Course summary

Unmanned exploration of the solar system has been one of the outstanding successes of the space age. Most of these spacecraft, orbiters, landers and rovers have been either fully commanded-controlled from the Earth or have been controlled by onboard programmes. If you are interested in understanding the challenges to be met in robotic exploration of the solar system and their solutions, then our degree allows you to be immersed in both the fundamentals of computer science and the very latest technological innovations. This degree scheme, one of only a few such courses in the UK, will expose you to the foundations of space exploration and will equip you 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. By studying this degree, you will be immersed in exciting developments surrounding the subject area, for example, the Department of Physics at Aberystwyth University are involved in the current European Space Agency ExoMars 2020 Project. In choosing this degree you will learn in state of the art facilities which provides a stimulating environment and you will also be taught by experts in their field. Throughout this degree, you will be introduced to computer infrastructure, astronomy, modern physics, programming, classical dynamics, optics, space robotics, planetary atmospheres, condensed matter physics and semiconductor technology. Career planning and skills development will also form a key element in some modules. Students wishing to study through the medium of Welsh may do so with our Welsh-medium modules. Further details regarding Welsh-medium study are available from the department. Our students learn 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. You will be assigned a personal tutor, who can help with any difficulties you might have with the degree or with university life. Employability is embedded across all our teaching and ethics. We instil these skills in our students: research and data analysis, problem-solving, creative thinking, independent working, time management, organisation, self-motivation, communication and teamworking. The ability to discuss concepts with peers, accommodate different viewpoints, meet deadlines and communicate ideas in a clear, concise manner in both written and oral form are highly desirable skills in industry. You are encouraged to contact the University’s Careers Service in relation to work experience opportunities. Year in Employment Scheme (YES) and GO Wales are administered by the Career Service which works with local businesses to create paid work placements for students. This helps you gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV. The skills you will learn are highly pertinent to employers. 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. Your degree will also give you an advantage in careers such as computer programming, systems development, engineering and teaching. In addition, you will acquire transferable skills, such as problem-solving abilities, needed for success in a wider range of careers.