Space Science and Technology

suts
Program type Initial Training
Degree Master's
Domain(s) Fundamental Sciences
Discipline(s) Astrophysics, Mathematics, Physics, Space Science
Teaching language(s) French, English
Place Paris

PSL host school

Other PSL school(s) contributing to the curriculum

Presentation
Admissions

The Master’s in Space Science and Technology at Observatoire de Paris - PSL  covers the fundamentals of physics and mathematics, more specialized courses in astronomy and astrophysics, and observation-based practicums. Certain courses are joint courses with ENS - PSL (M1) or co-accredited institutions (M2): Université Paris-Saclay, Université de Paris (Paris 7), Sorbonne Université.

This master's degree is part of the graduate program in Astrophysics.

The program prepares students for careers in astronomy and astrophysics through solid foundations in physics, mathematics and applied technologies. Students may also continue on to careers in research, through doctoral studies, or become engineers in the public or private sectors working as project leads in particular. The program also provides research exposure and experience to future teachers and/or professionals in other fields, such as knowledge dissemination and scientific journalism.

PSL Phd tracks

Learning outcomes

Educate scientists and specialized researchers in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics, and engineers in the field of space science.

Curriculum

The first year provides a generalist course of study, with introduction to and fundamentals in astronomy, physics, and mathematics. Students become familiar with the tools and concepts of astronomy and astrophysics while strengthening their fundamentals in physics and mathematics.
Please note that the Year 1 is taught in English (B2 level required).
Divided into two semesters, S1 and S2, the first year of courses are a shared common core for all tracks. Each semester is equivalent to 300 hours of instruction per student and includes a two-month, laboratory-based internship that introduces students to research. Students take introductory and fundamentals courses throughout both semesters. The second semester includes the two-month internship.                                                                                                              

The second year includes 4 tracks available to successful first-year students. The M2 year (taught in French & English) involves shared coursework with partner universities. Students can choose from two degrees:

  • M2 Research: For students planning to continue on to a doctoral school and prepare a dissertation in basic or applied research in astronomy, astrophysics, and associated techniques.
    Non-PSL partners: Universities Paris XII, Versailles-Saint-Quentin, and Cergy-Pontoise, plus INSTN and ENSG.
  • M2 Professional: For immediate entry into the professional world.

Tracks (M2)

  1. Astronomy, Astrophysics & Celestial Dynamics
  2. Planetary Science and Space Exploration
  3. International Research track (taught in English)
  4. Astronomical and Space-based Systems Engineering

Who should apply?

A Bachelor’s in Fundamental Physics or an equivalent degree is highly recommended for students interested in this program. Students with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics or Earth Science may be accepted if their acquired knowledge is deemed suitable for their planned course of study.

 an international team of four researchers, including Pierre Kervella from the Paris Observatory - PSL, won a Synergy Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) for the UniverScale research project, whose objective is to considerably improve our knowledge of astronomical distances.

     

    Benefits

    • Proximity to the best research laboratories in space science and science technology.
    • A vast ecosystem of partners in academia, industry, space agencies, and international organizations.
    • Access to innovative teaching methods (digital campus, methodology projects) and unique instruments (telescopes).

     

    Students can enter this two-year program in the first or second years. All admissions are based on applications.

    • Prerequisites (M1): The M1 year is for students with a Bachelor’s degree (physics, mathematics, mechanics, physical science, etc.) and to students from engineering schools in Europe or abroad who would like to specialize in astrophysics.
    • Prerequisites (M2 Professional): In addition to having completed the M1 level or equivalent, students should preferably have received general education in physics at the Bachelor’s level and have strong computer and scientific programming skills. Experience through an internship in the industrial sector and/or abroad is a plus.
    • Prerequisites (M2 Research): students who have completed their first year of a Master's degree (Physics, Mathematics, Mechanics etc.), Students engineers from France’ "Grandes Écoles" or students from an École Normale Supérieure.
      B2 level required in English & French.

    Admissions process

    Application and interview.
    M1: January 11 to March 11, 2024 on PSL portal
    M2: International Research track (taught in English) on PSL portalOther M2 tracks: more information

    Given the selectivity of the master's program and the limited number of places available, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Intermediate juries will be held during the application opening phase. For international applicants in particular, a quick admission response will allow you to start the necessary administrative procedures (visa, accommodation, etc.) within a more comfortable timeframe. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the academic teams:
    M1 : master1.administration@observatoiredeparis.psl.eu
    M2 : master2.administration@observatoiredeparis.psl.eu

    For PSL Phd track in Astrophysics
    Highly selective and entirely taught in English, PSL PhD tracks are 5-year fully funded programs intended for high-potential students hoping to become top level researchers, in France or abroad. Through its PhD Track Grants, PSL will support outstanding students for the entire duration of their graduate studies, from their Master’s to the completion of their PhD.
    - Application procedure based on an application package (to be submitted online from 17 October to 11 December, 2023 on PSL portal) and interview. 
    Given the very high selectivity of the PhD Tracks, it is strongly recommended that you apply for the Master’s degree in parallel if you are interested in both programs. More information.


    Tuition fees: ~243 euros / year + 100€ (CVEC).
    Institution for registration : Observatoire de Paris - PSL (or master's program partners)
    Diploma issued : National master's degree issued by Université PSL.

     


    Contact

    Head of the master's program: Cédric LEYRAT (Observatoire de Paris - PSL)


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