Lucky Space Engineering students on a unique Loughborough College course launched the new academic year by meeting Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex and Britain’s first astronaut Helen Sharman.
The Countess of Wessex joined Helen Sharman at the National Space Centre as part of World Space Week to meet students from the National Space Academy’s Space Engineering course.
The course, co-delivered by the Academy and Loughborough College since 2012, has seen significant growth in applications, leading to a second student group being added for the first time this year.
The visit included a live Q&A session with Helen, that was transmitted to a worldwide audience online. Questions were kicked off by Her Royal Highness, who asked about inspiring the next generation of children.
Jo Maher, Loughborough College’s Principal and CEO, said: “It is such a privilege for our students to get the chance to speak with Helen Sharman and to meet Her Royal Highness in one event.
“These kinds of opportunities are so enriching and vital in supporting our fantastic and unique course which will genuinely help shape the future of space exploration.”
Dr Kierann Shah, General Manager of the National Space Academy, said: “We’re thrilled to have been able to celebrate World Space Week and the Space Engineering course in this way.
“It was brilliant to see our students talking about their ideas and ambitions with our special guests, showing that even after a hugely challenging year for young people in general their resilience and enthusiasm can make us all feel positive about the future.”
In 2012 Loughborough College, in partnership with the National Space Academy, established the UK’s first full-time post-16 course for students in Space Engineering. It is the only course of its kind, unique both in its subject matter and in its combination of BTEC qualifications with traditional A Levels.
More than 80% of students on the course progress to study degree-level University courses in physics, engineering or Higher Apprenticeship programme with some of Europe’s leading aerospace and engineering companies.
Several students who have finished their undergraduate and MSc courses have been awarded first-class degrees.
With the success of the course and significant career opportunities within a thriving UK space industry, this year there will be two cohorts of Space Engineering students to meet demand for places.
The Academy is part funded by the National Space Centre, the UK Space Agency and the Lloyds Register Foundation, with additional support from The Ogden Trust and PPG.
To find out more, visit: https://www.loucoll.ac.uk/courses/enhanced-a-level-programme-in-space-en....
