Structure of the programme
The programme is 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.
With their diverse backgrounds and perspectives, students enrich each other's learning experience. This interdisciplinary approach maximises the potential of each student, creating an environment that brings out innovative ideas.
At the start of the Master's studies, students develop a learning agreement in consultation with their tutor, outlining their planned coursework. This agreement must be reviewed and approved by the tutor.
All students must complete the three core courses to establish a common foundation across diverse academic backgrounds. Together with the scientific introductory courses, these ensure a shared understanding of key principles in science and engineering.
- Core course 1 introduces the students in foundational concepts of system engineering and mission design.
- Core course 2 focuses on data acquisition, processing and interpretation. It provides students with practical skills in analyzing such data efficiently, using methods that are broadly applicable across space science and engineering problems.
- Core course 3 "Case Studies Seminar and Semester Project" brings it all together. It explores the economic and societal dimensions of space systems and includes hands-on, interdisciplinary teamwork. The course consists of two parts: A semester-long case studies class and a case study semester project integrated into a group at ETH or another institution.
The semester project gives students the opportunity to contribute to a real-world space mission and serves as a practical bridge to the Master’s thesis, which can be completed individually or in a group, either at ETH or in collaboration with industry.
To build a shared foundation in science and engineering, all students must complete at least two of six mandatory scientific introductory courses (min. 8 credits). These courses also provide essential context for the scientific motivation behind space missions and are a mandatory part of the programme for all deep tracks.
The scientific introductory courses cover topics such as planetary science, space weather, Earth observation, electronics, orbital dynamics or radiation and climate change.
Students begin engaging with their chosehttps://eaps.ethz.ch/en/studies/master/sn deep track in the second semester, defining the main focus of their educational path. To support this process, each student is assigned a tutor who provides personalised guidance in selecting the most suitable coursework within the chosen deep track. The tutor also assists in setting up the individual learning agreement, ensuring alignment with both academic goals and personal interests.
Elective courses offer opportunities to explore interdisciplinary topics or deepen expertise within the chosen deep track. To deepen their knowledge in Space Systems or to complement it with studies in other disciplines students must complete a minimum of 16 credits of additional elective courses from the overall offerings of ETH Zurich. All ETH Zurich courses, except for language courses, are eligible as electives. For certain deep tracks, a recommended list of electives is provided.
The Science in Perspective (SiP) coursework enables ETH Zurich students to perceive and analyse the societal context of their future activity as scientists and/or engineers. SiP courses are clearly designated as such in the course catalogue and follow the Download official SiP directives (PDF, 140 KB). Language courses may be counted as SiP courses, provided they meet a specified proficiency level.