Space technologies like satellites and rockets help us understand our place in the Universe. They let us pinpoint our location, support GPS trackers in our navigation and fitness apps, give up-to-the minute weather information, and make modern broadcasting possible—as well as allowing us to explore beyond the Earth.
From its isolated position, surrounded by water, Aotearoa is the ideal place to launch into space—and the industry is booming. Worth practically nothing in 2016, it grew to $NZ1.6 billion by the end of 2019.
Fill in the form to find out more about studying Space Science at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Space Science is a great thing to study because it allows you to satisfy your curiosity about our Universe, while also learning about technology with real life applications.
Full storyYvette Perrott
Lecturer in Astrophysics
Space Science looks at all parts of the space industry—from the technical innovations needed to go into space, to the ethical and legal issues that develop as we push out of Earth’s orbit.
You’ll learn about the basic scientific nature of the space environment and the technical aspects of getting into space. Delve into the history of astronomy and space exploration, and find out about the importance of the night sky in Māori and Pasifika culture.
At the end of your degree you’ll have an in depth understanding of the space sector and strong mathematical and computing skills—helping to open employment pathways in both the growing space sector and other technical sectors.
The world needs a space-aware generation that understands the broad connections between various space sectors—we need cross-disciplinary thinking to flourish in our exploration of space.
Full storyTulasi Parashar
Lecturer in Physics
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is the only New Zealand university to offer Space Science as a major.
You’ll be studying at the heart of Aotearoa’s most exciting new industry, and taking advantage of our connections—to public bodies like the New Zealand Space Agency, and to world-leading space companies based in New Zealand, like Rocket Lab, Space Base, and Kea Aerospace.
And you don’t need NCEA Level 3 Mathematics or Physics to study Space Science with us. Core courses give you the background you need in these areas, allowing you to step into the industry—whatever you studied in high school.
After you complete your undergraduate degree in Space Science, you can continue to explore this area more deeply at postgraduate level.
The University is home to an active group of researchers specialising in a range of disciplines. Meet our Space Science researchers and find out about their areas of interest.
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