Course description

First launched in 2021, the University of Leicester is offering a research-led and practitioner-informed Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course on the politics of space security, space policy, and international space law and regulations.

This CPD is geared towards professionals of all levels and organisations of any size involved in any part of the space sector, be it military, civil, commercial, or academic.

Space policy and space power have never been as visible or important in national security and international relations as before. Many new actors and sectors are waking up to the fact that outer space is more than just rocket science – it’s a place that has real opportunities and impacts for almost every sector of political and economic activity on Earth. The democratisation of space and increasing commercialisation of space sectors is leading to a new wave of space activities.

Yet the realities of the politics, laws, and history of outer space is not well-known outside of niche communities in both academic and practitioner worlds. This presents a challenge to many professionals and organisations in the global space sector.

This CPD seeks to help address this knowledge gap in industry, policy, and expert communities who are getting to grips with the vast possibilities of the Space Age and what space policy both in the UK and further afield means for them.

Whether your staff or organisation is new to the field or well-established in the space community, this course will offer research-led insights from our resident world-leading academic expert on astropolitics and military space power, Dr Bleddyn Bowen, as well as cutting edge practical wisdom in space laws and regulations from Joanne Wheeler MBE.

The CPD runs in two formats: 

1. An annual one-day residential CPD in March of every year held at the University of Leicester. This is open for individuals to book a place. It is first-come first served for a small group of attendees to receive expert briefings from course tutors and engage in intense intellectually challenging conversation.
2. A bespoke CPD. Small or large groups are encouraged to contact the CPD convenor Dr Bleddyn Bowen (bb215@leicester.ac.uk) to discuss what options we can provide to tailor course details and locations to your group’s needs. A bespoke CPD will be based on the annual residential CPD however some topics, teaching methods, and locations can be emphasised or extended to meet your group’s needs. We are happy to deliver our standard CPD on a particular date of your choosing, subject to availability from our expert tutors, should you have a large group interested in taking the course.

Entry requirements