Program Overview

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Introduction to the Master in Space Systems

The Master in Space Systems is a specialized program designed to integrate the field of science and engineering, bringing together students from various backgrounds. This mix of perspectives enhances performance by bringing together diverse mindsets. The program places an emphasis on systems, science, and data, and sustainability.

About the Master Programme

The new Specialised Master's degree programme in Space Systems was launched in September 2024. The program values diversity of educational background, combining strong teaching of engineering skills with a deep understanding of scientific and economic motivations of space exploration. Students learn together in three dedicated core courses, while elective courses include earth and planetary science, physics, mechanical and electrical engineering, and geodesy.

Structure of the Programme

The programme is designed to integrate the field of science and engineering, bringing together students from various backgrounds. The program consists of:

• Semester 1: Space System Engineering (14 credits)
• Semester 2: Space Data (8 credits)
• Semester 3: Case Studies and Team Projects (10 credits)
• Scientific Introductory Courses (at least 8 credits)
  • Introduction to Planetary Science
  • The Physics of Space Weather
  • Earth Observation
  • Electronics for Physicists I (Analogue)
  • Orbital Dynamics
  • Radiation and Climate Change
• Deep Track / Specialisation (20-30 credits)
  • Aerospace Engineering (D-MAVT)
  • Earth Observation (D-EAPS / D-BAUG)
  • Planetary Science (D-EAPS / D-PHYS)
  • Robotics (D-MAVT)
  • Space Communication (D-ITET)
• Electives (>16 credits)
  • Science in Perspective / Wissenschaft im Kontext (>2 credits)
• Semester 4: Master’s Thesis (30 credits)

Bachelor’s Programmes

ETH Zurich has 17 Bachelor’s programs, many of which touch upon space-related topics. The Bachelor in Earth and Climate Sciences teaches students to use data to explore the deep interior of the earth and planets and to use satellite data for climate research. The Bachelor in Physics contains modules on astrophysics, electrodynamics, and special theory of relativity.

Space-Related Courses

Many courses at ETH cover topics relevant for space missions and can be selected as an elective in most degrees. This continuously updated list can serve as a guideline.

ETH Zurich and Space Initiatives in Switzerland

For an overview of national initiatives, as well as universities with groups doing space research in Switzerland, check out the document Map Swiss Space Ecosystem.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs about admission, curriculum, and research in the new Master's degree programme in Space Systems, addressing the most common queries from prospective students.

General Questions

• What is the concept behind the Master in Space Systems? The Master in Space Systems is designed to integrate the field of science and engineering, bringing together students from various backgrounds.
• When does the application period for the Master's programmes at ETH Zurich open? ETH Zurich offers two Master’s application windows: an early one for all applicants with an international Bachelor’s degree and a second one only open to candidates with a Bachelor’s degree from a Swiss university.
• Is it possible to change to the Master in Space Systems from another ETH Master's degree programme? Since the Master in Space Systems is a specialised Master’s programme, all interested students must apply.
• With which Bachelor’s degree can I apply for the Master in Space Systems? Admission to the degree programme requires a university Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 ECTS, an equivalent university degree or a Bachelor’s degree from a Swiss university of applied sciences.
• Can I apply if my ETH or EPFL Bachelor is not fulfilling the requirements in Mathematics or Physics? Yes, please refer to the specific requirements of the programme.
• What criteria are used to select the students for the Master’s programme? The holistic evaluation takes into account all the elements of your application, such as: the performance in the undergraduate programme, the ranking of the university, the background in the chosen field of study, the scores in standardized tests (like GRE), the letter of motivation and recommendations.
• Is there a minimum GPA required for the application? Admission to the degree programme requires very good academic performance in the previous study programme.
• Do I have to take a GRE for the application and are there minimum requirements for the test result? GRE is not required.
• What are the tuition costs for the Master’s degree programme? In addition to tuition fees and semester fees, most importantly there are living costs to consider too.

Curriculum and Research

• Where can I find information about the structure of the new Master in Space Systems? Please refer to the structure of the programme.
• Are all lectures held in English? Yes, the instruction language of all Master’s programmes at ETH Zurich is English.
• How do I know which courses I need to complete, and can I select them myself? All students are required to establish a learning agreement at the start of their studies.
• May I complete courses from the other deep tracks within my elective courses? Elective courses can be selected from the complete offerings of ETH Zurich.
• Can BSc courses be accredited toward my MSc in Space Systems at ETH Zurich? If you have any courses from your BSc studies at ETH that were not included in your BSc degree, you can potentially count up to 1-2 courses (equivalent of 4-6 ECTS) towards your MSc degree.
• Is it possible to take over my credits from previous Master's studies at ETH Zurich? Credits earned at ETH Zurich can only be transferred if they haven’t already been used for an academic degree and the number of transferable credits is limited.
• Are there courses with compulsory attendance or can I study part-time? Since the Master’s programme involves team-based project work taught through full-day block courses, students must attend in person, making part-time study not possible.
• Do I have to apply for a Master’s thesis before I start my degree programme? No, the Master’s thesis topic is determined during the programme (in the third semester).
• Is it possible to perform a semester research project within the elective courses? The curriculum of the new programme is already heavily project-focused, with the third core course designed as a project-based course.
• Is it possible to do an industry internship as part of the Master in Space Systems? We are not foreseeing internships in the first round of the programme, but the Master’s thesis can be conducted in collaboration with external companies.
• Can I do a Bachelor's or Master's thesis on a space topic at ETH Zurich? Space research at ETH Zurich is done by the individual institutes, laboratories, and professorships. Hence, they have to be contacted directly. ETH Zürich | Space does not carry out any projects and therefore does not offer any Master’s thesis or research positions.