Space Sciences and Earth from Space

Space sciences, including specific scientific components of planet earth are the basis not only for space travel and satellite communication but also for navigation. Furthermore, planet earth is focal point of climate change from different perspectives of science, technology, ecology and social economics.

The master programme „Space Sciences and Earth from Space" provides students with a technology/science oriented training in space sciences as well as application oriented modules in „Solar System Physics“, „Satellite Systems“ and „Earth System from Space“.

The study programme is based on research driven teaching. Further benefits are the result of combining specific competences not only from the two universities, but also from non-university related research institutions like the Space Research Institute (Austrian Academy of Science) or Joanneum Research.

Setting accents

Three interlinked specialisation modules provide in-depth science and technology derived know-how in space sciences, resp. knowledge of planet earth:

• Solar System Physics: This module seeks to deepen the understanding of the physics of our solar system, of planets, their interaction as well as the phenomenon space weather. The module further provides significant insights in solar physics and planetary physics.
• Satellite Systems includes the areas satellite communication, satellite navigation and their application in disaster control and crisis management, telemedicine and telelearning.
• Earth System from Space is about monitoring the components of planet earth (solid earth, oceans, ice masses, atmosphere etc.) with the aid of modern satellite technology as well as their physical description and numeric modelling.

Studying Space Sciences and Earth from Space

Necessary prerequisite is a completed bachelor study programme either in physics, environmental system sciences (focus in physics), technical physics, geomatics engineering, electrical engineering, telematics or electrical engineering and audio engineering.

The master study programme space sciences and earth from space has a minimum duration of four semesters and leads to the academic degree "Diplom-Ingenieurin" or "Diplom-Ingenieur", abbreviated "Dipl.-Ing." or “DI”. This degree is equivalent to a “Master of Science”, abbreviated “MSc.”

Reaching aims

Graduates have acquired the following theoretical and practical competences, like:

• Understanding fundamental relationships in space science (but also being aware of limitation of the actual standard of knowledge)
• Being able to select, (further) develop and apply methods and models used in space science or one of the specialisation modules solar system physics, satellite systems and earth system from space
• Ability to plan, initiate and execute research projects on one's own along with a team
• Interpreting, weighing up and judging results and arguments in a scientific-technological context

Acquired knowledge and skills are used to discuss information, ideas, problems and solutions with professional experts but also other persons in the context of possible ethical, social, economic and environmental and security related effects.

Career opportunities

The programme, based in technology and natural sciences meets the requirements of universities and research related organisations on the one hand but also requirements of aviation industry, space industry and space agencies on the other hand.

As graduates have acquired abilities, ranging from technological understanding to numeric modelling and interpretation of natural phenomena, they will be able to work in high quality research projects, in space agencies or industry projects.