MPhys

Space Science and Robotics

Space Science and Robotics Code FH5P Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

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You are viewing this course for September start 2022

Key Facts

FH5P

  • UCAS Tariff

    128 - 120

  • Course duration

    4 years

Further details on entry requirements

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Space Science and Robotics, at Aberystwyth University, is one of only a few such courses in the UK.

You will be exposed to the foundations of space exploration and equipped with the skills that meet the requirements and challenges of the space industry, as well as the planning and development of future Space Physics and Astrophysics missions. You will also be immersed in both the fundamentals of Computer Science and the very latest technological innovations.

By studying this degree, you will be immersed in exciting developments surrounding the subject area, for example the current European Space Agency ExoMars 2020 Project.

Course Overview

Why study MPhys Space Science and Robotics at Aberystwyth?

  • Physics has been taught at Aberystwyth University since its foundation and it continues to be an innovative learning experience for all.
  • You will be taught by experts in their field.
  • Learn in state of the art facilities which provides a stimulating learning environment.
  • This degree will allow you to develop skills and capabilities sought by the main employers in this discipline and you’ll graduate with the competences necessary to undertake the career you choose.
  • The Department also offers a number of modules taught entirely or partially through the medium of Welsh. Further details may be obtained from the Department.
Our Staff

Department of Physics Lecturers are all qualified to PhD level and have a track record of research in their fields of specialisation.

Almost all of the Department of Computer Science lecturers are qualified to PhD level, and those who are not have considerable research or industrial experience. All new lecturers are required to obtain the PGCTHE, and hence are Senior Fellows or Fellows of the Higher Education Academy. The department also employs a number of part time demonstrators and tutors and some student demonstrators, who are selected from our undergraduate and postgraduate students. Research fellows and research assistants (mostly PhD qualified) may also be involved in delivering occasional teaching when it is appropriate.

Modules September start - 2022

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
C and C++ CS23820 20
Optics PH22010 10
Planets PH28510 10
Practical Research Skills PH25720 20
Robotics and Embedded Systems CS26020 20
Scientific Python CS24420 20
Sensors, Electronics & Instrumentation PH24520 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Concepts in Condensed Matter Physics PH32410 10
Ionospheres & Magnetospheres PH39510 10
Major Project CS39440 40
Planetary Neutral Atmospheres PH38510 10
Robotic Applications CS36010 10
Semiconductor Technology PH33610 10
Space Robotics CS36510 10

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Agile Development and Testing CS31310 10
Computer Vision CS34110 10
Fundamentals of Machine Learning CS36110 10
Ubiquitous Computing CS35710 10

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Advanced Research Topics PHM7020 20
Fundamentals of Intelligent Systems CSM6120 20
Internet Technologies CHM5720 20
Major Project PHM5860 60

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

What can I do with a Space Science and Robotics degree?

Our graduates have discovered careers with the space industry and have gone on to specialise in space robotics or a related field of astrophysics or robotics.

Students could also consider these potential careers:

  • computer programming
  • systems development
  • engineering
  • teaching

On successful completion of this course, other graduates have pursued postgraduate study in the physics field.

Employability is embedded across all of our teaching and ethics. We instil these skills to our students:

  • research and data analysis skills
  • enhanced mathematical and computational skills
  • effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills
  • the ability to work independently
  • time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines
  • the ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form
  • self-motivation and self-reliance
  • team-working, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement.

What work experience opportunities exist whilst studying? 

Click here to find out about the various opportunities that our Aberystwyth University Careers team offer. 

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and YES (Year in Employment Scheme) managed by our Careers department. 

Course Content

What will I learn?

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the four year degree scheme.

In your first year you may explore:

  • computer infrastructure
  • astronomy
  • modern physics
  • programming
  • classical dynamics

In your second year you may discover:

  • C & C ++ environments
  • robotics and embedded systems
  • optics
  • planets
  • experimental physics
  • scientific python

In your third year you will study:

  • space robotics
  • condensed matter physics
  • semiconductor technology
  • planetary atmospheres
  • your major final year project

In your final year you will:

  • explore the fundamentals of intelligent systems
  • investigate internet technologies
  • undertake a major project

How will I be taught?

We teach our students through lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, practicals, individual and group-based project work.

We assess our students through coursework, presentations, lab reports, lab diaries and examinations.

Further information:

You will be assigned a personal tutor throughout your degree course, who will help you with any problems or queries, whether these are academic-related or personal issues. You should feel free to contact them at any time for help and advice.

You will also have the opportunity to complete a Personal Development Plan (PDP) at Aberystwyth. This is a structured process of self-appraisal, reflection, and planning, which will enable you to chart your personal, academic and professional development throughout your time at university. By recording your academic performance, and highlighting the skills you already have and those you will need for future employability, the PDP portfolio will equip you with the necessary tools to plan effectively, develop successful approaches to study, and consider your future career options and aspirations.

Student Testimonials

I have found my course truly interesting and very rewarding. Undertaking an industrial year has boosted my practical programming skills tenfold, if not more. The lecturers are professional and helpful and the course provides a wide variety of subject knowledge. The first year of the course is a very nice, manageable introduction to the field of computer science. As a student who had no previous experience in the field I was rather tentative when first coming to University, but within a few weeks I had hit the ground running with the implementation of a challenging, yet rewarding project. Daniel William James Drave

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 128 - 120

A Levels ABB-BBB with B in Mathematics and B in Physics or Computer Science

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh and Mathematics

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-DMM with specified subjects and B in Mathematics A level and B in Physics

International Baccalaureate:
32-30 points overall with 5 points in Mathematics and 5 points in Physics or Computer Science at Higher Level

European Baccalaureate:
75% overall with 7 in Mathematics and Physics or Computer Science

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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