Major overview
This course is a new Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) major available from 2026.
This is an Advanced Science honours course designed for high-performing students to pursue their interest in space and planetary science through a core of discipline knowledge alongside project-based learning, leadership and entrepreneurship.
Through embedded research and industry engagement, you will have the opportunity to investigate various specialist areas of space and planetary science, and tailor your study plan to your career aims.
You’ll benefit from working across disciplines with Advanced Science peers, networking opportunities and workshops in career skills, entrepreneurship, leadership and communication. From second year, you’ll undertake year-long projects alongside leading researchers or engage with industry experts. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue for-credit applied work experiences.
This major will give you a solid foundation in space and planetary sciences that you can either deepen or broaden through elective units and year-long, student-led projects that are unique to Advanced Science majors. You can also use elective units to study a minor or specialisation to tailor your degree for technical careers that incorporate, for example, data science, geophysics, artificial intelligence, ICT and intelligent robotics.
The course explores the structure and evolution of the Solar System, including Earth as a planet, and the practicalities of space exploration. Within that realm, your studies will cover space environments and operations and space system design, as well as the key drivers of space exploration. You'll learn digital technologies and how to gather and interpret data that are relevant to planetary and terrestrial geoscience.
You’ll graduate with the expertise and innovation mindset to lead in diverse areas of space research and industry – including space exploration, planetary geology, remote sensing, space system design, space operations, global navigation systems and more.
How to study this major
A major is a set of eight or more units you complete as part of a degree, including at least two in your final year. To study this major, you’ll need to apply for one of the degrees listed below.
Career outcomes
Graduates will be well-positioned for careers in the commercial and government-sponsored space sector including space exploration and remote sensing, space-based Earth observation, access to space services such as satellite communication, global navigation, and other infrastructure operations. The World Economic Forum has reported that the space economy is “creating value for multiple industries and solutions to many of the world’s most pressing challenges”.¹ Domestically, the Australian space sector is projected to grow significantly over the next 10 years.² ³
Careers
- Planetary and space scientist
- Space research and technology consultant
- Space business developer and industry consultant
- Geoscientist
- Geoscience data analyst
- Remote sensing scientist
- Global navigation systems expert
Industries
- Research, innovation and entrepreneurship
- Space exploration
- Space engineering
- Remote sensing
- Space-based Earth observation
- Global navigation systems and operations
- Defence science and technology
- Space-enabled services
- Access to space
1. Space: The $1.8 Trillion Opportunity for Global Economic Growth. World Economic Forum report in knowledge partnership with McKinsey & Company (2024)
2. Advancing Space: Australian Civil Space Strategy 2019–28. Department of Industry, Science and Resources (2019)
3. Western Australian Space Industry Strategy 2024–30. Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation
Why study at Curtin?
Unique in Western Australia
Curtin is one of only a few universities in Australia, and the only one in WA, that offers an undergraduate program in space and planetary sciences (distinct from astrophysics.
Global industry partnerships
Curtin’s School of Earth and Planetary Sciences and the Space Science and Technology Centre have a legacy of engagements with NASA, ESA, JAXA and CNSA space missions, as well as Apollo-era lunar sample work.
Renowned research strength
Curtin has a renowned space and planetary research program led by world-leading planetary scientists, remote sensing specialists and engineers who partner with students for applied project experiences.
Major structure
What you’ll learn
To begin with, you will study units that focus on Earth science, planetary science, communications and global challenges, mathematics, physics and programming.
In second year, along with your project and elective units, you’ll learn about space research, space exploration and industry, and the drivers of space exploration – such as the aspiration for knowledge about the origins and nature of life in the universe. You can also tailor your learning across planetary geology, geochemistry, geology and technology-specific areas such as remote sensing and satellite observation.
Your third year focuses on diverse aspects of space exploration and missions, including the influence of space environments on equipment and astronauts, and the topics of living, exploring and assessing resources on the Moon and Mars. This area aligns with international endeavours such as the NASA Artemis program that includes permanent human presence on the Moon, and the Australian Moon to Mars initiative.
In laboratory work, you’ll learn to apply computing and data analysis, and the applications of remote sensing, space systems, machine learning and AI techniques.
This course has an embedded honours fourth year where you will lead a defining research project and prepare for careers in research or industry.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
How to apply
This major is part of a degree. To apply, choose the degree you want to study and review its entry requirements. Then, prepare any required documents and submit your application before the deadline for your chosen intake.
After you receive and accept your offer, you can enrol in this double degree either at the start of your degree or later in your studies, depending on your course structure.
Choose your degree
To study this major, you'll need to apply one of the degrees listed below.Explore more
Find more resources to help you take the next step in your Curtin journey.