The space sector is constantly looking for highly-skilled experts with an interdisciplinary perspective. However, it is this interdisciplinary background which is currently lacking for most new graduates, who have typically specialised in only one of the fields related to space science.

The interuniversity UGent/KU Leuven Master of Space Studies aims to cater to these new opportunities by equipping students with the interdisciplinary expertise the space sector is currently looking for. The Master of Space studies trains students in innovative space projects through the symbiosis between technological, quantitative and biomedical sciences, while at the same time supplying them with the economic and policy skills needed to navigate the current legal and political regulations.

This advanced Master’s programme addresses students who have successfully completed an initial master’s programme in either the humanities and social sciences, exact sciences and technology, or biomedical sciences. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme is set by the requirement that all students follow a common trunk of 30 credits of introductory courses. The goal is to get the students acquainted with the different aspects that form the foundation of space-related activities. Special attention goes to the combination of a high level of knowledge transfer with the diverse backgrounds of the students. Depending on their background and interest students have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge through more domain specific optional courses, for a total of 15 credits, covering the three domains of (A) Space Law, Policy, Business and Management, (B) Space Sciences, and (C) Space Technology and Applications, with the possibility to combine the latter two.
For the Master’s dissertation (15 credits) students are embedded in a research team of one of the organising universities, or in an external institute, organisation or industrial company, in which case an academic supervisor is assigned as a coordinator. The Master’s dissertation should form a final piece of work of the interdisciplinary programme, in which the acquired knowledge and abilities are applied to a complex and specific project.

Graduates will be in a position to develop a career in the space sector or in space research; taking up roles in the space industry (engineers, product developers and technical-commercial functions), research institutions with activities in space (researchers and project developers), (inter)governmental bodies with responsibilities in research and development programmes related to space (project managers and directors), policymakers on the national, European and international levels and in a broad range of companies and organisations which use or are facilitated by space missions. About 75% of our students find a career in the space sector after graduation.