ESPACE – Earth Oriented Space Science and Technology

The Master’s degree program in Earth Oriented Space Science and Technology (ESPACE) is an interdisciplinary program positioned at the interface between space technology and the engineering and natural scientific use of satellite data. It is conducted as a two year master's degree program with the option of a Double Degree in cooperation with the Wuhan University, China. ESPACE combines the technical aspects of the satellite and observation systems with scientific and commercial applications. This requires interdisciplinary knowledge beyond the borders of different engineering disciplines such as geodesy, mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as physics, informatics and geosciences.

The goal of the ESPACE Master’s degree program is to train students to become experts in the use and development of satellites in the three main areas of earth system science, remote sensing and navigation. Students acquire fundamental knowledge and competencies in these three fields as a general basis, as well as the interfaces among them in order to be able to link technological know-how with practical application. They simultaneously learn the necessary basics of signal processing, sensor technology, orbital mechanics and space technology, so that they are in a position to help plan and develop future missions for the above-mentioned areas.

By including numerous scientific institutes and the space industry in the teaching concept, ESPACE makes full use of the potential of excellent scientists, offering also the opportunity of dedicated project work and Master’s theses in close co-operation with, and in many cases even at the location of these institutions. Thus the students become involved in current projects, state-of-the-art technology and science, and daily practice.

For a comprehensive description of the program, please refer to the degree program documentation:

• Degree program documentation for the Master’s program in Earth Oriented Space Science and Technology (PDF)

As a graduate of the Master’s program Earth Oriented Space Science and Technology (ESPACE) you have acquired solid thematic and methodological competencies in the topics of earth-oriented space science and technology. You possess basic competences in the three core areas satellite and remote sensing data analysis, space engineering and satellite application engineering. Depending on your chosen specialization in either earth systems science, remote sensing or navigation you have developed further skills and abilities.

Due to the international approach of the Master’s program, you have augmented your social and intercultural abilities. This allows you to work in intercultural and interdisciplinary groups within the global framework of satellite technology and research. You are capable of developing joint solutions beyond the boundaries of specialist fields and present them in a way suited for your target audience.

The interdisciplinary Master of Science Program ESPACE is positioned at the interface between space technology and the engineering and natural scientific use of satellite data. There is the possibility to graduate with a Double Degree from the Wuhan University in China.

As a graduate with a M.Sc. in ESPACE you are qualified to start a career in international aerospace agencies as well as national or international research institutes or universities. Further possibilities are offered by the aerospace technology industry and generally by companies in the area of navigation and logistics or security-related applications.

The first two semesters are centered on basic skills in earth system science, remote sensing and navigation, mathematical and physics-based as well satellite technology, orbital mechanics and applied satellite usage. This way, students coming from a wide range of different bachelor’s programs are brought up to the same level of knowledge.

In the third semester, students can choose one of the three focus areas earth systems science, remote sensing or navigation which is complemented by elective modules.

The fourth semester is dedicated entirely to the Master’s thesis, which is then defended in a public Master’s colloquium.

• Overview degree program structure (PDF 1 MB)
• Program structure: Overview of modules

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient English language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your English language skills.

This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center.  

Language of instruction:

The language of instruction for this program is English.

• Information on exams
• Contact Examination Board
• Information on studying abroad
• Information on internships

The tuition fees for international students from third countries for this degree program are 6,000 euros per semester.

Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them. You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here.

Please note: The semester fee as a contribution to the student union must be paid additionally. It varies depending on where you are studying. You can find all information on the semester fee here.

Minimum requirements to apply for a Master's program at TUM are a recognized undergraduate degree (e.g. a bachelor’s) and the successful completion of the aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment allows the TUM school or department to which you are applying the opportunity to evaluate your individual talents and motivation for study.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents.

If you receive an offer of admission, you will additionally have to submit individual documents as notarized hardcopies by post to be enrolled.

Generally, applicants with a qualification for postgraduate studies (e.g. a bachelor’s) obtained outside of the EU / EEA must have their documents reviewed in advance through uni-assist.

In detail:

• Applying for a master’s program: Application, admission requirements and more  
• Important information about your application from the TUM school or department

• Degree Certificate and Diploma or Subject and Grade Transcript of Studies to Date
• Transcript of Records
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
• Letter of Motivation
• Essay
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) if the qualification for graduate studies (e.g. a bachelor’s) was obtained outside the EU/EEA (from winter semester 2025/26: outside Germany)

We may require additional documents depending on your educational background and your country of origin. Complete the online application to receive a comprehensive list of the required documents. 

• Application for Enrollment (signed)
• Degree Certificate and Diploma (certified copy)
• Transcript of Records (certified copy)
• Most Current Photo (as for ID)
• Digital notification of your health insurance status from a German public health insurance provider (requested by applicant)

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin. After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Application period for winter semester: 01.01. – 31.05.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents. Please be aware that we can only process your application if you upload all required documents within the application period.

We will review your application as soon as it is complete. Please check your TUMonline account regularly, to see if we have any queries to your documents or if you have to amend one or more documents.

After receiving admission, you will see in TUMonline which documents you have to submit for enrollment, and in which form. Please note that you always have to send the signed application for enrollment and all notarized hardcopies by post.

We recommend that you submit the documents for enrollment as soon as possible after receiving admission. If individual documents are not available by then, you can submit them up to 5 weeks after the start of the lecture period. You will, however, only be enrolled once we have received all documents.

You can check the status of your application at any time in your TUMonline account.

Selection takes place through an aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment is a two-part procedure after the submission of an official application to a program. In this procedure, the TUM school or department determines whether you meet the specific requirements for its master’s degree program.

In the initial stages, the grades you obtained during your bachelor's program, as well as your written documents, will be evaluated using a point system. Depending on the amount of points accumulated, applicants are either immediately admitted, rejected or invited to an admissions interview. 

• Aptitude Assessment for Master
• Information on the Aptitude Assessment (Appendix 2, German) (PDF 345 KB)