Space and Society University of Leicester

Overview

For much of history outer space has seemed like an impassable boundary, representing the absolute limit of human experience and knowledge. Yet today we can no longer think of space in these remote terms. It has begun to infiltrate even the most mundane aspects of daily living, from navigation and broadcasting, to meteorology, finance and defence, and it powerfully informs the stories we tell about ourselves and our world. There are now around 10,000 satellites in orbit performing essential functions that underpin everyday life, and this number is expected to double over the next decade.

Key facts

Space technologies are deeply embedded in our political, social, economic, artistic, and cultural systems, to the extent that we can no longer define space as ‘outer’. This growing reliance creates a rich environment for interdisciplinary study, especially as space shapes global cooperation, innovation, sustainable development, and cultural expression.Yet this is only part of the story. Nearly 60 years after the first Moon landing, we can now begin to imagine the next chapters of human life unfolding in space. Space tourism is emerging, and an increase in numbers of orbital space stations and platforms, and perhaps the first settlers creating permanent bases on the Moon, seem likely to occur this century. These developments raise fundamental questions about how humans will live, work, and govern themselves in space. As new frontiers open, they will demand new legal, political, social, and cultural frameworks to support peaceful and productive interactions beyond Earth.If the ‘orbital age’ signals a new industrial revolution, then understanding our evolving relationship with space is not only intellectually vital, it is urgent. Firmly grounded in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, this pioneering interdisciplinary MA offers a unique opportunity to explore these issues in depth.On this course, you will critically examine how humans have imagined, experienced, and interacted with space across time. It challenges you to think creatively and analytically about the cultural, political, and ethical dimensions of the new space age. Through a range of modules taught by leading experts, you'll engage with major debates, develop key analytical skills, and build a tailored degree based on your interests. This open-ended, future-facing approach encourages transformative thinking as humanity navigates the next frontier.You'll be taught by our experts involved in our pioneering Leverhulme Centre for Humanity and Space - a ground-breaking research hub where space exploration meets the arts and humanities. The Centre will aim to increase our understanding of how humans engage with, experience and conceive space by hosting a series of research projects over a 10-year period, and has received a record £10m investment.