Programme structure
The master's programme in Space Systems is a full-time study programme over two years consisting of 120 ECTS credits.
The program has the following structure:
- Mandatory courses, 40 credits
- Optional courses, 20 or 50 credits (depending on the choice of either a long or a short thesis)
- Master's thesis, 60 or 30 credits
Example of a course of study
There are several ways to set up your course of study, depending on the courses and the type of thesis you choose. All courses must normally be completed and passed before the last semester, and the last semester is thus reserved for work on the thesis. An example of how you can structure the study looks like this:
| 4th semester | Master's thesis | Master's thesis | Master's thesis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd semester | Master's thesis / Optional course | Master's thesis / Optional course | Master's thesis / Optional course |
| 2nd semester | Optional course | TEK5710 – Design av sm?satellitter / Optional course | TEK5720 – Space Systems Project |
| 1st semester | TEK4700 – Romsystemer | TEK4000 – Systems Engineering | TEK4710 – Romsensorer og kommunikasjon |
| 10 ECTS | 10 ECTS | 10 ECTS |
Mandatory courses:
- TEK4700 – Romsystemer
- TEK4000 – Systems Engineering
- TEK4710 – Romsensorer og kommunikasjon
- TEK5720 – Space Systems Project
Optional courses
In your second semester, we recommend the course TEK5710 – Design av sm?satellitter.
You will primarily choose between the courses below, but you can also choose other relevant courses in agreement with your supervisor.
The following specializations are suggested:
Sensors for earth observation and planet exploration
The main focus here will be on space systems for the exploration of planets within our inner solar system, and on observing Earth, the climate, and maritime movements.
- TEK5160 – Radar Remote Sensing
- TEK4010 – Optics and Light
- TEK5050 – Imaging and Detection of Optical and Infrared Radiation
- TEK5600 – Visualization of Scientific Data
- TEK5030 – Computer Vision
Courses from other departments that will be appropriate:
- FYS-STK4155 – Applied Data Analysis and Machine Learning
- FYS4600 – Space Physics and Technology
- IN5400 – Machine Learning for Image Analysis (continued)
- GEO4520 – Advanced Remote Sensing and Topographic Analysis
- GEO-AST4410 – Planetary Sciences
- AST2210 – Observational Astronomy
Design of satellites and payloads
The main focus here will be on the design, development, test and integration of small satellites and the corresponding payloads. This involves practical work with concrete and relevant tasks in the laboratory.
Courses from other departments that will be appropriate:
- FYS4240 – Data Acquisition and Control
- FYS4231 – Sensors and Measurement Technology
- FYS4220 – Real Time and Embedded Data Systems
- FYS4260 – Microsystems and Electronic Packaging
- IN4160 – Digital system design
- IN5200 – Advanced Digital System Design
Satellitt communication / navigation
- TEK5130 – Satellittkommunikasjon
- TEK4100 – Signal Processing in Wireless Communication Systems
- TEK4500 – Introduction to Cryptography
Courses from other departments that will be appropriate:
Please note that other specializations may also be possible depending on the student’s background, in agreement with the supervisor.
The master’s thesis
The master's thesis is an independent research work carried out under supervision.
Though the norm for the study programme will be a long master’s thesis (60 ECTS), a short thesis (30 ECTS) is also possible. This may be an alternative if you wish to take a semester abroad.
See examples of Master theses here.
Progression requirements
The standard study time for the master's programme is two years, or up to four years if you apply for part-time studies. If you use more time, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the policies for reduced progression of studies. Your admission to the programme may be cancelled if you do not register for the first semester of the study programme and you are absent without a valid reason for more than one semester.
Honours certificate
Are you academically ambitious? It is possible to supplement your master's degree with an honours certificate worth 20 credits. You take the certificate concurrently with the master's programme.
Recognition of master's courses from former education
If you are admitted to the master's programme and you have completed master's courses outside the University of Oslo, you may apply to have these courses recognised as part of your degree. Please contact the Department of Technology Systems for more information.
Diploma and degree
This programme leads to the following degree: Master of Science in Space Systems
The diploma is issued when you have completed the courses that meet the requirements for a degree. Read more about diplomas.