Graduate Certificate in Space Operations (Canberra)
- Commencing Terms
- Semester 1 & 2
- Duration
- 0.5 Year(s) to 1 Year
- Delivery Mode
- Online
- Campus
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Canberra
- Codes
- Program code 7353
- CRICOS code -
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2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $19,500*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $19,500*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $24,000*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $24,500*
Fees
Fees
-
Industry connected
-
Broad electives
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100% online
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Space Operations equips you with the skills to thrive in the rapidly evolving space industry. You'll explore how to plan, operate, and manage space systems, focusing on technical and strategic decision-making.
Studying at UNSW Canberra means learning from leading experts in space operations and accessing cutting-edge facilities, including Australia’s first space mission design facility and satellite ground stations. You’ll be prepared for roles such as satellite operations specialist, space policy analyst, or space systems engineer. This program opens doors to exciting careers in military, civilian, and commercial space sectors.
This 6-month full-time program (or part-time equivalent) is delivered entirely online, offering the flexibility to balance your studies with work or other commitments. You can progress at your own pace while gaining in-demand skills for the space industry.
Key features
Pursue your interests through electives
To complement your core learning, you’ll have your choice of 15+ electives. Study areas range from Cyber Resilience and Spaceborne Imaging Technology, to Applied Machine Learning and Global Security.
Expert-led online learning
Study under leading space operations experts at UNSW Canberra, the nation’s top space institution. Our fully online program gives you the flexibility to learn from anywhere, while still benefiting from world-class teaching and support.
Diverse career opportunities
This program opens up opportunities across military, civilian and commercial sectors. From satellite operations to space policy, you’ll graduate with the skills needed to thrive in a range of high-demand space operations careers.
Why study at UNSW Canberra?
Flexible online learning
UNSW Canberra’s Graduate Certificate in Space Operation is delivered entirely online, allowing you to balance your studies with work or other commitments. Study at your own pace while gaining access to world-class resources and support from anywhere in the world.
Strong defence and industry connections
With over 50 years of close collaboration with the Australian Defence Force, UNSW Canberra has deep links to government and industry. These connections offer students unique opportunities for networking, internships and career pathways in both civilian and defence sectors.
Supportive, close-knit community
UNSW Canberra offers a supportive learning environment with small class sizes and the best teacher-to-student ratio in Australia. Even when you study entirely online, you’ll benefit from personalised support and a strong sense of community.
Entry requirements
Please refer to the UNSW Handbook for the Entry Requirements.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
What will I study?
Program structure
The Graduate Certificate in Space Operations at UNSW Canberra is delivered by the School of Engineering and Information Technology. Students will complete 24 Units of Credit (UOC), including a mix of core and elective courses.
Core courses cover key topics such as space systems engineering, satellite operations, and the strategic utilisation of space in military, civilian, and commercial contexts. Elective courses allow students to tailor their learning, exploring areas like space law, policy, and remote sensing. This flexible structure provides both foundational and specialised knowledge, ensuring graduates are prepared for diverse roles in space operations.
Full program structure
This program contains a total of 24 units of credit (UOC) and can be completed in 6 months. Most courses are 6 UOC. Students must complete:
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- Space Operations
- Space Systems Technology
- Space Systems Engineering Management
- Space Cooperation, Conflict and Competition
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- Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)
- Cyber Resilience: Management Governance and Acquisition
- Information Assurance Principles
- Satellite Communications
- Spaceborne Imaging Technology
- Requirements Practice
- Test and Evaluation
- Project Management Body of Knowledge
- Capability Option Analysis
- Applied Machine Learning
- Global Security
- Australian Defence Policy: Concepts and Challenges
- Contemporary Strategy
- International Law in Global Politics
- Military Game Changers in 21st Century Warfare
- Human Factors and the Technological Interface
- Understanding Social-Technical Systems: Ideas, Spaces and Cultures
Future careers
Future careers
Australia’s space sector is projected to generate over 20,000 jobs by 2030 (Australian Space Agency, 2019). According to a 2024 report, the global space economy is forecast to reach USD $1.8 trillion by 2035 (Government of Western Australia, 2024). In response, Australia is positioning itself as a key player, with sectors like Earth Observation, satellite communications and Defence-related space operations showing strong growth.
This makes roles like satellite operations specialist, space systems engineer and space policy analyst in high demand across the country. Potential employers include industry leaders such as Airbus, Lockheed Martin and Fleet Space Technologies, providing diverse career opportunities in both defence and commercial space sectors.
Potential roles
- Defence and Aerospace Consultant
- Ground Control Operator
- Mission Planner
- Project Manager (Space Missions)
- Satellite Data Analyst
- Satellite Operations Specialist
- Space Entrepreneur
- Space Operations Officer
- Space Operations Policy Analyst
- Space Systems Engineer
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders
