SpaceProjects.uk connects university students and academics with organisations offering space-related research, design and technical projects.
Companies can submit project proposals throughout the year. However, university project schedules vary between institutions, courses and degree levels. Understanding these schedules helps organisations plan projects and identify suitable students.
How Does the Process Work?
1. Submit a project proposal
A company submits a project idea using the SpaceProjects.uk submission form. The proposal should explain the problem, intended objectives, desired project duration, preferred starting date and skills that would be useful.
2. Project review and advertisement
The SpaceProjects.uk team reviews the proposal and may recommend adjustments to make it suitable for a university project. Once the advertisement is agreed, it can be published on the website and circulated through relevant networks.
3. Applications and selection
There are two routes through which projects can be allocated:
- Student-led route: A student checks the project’s suitability with their university and secures support from an academic supervisor before applying. The host organisation selects the successful applicant.
- Academic-led route: An academic applies for a project on behalf of their university. If selected by the host organisation, the academic subsequently identifies a suitable student.
4. Project agreement
Before work begins, the relevant participants complete the Project Agreement setting out the project arrangements, responsibilities and applicable conditions.
5. Project delivery
The student completes the project within their university’s academic requirements. The university provides academic supervision and assessment, while the host organisation provides technical guidance, relevant information and necessary resources.
Understanding University Project Timelines
University projects do not follow one fixed national timetable.
The following periods are indicative examples rather than guaranteed dates:
| Project type | Typical project period |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate — first semester | September to December |
| Undergraduate — second semester | January to May |
| Undergraduate — both semesters | September to May |
| Some Master’s projects | March to September |
Exact project dates and student-selection deadlines depend on the course and university.
When Should Companies Propose Projects?
Projects can be submitted throughout the year.
As a general planning guideline, organisations should aim to submit their proposals around three months before their preferred project start date, allowing time for review, advertising, student applications, academic approval and agreements.
Companies should also consider:
- The preferred start date and duration of the project.
- The technical and academic skills required.
- Whether the project scope can be adapted to different university requirements.
- The time needed to identify a suitable student and academic supervisor.
- Any resources, confidentiality arrangements or agreements needed before work begins.
Early submission may increase the opportunity to advertise a project before university allocation deadlines, but selection of a student cannot be guaranteed.
Further Information
For detailed scheme information, consult the Scheme Handbook.
Questions about project suitability or scheduling can be directed to spaceprojects@ukseds.org.