New Space Science major launching in 2023
In 2023* Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington will become the first university in Aotearoa New Zealand to offer Space Science as an undergraduate major, helping to meet the needs of New Zealand’s growing space industry.
The multi-disciplinary major will give graduates a strong foundation for future careers. Students will graduate with skills in the technical aspects of working in the space sector as well as an understanding of the ethical, legal, political, and humanitarian aspects of a developing space industry.
“We visualise Space Science as a gateway to the space sector for an array of potential students with a variety of interests and career aspirations,” says Dr Tulasi Parashar, a lecturer in the programme.
The major also does not require NCEA Level 3 physics or maths—generally an entrance requirement for university physics programmes.
“We want to engage a broad range of students. Although we expect the programme will appeal to those with a general interest in science and mathematics, we wanted to make the major as accessible as possible—and the core courses will provide the necessary background in these areas," says Dr Parashar.
The programme brings together experts in astrophysics, astronomy, space engineering, earth sciences, and data science from across the University. Topics covered will include the basic physics of the space environment, how space is accessed, introductory astrophysics and Māori astronomy, the ethical considerations of human exploration of space and kaitiakitanga of our near-Earth space environment, how space weather affects our modern-day technologies, and the use of space for Earth observation.
“We’re also offering students opportunities to get really hands on—practical lab experiments, sky watching, we’ll be hosting industry experts, and visiting different facilities and companies,” says Dr Yvette Perrott, a lecturer in the programme.
A major in Space Science will open a range of career opportunities. Graduates will have the skills to work in both a variety of roles in the technology sector, as well as the specific skills and knowledge to make themselves appealing employees in Aotearoa’s booming space sector. Examples of employers include government bodies like the New Zealand Space Agency or Land Information New Zealand, or technical companies like Rocket Lab, Leo Labs, or Xerra. This major opens up many postgraduate pathways for students, which can lead to high-level jobs in the New Zealand space sector, or international pathways into the technical aspects of space, which could lead to roles at NASA or ESA.
“This major has been designed in consultation with industry, as well as agencies such as the New Zealand Space Agency, and offers an enhanced learning experience compared to the traditional teaching and assessment of technical subjects.
“We can also see from the data that the space industry in Aotearoa is growing at an exponential rate, and we want to give graduates the skills to step straight into the industry,” says Dr Parashar.
For more information on the major, see our website.
*Space Science will be offered in 2023 subject to regulatory approval.