Fully Online Research Master’s Degree

in Space Studies

A research-intensive master’s program designed for independent, supervised research in the space domain.

This program is ISU’s first fully online research master’s degree, created for well-prepared candidates ready to work autonomously on a substantial research project. Rather than following taught courses, students pursue a focused, structured research pathway, culminating in the submission and online defence of an original thesis.

No on-campus residency required.
Culminates in the award of a Master of Philosophy (MPhil).

From knowledge to research impact

You already understand the space sector.
Now it’s time to create new knowledge.

This research master’s degree is designed for candidates who want to move beyond coursework and focus on a single, substantial research project. Instead of attending lectures, you will spend the year designing, conducting, and defending an independent study aligned with your professional or academic interests.

Graduates strengthen their research profile, publish their work, and move into research-driven roles across academia, industry, government, and international organizations.

Why choose this research master’s?

  • Research-only (no taught courses)
  • One year, full-time (up to two years part-time)
  • Fully online, study from anywhere
  • Individual academic supervision
  • Defended original thesis

Who this degree is for

This program is for self-directed candidates who are ready to work independently on a sustained research project.

The degree combines academic rigor with flexibility, allowing you to study fully online while remaining active in your career.

If you are seeking a classroom-based, cohort-driven experience, ISU’s taught master’s programs may be a better fit.

Research areas

You will conduct research within ISU’s interdisciplinary space framework. Current supervision areas include:

Space Science

Space Economics, Policy, and Management

Space Life and Human Sciences

Space Humanities

Space Engineering and Applications

Additional research areas will be added as the program evolves.

Program Structure

Fully online.

Designed for completion in 12 months (full-time) or up to 24 months (part-time).

No on-campus residency required.

You will:

  • Develop a research question and proposal
  • Apply appropriate research methods
  • Conduct supervised independent research
  • Write and defend an original thesis

This is a research-only degree. There are no taught courses or lecture-based modules.

Additional Informations

Admissions

Students may begin the program at any time of the year (365 days a year) through ISU’s rolling admissions model.

Once admitted, you begin immediately with the Foundation Research and Orientation phase, followed by entry into your first supervised research module at the next available assessment cycle.

Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Early application is encouraged to allow appropriate supervisory matching.

Tuition fee

  • €20,000, payable in five quarterly installments of €4,000
  • €18,000 one-time payment option

Tuition includes academic supervision, structured research support, assessment, and access to ISU’s global academic and alumni network.

Graduation

By the end of the program, you will have:

  • Completed and defended an original research thesis
  • Strengthened your academic and professional research profile
  • Gained visibility within an international research community

ISU actively supports thesis publication and dissemination to help extend the impact of your work.

Award: Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

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The application deadline for our flagship programs closes soon!

Don’t miss your chance to launch your career in the space sector.

Apply before 30 april