Engineering and Management of Space Systems (EMSS) - an international joint Master's double-degree program

Abstract

Dynamic development of the space sector of European, and especially of Polish and German economies results in a necessity for suitable Higher Education Institution graduates. The increasing digitization, distribution and networking of technical systems leads to the necessity of a degree programme teaching “the systems view” and “interdisciplinarity” methods and skills. Furthermore, it is necessary to consider the entire life cycle of the systems starting with the analysis of the requirements, through design, integration, verification, to operation and maintenance, with supplementation of management, social and intercultural skills. Since interdisciplinarity and internationality are essential for engineering and management of space systems, the international project was launched early last year by two universities – Hochschule Bremen (Bremen City University of Applied Sciences, HSB, Germany) and Politechnika Gdańska (Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk Tech, Poland) establishing an international interdisciplinary joint Master's double-degree program - Engineering and Management of Space Systems (EMSS). It consists of three different fixed three- or four- semester study paths of several mobility schemes, though individual educational pathways adjusted to students' preference are also allowed. Each path includesa joint academic year – first semester is conducted in Gdańsk, the second in Bremen. The remaining semesters can be studied at either of the universities. All of the EMSS curricula meet the highest education standards of both countries. Several mandatory modules and many elective courses are included in the EMSS curricula. Upon graduation, students of the program are awarded two Master’s degrees - in Space and Satellite Technologies, issued by Gdańsk Tech, and, depending on the chosen study path, in Aerospace Technologies, Computer Science, or Electronics Engineering issued by HSB. Work on the establishment of a new, international, joint field of study - Engineering and Management of Space Systems, run by both universities is currently in progress. The curriculum of the new study programme will be based on the recommendations of the International Council On Systems Engineering (INCOSE) and its German Chapter, Gesellschaft für Systems Engineering (GfSE), and will offer the possibility of certification as a Systems Engineering Professional, Associate Level. This paper includes the lecturers’ and students’ perspective on the program and its future development.