About this programme
Master in Space Systems is a Master's Degree programme at University of Oslo in Oslo, taught in English. It runs for 2 years and carries 120 ECTS credits. The register gives Oslo as the campus town. It lists the degree as Master. University of Oslo is a state university in Oslo.
How it compares
Master in Space Systems is one of 11 English-taught Science programmes at Master's Degree level in the register, offered by 5 institutions. 4 of them list an annual fee for students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland, from NOK 260,000 to NOK 295,000; this programme lists NOK 295,000 a year. 11 are recorded as free for EU, EEA and Swiss students.
What you will study
What you study
This master's degree teaches you how satellites and space probes are developed and used. You will learn to work within strict requirements set by user needs, technology, the operating environment and economy. The programme covers satellite construction, orbit mechanics, launch options and an overview of the space environment. You will also learn how to test satellites on the ground to make sure they work in space. Satellite payload design for tasks like imaging, surveillance, navigation and communication is central. A key theme is the system aspects of developing small satellites for Earth observation, and instruments for exploring moons and planets. You will become familiar with the space industry and space research, both in Norway and internationally. The programme also looks at how commercial technology is used in the "new space" approach, with simpler, faster and less costly development cycles, launches and operations.
Admission, language and next steps
The programme is taught in English and is organised under the Department of Technology Systems (ITS) at Kjeller, near Lillestrøm northeast of Oslo. ITS sits next to the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) and the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), and works closely with them. The department hosts the Center for Space Sensors and Systems (CENSSS), which runs space-related research funded by the Research Council of Norway. CENSSS operates the RIMFAX ground penetrating radar on the NASA Perseverance rover on Mars and is building its own satellite for Earth observation. Teaching uses collaborative and problem based learning, with tasks taken from real space projects at CENSSS and partner institutions. Master's students get office space, a makerspace with workshops and 3D printers, and can join the student union UNIKUM. You can also add an honours certificate of 20 credits alongside the master's. Check the programme page for admission requirements and application deadlines. Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland are normally exempt from tuition fees at state universities; other degree students normally pay a fee set by the institution.
Job opportunities after graduating
- Space systems engineering
- Satellite construction and testing
- Payload design for imaging, surveillance, navigation or communication
- Earth observation and small satellite development
- Space research at research institutes
- Governmental space institutions such as the Norwegian Space Agency
- Private space industry, for example KONGSBERG or EIDEL
- Complex project management in other sectors
Before you apply
Master’s applications go straight to University of Oslo, not through the national admission service (NUCAS). Study in Norway states that you need a bachelor’s degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS), including courses equal to at least one and a half years of full-time study relevant to the programme. Deadlines are set by each institution for each programme, so confirm yours. Entry requirements and language tests are also set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, study permits and housing.
Facts on this page come from the Study in Norway register, the official English-programme list run by HK-dir, the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills. Fees are in NOK as the institution lists them. "Not listed" means the register has no figure, not that the programme is free. Always confirm requirements, fees and deadlines with the institution.
Quick answers
Is Master in Space Systems taught in English?
Yes. The Study in Norway register, run by HK-dir, lists it as an English-taught programme at University of Oslo. Only English-taught degree programmes are included here.
How long does it take?
The register records 2 years of study and 120 ECTS credits. Sixty ECTS credits are one academic year of full-time study.
Where is it taught?
The register lists Oslo as the campus town for this programme at University of Oslo.
How do I apply?
Master’s applications go straight to the institution, not through the national admission service (NUCAS). Study in Norway states that you need a bachelor’s degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS), including courses equal to at least one and a half years of full-time study relevant to the programme, and some programmes require a minimum grade average. University of Oslo publishes its requirements on the programme page.
When is the application deadline?
Each institution sets and publishes its own deadline for each programme, and the dates can differ between applicants from outside the EU/EEA, EU/EEA applicants and Nordic applicants. Confirm the date for your own situation on the programme page at University of Oslo.
What does it cost?
Students from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland pay NOK 295,000 a year, as University of Oslo lists it. For students from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland the record shows no tuition fee. Fees are in NOK as the institution lists them. Every student also pays a semester fee of about NOK 1,000 to the student welfare organisation linked to the institution.
Do I need a permit to study there?
Students from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland need a study permit from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). UDI asks for proof of admission, housing and funds of NOK 15,488 a month or NOK 170,368 a year (2026/27), on top of any tuition fee. A study permit allows work of up to 20 hours a week during term and full time in the holidays. Students from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland register with the police within three months of arrival instead.
Is this programme officially listed?
It comes from the Study in Norway register at studyinnorway.no, the English-programme list run by HK-dir, the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills. The programme page at University of Oslo is linked from this page so you can compare.
Same subject and level at other institutions
See all →University of South-Eastern Norway · Kongsberg