Education

The space sector plays an important role in economic, social, technological and scientific developments. The future of the sector and its manifold applications require highly skilled experts with a broad interdisciplinary perspective. The development of innovative space technologies is fostered by an intense symbiosis between technological sectors and the challenges set by fundamental research in exact and biomedical sciences. Additionally, the economic and social valorisation of space technologies requires an efficient relationship between project developers and the economic sector. The large scale of space projects imposes important constraints on management. The international character of the space sector and of its broad applications, including the relevance of space for security and defence, implies a need for European and international legal and political measures.

The Master of Space Studies programme is designed to prepare scientists to respond to these myriad challenges and opportunities. In addition to coursework in space sciences, the curriculum is enriched by a Master's thesis and a series of guest lecturers from international, national and regional institutions.

The Master of Space Studies is an advanced Master's programme. This programme may also be followed on a part-time basis.

Profile

The ideal prospective student:
- has successfully completed an initial Master's programme in a domain relevant to space studies;
- has the potential to successfully broaden his/her formation towards other relevant disciplines;
- is able to present a convincing case for the importance of the programme with respect to their professional expectations.

For specific admission requirements, click on the desired programme in the 'Choose your courses of study' section.

Objectives

The objectives of the programme are to develop students' knowledge of all aspects of space studies generally and, specifically, to impart:

1.  the ability to situate the relevance of students' own curriculum in the broad field of space studies;

2.  specialised knowledge and attitudes in specific fields relevant to space studies;

3.  insight in the development and realisation of large international projects;

4.  abilities necessary for the guiding of complex projects.


After the completion of the programme, students will have attained the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge and understanding

LO1: Are capable of analysing and understanding the main scientific, technological, political, legal and economical aspects of space activities.

LO2: Demonstrate an advanced knowledge in one of the following fields: A. Space Law, Policy, Business and Management; B. Space Sciences; C. Space Technology.

Skills

LO3: Are capable of discussing and reporting on the main scientific, technological, political, legal and economical aspects of space activities.

LO4: Can apply, in the field of space studies, the knowledge, skills and approaches they obtained during their previous academic master.

LO5: Are able to integrate their own disciplinary expertise applied to space related activities within their broad and complex multi-disciplinary environment, taking into account their societal, technological and scientific context.

LO6: Can communicate clearly and unambiguously to specialist and non-specialist audiences about space projects in general and their specific area of expertise.

LO7: Have the skills to commence participation in complex space projects in multi-disciplinary and/or multinational settings in the framework of institutions, agencies or industry. This includes information collection, analysis and drawing conclusions, individually and/or as part of a team.

LO8: Can undertake research in the space field individually, translate the findings in a structured fashion, and communicate and discuss the results in a clear manner (oral and written).

Approaches

LO9: Have a multi-disciplinary approach to complex projects, with special attention to the integration of the different and complementary aspects of such projects.

LO10: Understand and are able to contribute to exploiting the benefits of space for humanity and its environment and are familiarised with the broad spectrum of aspects of peaceful space activities, including the societal ones.

LO11: Have a critical approach towards the place of space activities in their societal framework, including ethical questions arising from space activities.

After graduation

Programme graduates will be well positioned to begin careers in the space sector or in space research. Depending on previous degrees, graduates may take up jobs in the space industry (as engineers, product developers and in technical-commercial functions with a high degree of technical and financial responsibilities), research institutions carrying out activities in space studies (as researchers and project developers) and in (inter)governmental bodies, e.g. in research and development programmes related to space (project managers and directors, policy makers on national, European and international levels). Graduates may also find employment in the broader context of companies and organisations which use or are facilitated by space missions.

Information sessions

KU Leuven organises a Verderstudeerbeurs each spring. In addition, faculties also organise information sessions for many of their bridging and graduate programmes.

All information sessions for (future) Master's students

Contact

Faculty of Science
Prof. dr. C. Waelkens (programma director)
Tel. +31 16 32 70 36 or +32 16 32 70 27
christoffel.waelkens@ster.kuleuven.be
Prof. dr. D. Vandepitte
Tel. +32 16 32 86 05 or +32 16 32 24 80
dirk.vandepitte@mech.kuleuven.be
Administrative Office
Geel Huis
Kasteelpark Arenberg 11 bus 2100
3001 HEVERLEE
tel. + 32 16 32 14 01
info@wet.kuleuven.be

General information

Study Advice Service
Naamsestraat 80 box 5415
3000 LEUVEN, Belgium
To contact us please complete the contact form on our website.

Useful links

Visit this programme's website.

Download this brochure

Download this Master's brochure.

Order this Master's brochure.