Online – A one-year, research-intensive degree in Space Studies
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is ISU’s first fully online research degree. Designed for well-prepared candidates, it offers a focused, structured pathway to conduct independent research in the space domain, culminating in a thesis and an online oral defence.
Fully online. Completed in 12 months. No on-campus residency required.
From knowledge to research leadership
You already understand the space sector.
What’s next is impact.
The ISU Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is built for those who want to move beyond taught courses and position themselves as researchers, experts, and thought leaders in their field. Instead of broad lectures, you’ll spend the year developing, executing, and defending a research project aligned with your professional or academic ambitions.
This is a degree for people who want to publish, pursue a PhD, influence policy, or lead innovation in the global space ecosystem.
Designed for ambitious, independent candidates
The MPhil is ideal if you already hold a background in space studies, engineering, science, policy, or related disciplines and are ready to work independently on a sustained research project. The program combines academic rigor with the flexibility required by international professionals, allowing you to study from anywhere while remaining fully engaged in your career.
If you are primarily looking for classroom-based teaching or an on-campus student experience, ISU’s taught 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
As the program grows, additional research tracks will be developed to reflect emerging needs in the space sector.
Academic Structure
Fully online. Completed in 12 months. No on-campus residency required.
- Fundamentals of graduate research and design
- Research methodologies
- Thesis I
- Thesis II
- Thesis III
Additional Informations
Admission
With rolling admissions and three annual intakes in March, June, and September, you can start when the timing is right for you.
Applications are reviewed continuously, and early submission is encouraged to allow optimal supervisory matching.
Tuition fee
The tuition fee for the MPhil is €20,000, payable in five quarterly installments of €4,000. A discounted rate of €18,000 is available for candidates choosing a one-time payment.
This investment includes academic supervision, structured research support, assessment, and access to ISU’s global academic and alumni network.
What you graduate with
By the end of the program, you will have completed a defended research thesis, strengthened your academic profile, and gained visibility within an international research community.
ISU actively supports thesis publication, helping you transform your work into a lasting contribution to the space sector.
