subject.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM

Must be in a relevant subject.

Access to HE Diploma

106-112 Tariff points from the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject.

Scottish Higher - Not accepted

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Acceptable when combined with other qualifications

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)

Acceptable when combined with other qualifications

Scottish Advanced Higher

104-112 Tariff points to include a relevant subject.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 27 points

27 points from the IB Diploma with 555 at Higher Level, to include a Higher Level in a relevant subject.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)

104-112 points from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate including 2 A levels one of which must be a relevant subject, plus the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H3, H4 - H2, H2, H3, H3, H3

To include a Higher Level in a numerical subject.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

Cambridge Pre-U score of 50-54, to include a relevant subject.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE English and mathematics at grade C/4 or above.

T Level - M

Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning, T Level in Building Services Engineering, T Level in Engineering and Manufacturing Design and Development, T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing, T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

Applicants aged 16-18 must have acceptable Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths, such as GCSE with grade C/4 or above or Functional Skills. If you do not have acceptable qualifications, you will be required to obtain this. Those aged 19 and over are only subject to these requirements if you or your employer choose for you to study towards English and Maths qualifications, which will be funded. Please note that you may still be required to evidence accepted Level 2 qualifications for the course, as part of academic assessment.

Additional entry requirements

Interview
All applicants will be invited to attend an academic interview and may be asked to submit a portfolio of work or undertake additional assessment.
Portfolio
All applicants will be invited to attend an academic interview and may be asked to submit a portfolio of work or undertake additional assessment.
Other
All applicants will be required to complete a Skills Gap Analysis before completing an application form.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

University of Portsmouth offers are based on a holistic assessment of students' potential including exam results, work experience and personal circumstances. The University aims to foster social mobility and equality of opportunity, particularly for those facing social challenges.
For creative subjects, portfolios and interviews allow applicants to showcase their talent and passion. We recognise locality, personal circumstances and creativity which could lead to a reduced or unconditional offer.

Learn more on the University of Portsmouth website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

The course fee is shared between the Government and some employers, meaning no cost to you as the degree apprentice.

Please see http://www.port.ac.uk/degree-apprenticeships/ for further information.

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