Space Science and Technology

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.

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.