Current and former students about the ESPE programme
Below you can read about current and graduated students' views of the Earth and Space Physics and Engineering programme.
Mira Backes, Denmark
The MSc Earth and Space Physics and Engineering (ESPE) was a natural continuation for me as I have also completed the bachelor programme of the same name. ESPE balances various fields such as Electrotechnology, Instrumentation, Physics and Geophysics. It is, therefore, to a high degree what you make it. I chose a route more focused on geophysics, Earth observation and modelling techniques.
The geophysics courses often gave me a great insight into different geophysical phenomena and processes on differing scales. From climate change and the discourses within that field to geodesy and how we measure the Earth. The Earth observation courses introduced me to the geophysical data and how to access it. Here different satellite missions, their data and the data that impact had on our understanding were introduced. Lastly, the modelling courses taught me what to do with the data and contrive real value from it. This included both implementation but also validation. The three foci are not relevant or even occur for every student but they give a glimpse of the powerful toolbox that the ESPE programme is able to give you.
I had phenomenal teachers along the way and the teachers from DTU Space not only presented relevant and new data in their courses, they also seemed genuinely passionate about the success of their students. Don’t be afraid to ask them for help or advice regarding courses and projects, they do care; a lot. This is also important to remember when the course load seems high, as it can do sometimes. In general the courses expect a high degree of independence from you and teamwork is therefore of the essence (within the bounds of DTU’s honour codex, of course).
In brief, the ESPE programme provides lots of opportunities to specialise in a subject within space and geophysics that you yourself want. This opens up for many possible combinations and you can really tailor the programme to suit your needs. Just don’t take 5 5-ects-point courses in the same semester.
Sergio Roy Martínez, Spain
The Earth & Space Physics and Engineering (ESPE) MSc is a great study program to complete your education and pursue a career in the space sector. Even if you are unsure about what exactly to study, the biggest advantage of this MSc is the wide variety of courses and expertise areas you can choose from. There are several study lines such as Earth Observation, Mapping and Navigation, Space Research...This allows taking courses in different study lines since it is not mandatory to follow a specific one. For instance, in my case, I followed the Earth Observation study line, thus specializing in Remote Sensing. However, I still had the opportunity to take courses from other fields, such as GNSS, Astrophysical Data Analysis or Machine Learning for Signal Processing. I would also like to mention the general Data Analysis and Inverse Problems courses, which give a great knowledge basis that can be later applied to any specialization. I consider the possibility of specializing in an area or combining different ones as you wish the best feature of this master's programme.
The study environment at DTU is great in general and the teachers are there to actually help you. You can really feel when someone is passionate about what they teach, and that's the case for most of the teachers at DTU. The campus facilities are great, and you will always find whatever you may need. Finally, I would like to mention the great amount of international students as a very positive fact, since you will encounter people from very different backgrounds, nationalities and so on, enriching your overall experience, not only academical.
Emilie Olesen, Denmark
The MSc Eng programme in Earth and Space Physics and Engineering is a study programme that covers a wide range of interesting topics with the opportunity to follow prescribed specialisations or to construct your own study plan tailored to suit your specific interests. I enjoyed combining my interest in data science, modelling and mathematics with my interest in astro- and geophysics and working with a large variety of satellite data. At DTU Space you have a unique opportunity to have lectures and carry out projects with some of the best researchers and scientists in the country within this field. The open-door policy at DTU means that you can always come by their office and ask any question you may have about the curriculum or project. They are often also up for interesting discussions and a welcoming atmosphere.
As is generally the case with university study programmes, it requires hard work, discipline and intense exam periods to complete the study programme, but the learning outcome and the skillset you obtain within this exciting field are definitely worth it. Especially when you consider the nice study environment, the workspaces and the very nice study mates you meet.
Gerard Gallardo i Peres, Spain
The MSc Earth and Space Physics and Engineering (ESPE) is a unique opportunity; a program that you really should consider if you're a passionate space nerd with ambition and eagerness to follow a space career.
First, it allows you to choose so many different subjects, very different from each other. This is ideal if you still don't have a clearly defined path or interest and want to explore various fields within the sector: for instance, in my MSc, I did courses in remote sensing, geodesy and space physics, but also in astrophysics, in instrumentation, and planetary sciences. The program also has a wide offer within specific fields, which allows you to deepen a particular interest you might already possess. I really appreciated reduced class sizes, where you could interact with the teachers and engage in interesting discussions.
The quality of the teaching is also one asset of the masters that I would like to emphasize. After attending 4 universities, I am positive that the teaching of 90% of this program is something to praise: in general, teachers are high-level researchers, well known either in academia or in industry, and I found them passionate about their subjects and with the will to engage with the students and solve their problems. The treatment of the student and the easiness of communication are definitely something to highlight.
On the other hand, the studies are demanding but not at all close to the "burnout" point; ESPE is a program that allows you to manage a side job that can economically support your stay in Denmark, for example. In that sense, there are opportunities for student assistant jobs in the many divisions of the space institute, as well as in the industry and beyond, since Denmark is a country with a thriving economy and a usually strong and fair job market.
To summarize it in clear terms: if you're dedicated, clever, and want to create quality work, ESPE might very well be life-changing for your future in the space sector. It certainly was for me.
Rasmus Jørgensen, Denmark
The ESPE study program is a very diverse program that offers a lot of opportunities in a wide variety of fields. I have had the joyous opportunity to specialise in data analysis and machine learning while applying it to the exciting and challenging datasets that spaceborne observations can provide us. It is hard to imagine any other places in Denmark where such a combination is possible. The environment at DTU Space is engaging and incentivises the students to engage actively while allowing close collaborations with the department's very skilled and experienced professors. This means that while studying at DTU Space, you will learn the state-of-the-art methods currently available and have plenty of opportunities to apply them to real-life applications.
The social life here is also very good, and the students here have a very close community. There is room to help each other, and it is very clear that people here are driven by their passion for the subjects rather than simply getting a degree. In my experience, you are never left on your own, but you always have peers to discuss with; and enjoy a beer after a long challenging day.
I would definitely recommend the ESPE study programme if you are the least interested in the subject. I have loved my years at DTU Space and could not imagine a better place to study.
Simon Vanggaard Ørum, Denmark
The M.Sc. ESPE programme has given me many exciting experiences, from novel designs and analyses of space missions to high-energy detector experiments and models that can 3D map forests or describe what is happening deep inside the Earth from satellite data. Getting together with like-minded students, defining a space mission and having an experienced professor help you get through complicated problems gives great insights. This can be achieved in the ESPE graduate programme. I could not have picked a better educational choice and feel that the sky is no longer the limit, but the assumptions and boundaries of the Universe are, and as an M.Sc. ESPE graduate, I can challenge them. With the space sector as an increasing area of interest, becoming a forefront physics engineer from the ESPE programme has made me understand how space can and is used for both commercial, defence, monitoring and research purposes. An ESPE graduate can be characterised as a very versatile space engineer that can work in all these areas.
The educators are experts and specialists in their respective fields of work, and the academic level is high. The lectures and expert feedback on questions really motivate you to become a better space engineer and push yourself to learn more, and the availability to ask questions is great.
Space is complex, and there are many different related fields of work, and a definite strong suit of the ESPE education is to learn about and find those you enjoy more. I recommend the M.Sc. ESPE programme for anyone who wants to be a space engineer.
Mario Calise, Italy
I moved out of Italy two years ago, willing to give a shake to my life and to pursue a dream that I had long locked up in a drawer. In a revised form to better say it: I will never become an astronaut, it's clear, but nothing prohibits me to have my head above the clouds.
Denmark could not have been a better home and the ESPE master a better formative program!
I started with very little knowledge and I had the chance to fall in love quickly with astronomy. My journey started with a broad set of courses to gain general and technical competencies, but turned fast towards the "Space Research" specialization branch.
Courses in X-ray astronomy, cosmology and exoplanet detection really had an impact on me and I will never stop to thank the inspiring teachers behind them. One thing you can be sure about is that at DTU Space, you will find people who are profound, professional and eager to involve new minds in the environment. I loved the "door always open" policy: a way to confront and easily find your own way.
As a famous Roman emperor once said: "Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them." At DTU Space, you can!
Yasmin Akram Jundiyeh, Denmark
Ever since I had the subject “cosmology” in high school, I’ve had a passion for space physics. This made me change from Engineering in Physics and Technology at SDU to Earth and Space Physics and Engineering (ESPE) at DTU.
The ESPE master program is an excellent opportunity to gain theoretical knowledge, which then can be used practically.
I chose to specialize in the study line “Space Research” and have taken courses regarding this field of study at DTU Space. This led to a practical synthesis project working with the 1 keV X-ray set-up in the basement of DTU Space. And a master thesis regarding the accuracy in X-ray reflectometry data for the mirrors of the ATHENA mission, which may lead to a publication.
However, the master program gives you the freedom to choose courses and projects across all the departments at DTU.
The ESPE program also allows working outside of DTU and expand your network. Such as the course Space Weather, where we participated in a forecast service made by DTU in collaboration with NASA. The Nordic Optical Telescope (NOT) summer school where we had to plan and perform optical observations. And finally, the many engineering workshops at the European Space Agency (ESA).
The open-door policy makes it possible to get in contact with any of the many professors, which are accommodating, supportive, and ready to help you.
Lastly, you’ll meet and make friends people from across the world who are as enthusiastic and passionated about Earth, Space, and Science as you are!
Hugo Michel Jean Allaire, France
My journey in the Earth and Space Physics and Engineering (ESPE) Msc program is one I will never forget. I arrived in a new country, unsure of what the future held for me but confident I will find my way thanks to the great flexibility of the program. The first semester delivers insights into the various topics the program yields, ranging from geoscience to astrophysics or Earth observation, through a technological perspective combining hardware and software approaches. From there, I was able to choose courses specifically designed to provide me with the theoretical knowledge and the practical experience I wanted to acquire. My personal interest quickly turned to space observation, and I thrived on the instrumentation used to study what lies far above.
The teaching environment is fantastic and primarily centred around the student. The teachers are passionate and deliver comprehensive courses which you can apply through exercises, experiments and even further investigate through specifically designed projects. The DTU Space facilities felt like a new home where I was eager to come study, discuss and share ideas, be it in the laboratories or around the coffee machine. One can also go by the nearby teacher’s office, whose doors are always open for the student’s endless stream of questions.
Furthermore, the program provides a range of opportunities to work outside of the DTU environment, even abroad. I could therefore follow an engineering workshop in one of the European Space Agency (ESA) facilities in Belgium, and my Master Thesis Project was conducted in the French Commission of Atomic Energy (CEA) for an on-going mission, Solar Orbiter.
I strongly recommend the ESPE program thanks to the quality and versatility of the teaching activities this unique program offers.
Vincent Phelep, France
I had a great experience following ESPE programme here at DTU, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in space or geoscience.
ESPE programme is highly flexible and broad. It is possible to focus your studies on your areas of interests, from astrophysics to instrumentation design. For example, I took X-ray astrophysics oriented courses during my first year at DTU and then chose to write my master thesis on studying ground displacement from radar images.
The environment is also great to study: the professors are passionate about their subject and really accessible to help and guide you.
Finally, I got the opportunity to study out of a classroom several times. For example, I took part in an observational astronomy course at the Nordic Optical Telescope (NOT) and in an engineering workshop at the European Space Agency (ESA).
Naya Sophie Rye Jørgensen, Denmark
The Earth and Space Physics and Engineering master programme at DTU is a great choice for anyone with interest in, e.g. geophysics, space exploration, climate monitoring, and mapping of the Earth and its resources.
The facilities and study environment are excellent, and the staff and researches are always ready to help and answer questions. There are many events during the year, both social and academic, and I have met many people who are passionate about the field, and I have gained a great network.
The programme also offers opportunities to do research and collaborative work with external partners, and this is a good way to gain experience. I wrote my thesis in collaboration with the Danish Geodata Agency and investigated methods for bathymetric (ocean floor) mapping in Greenland based on multi-spectral satellite imagery and a semi-analytical radiative transfer model. The programme covers a range of instruments and satellite systems, their use and technical specs, and you can choose to focus on the instrumentation, data processing or modelling, in whatever area of research is of interest to you.
During the programme, I also took the opportunity to go travel, and I spent a semester in South Korea, which was a very rewarding experience.
The ESPE programme is challenging, but also very fulfilling, and I can recommend it.
Stefan Graham, Denmark
The Earth and Space Physics and Engineering (ESPE) programme offers an opportunity to contribute to solving some of the world’s most intriguing problems. The topics are wide-ranging: looking for life on Mars, understanding climate change, or discovering new exoplanets. The topic of my thesis involved developing an algorithm using satellites orbiting at 600 km altitude to map mm movements of the Earth's surface.
Since the space industry is highly international, the ESPE curriculum is structured to make it easy to study abroad. As part of my studies, I have had the opportunity to travel to Australia, Brazil, Belgium and South Korea to go on exchange, or to participate in workshops.
Studying ESPE is not easy. It requires a lot of hard work and critical thinking. Fortunately, all the professors and lecturers are happy to help with any problems you may have. Combine that with an excellent social environment, and it makes DTU Space (where most of the lectures and project work takes place) a fantastic place to learn.
Haruka Matsumoto, Japan
I am glad I spent a great time and got to work with friends from all over the world in the master program Earth and Space Physics and Engineering (ESPE). You may be surprised, how professors and students are close, they call each other by their first name like friends, and always the office’s door opens for students, so they easily can step in the office and discuss topics with professors and researchers. I believe this atmosphere removes barriers and produces creative ideas, a chance to make connections, and collaborations.
Through taking classes of ESPE, you learn and acquire essential skills to communicate with members of science and engineering. These will be useful when you work as an engineer or in any companies. ESPE is organised by 4 specialisations. Discipline and mixed relevant classes make brand and diversity of students, and research topics. You can choose your study line following the structure, but also you can make your original study line following your curiosity.
ESPE offers a lot of options for summer school, exchange program abroad and research collaboration with companies. During my master programme, I joined an exchange program at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in America for 5 months. It was one of the most productive periods in my life. Your passion and motivations will always be supported by professors, staff, and all environment at DTU. All are welcome at the ESPE programme!
Bastien Elie Jean-Amans Ruols, France
The Earth and Space Physics and Engineering Master Program at DTU is a great opportunity to gain broad theoretical and practical knowledge about any geo and astrophysics matter. The list of courses that can be selected is very comprehensive and offer a large possibility of choices. First, some classes are mandatory and provide a good overview of this field that can be new for an M1 student. Second, it is possible to select one's own classes and focus on subjects that interest one best, often through group projects. Third, each student has to accomplish a personal project which improves the capability of the student to work alone. Fourth, there is the opportunity to study abroad for one semester and gain some experience from another country. Finally, the final Master Thesis is a first step into the world of work.
It was a real pleasure to study this Master Programme where everyone is very supportive and welcoming!
Perrum Singh Rehal, England
The Earth and Space Physics and Engineering (ESPE) programme is a great eye-opener into many different fields.
The first semester provides a taster of what is on offer, and then the freedom within the course allows the student to then pursue what they find interested. It allowed me to discover my love for space weather which fostered my big data analytics learning. It was the plethora of skills that I gained from this programme which allowed me to land a job at ESA!
Also, everyone in the programme is very welcoming and incredibly supportive.
Martin Rydberg Søresen, Denmark
I strongly recommend Earth and Space Physics and Engineering (ESPE) for anyone who has an interest in geo- and astrophysics, and who wants an amazing education with unforgettable experiences.
This programme does not only take you through vital physical aspects in Earth and Space but more importantly, you learn how these physical discoveries are made! You learn essential principles regarding instruments used to observe Earth and Space. More importantly, you will end up mastering turning data from these instruments into remarkable, physical results. Instead of only learning the physical background, you are turning theory into results using real-life data. For the first time during my entire education (including high-school and earlier), I felt like I was creating something, that could be used in real life.
The ESPE programme and DTU does a great job of presenting the possibilities this education holds, especially in the first years of the study. Hereafter you can choose courses matching your passion (which you'll probably first discover after the first years since you will see and learn so many new, impressive and exciting things).
Besides this, DTU has a lovely study environment, where you will meet students from all over the world, getting a world-class education together. Finally, you are also surrounded by world-class professors that are always ready to support and help. I can only recommend ESPE!
Jonas Kvist Andersen, Denmark
The Earth and Space Physics and Engineering MSc programme comprise a range of different specialisations within geo- and astrophysics, most of which are introduced during the first semester. The best part about the ESPE programme is that regardless of which specialisation sparks your passion, you will be taught and supervised by professors and researchers who are leading experts in their fields.
Special projects and courses, typically designed in collaboration between the student(s) and supervisor(s), provide a great opportunity to dig deep into a specific topic in a setting that is different from the usual combination of lectures and group tutorials. These projects and courses often allow you to work with on-going research, guided by supervisors who are as passionate about teaching you as they are about their research.I highly recommend future ESPE students to take advantage of this opportunity.
I enjoyed how the ESPE MSc allowed for me to pursue a specific specialisation (in my case concerning synthetic aperture radar interferometry), while also equipping me with valuable theoretical and practical skills from other aspects of the ESPE programme.
Chiara Zuccotti, Italy
The first feature that impressed me about the ESPE programme was its flexibility. Coming from a university where I knew since the first day all the courses I had to take, it was very refreshing to see that I could actually make up my own personal study plan here in DTU, and ESPE offers the opportunity to choose among many interesting courses.
Besides that, I enjoyed the technical approach of the whole program. No longer theory, theory, and only theory, but an actual opportunity to apply my knowledge to realistic scenarios, analyse data from real missions, and create something new with my fellow students.
Moreover, I got to work on a few projects with expert supervisors, always kind, fun, and willing to help and support in moments of need.
Athanasios Belantonas, Greece
The Earth and Space Physics and Engineering MSc programme is an exciting choice for individuals interested in space, astrophysics and geophysics. The National Space Institute at DTU, provides with a unique opportunity to learn and grow within DTU’s excellent academic environment and facilities. Highly skilled researchers, professors with hands-on experience in the field, cutting-edge equipment and facilities, as well as a healthy, competitive and multicultural environment, all contribute to a productive and fascinating journey.
The structure of the programme equips the students with a balanced mix of theory and practice in all the necessary fields, employing technologically advanced equipment and practices, as used in the space industry. Students initially go through a mandatory set of courses, during which they acquire the tools needed to work on space applications: Physics, modelling, software/hardware programming, data analysis and processing. After this stage, students are given the freedom to build their own study programme, through a variety of pre-determined and special courses. Researchers and professors at DTU are eager to take up special projects in virtually any of the space-related fields one might want to specialise in, which allows for immersion in the research process and eventually makes an engineer out of a student.
This programme was truly a life-changing experience. I would definitely recommend it to all the ambitious people that believe in humanity’s future outside the Earth’s grasp: Space!
Selina Howalt Owe, Denmark
The Earth and Space Physics and Engineering MSc programme is great for anyone interested in geophysics and astrophysics who wish to study these areas with a technological approach. The programme allows you to work with cutting-edge technology alongside highly skilled researchers. Whether your passion includes data analysis, software or hardware development, for space application, this programme provides an excellent basis.
The courses in the programme have a good mixture of lectures, exercises, assignments and larger projects. Furthermore, there is a large variety of researchers who you can create a special project with. I only had great experiences with the supervisors in all of my projects including the final Master thesis project.
I definitely did enjoy my time in the ESPE programme and can recommend it to anyone who wishes to immerse themselves in the world of space technology.
Mick Emil Kolster, Denmark
The MSc programme in Earth and Space Physics and Engineering provides you with the opportunity to specialise within any of the major knowledge areas of DTU Space and provides you with a high degree of freedom when it comes to course selection. All the lecturers are absolute experts in their field and are more than happy to provide additional help if you should require it. You can always write an e-mail or drop by any of the faculty staff; their office doors are always open. I chose a geophysical perspective, have been amazed by the high quality of classes and projects, and the amount of interaction between teachers and students, which I find to be a benefit for both parties. Almost all lectures are followed by an hour or two of problem solving/tutorial, which really helps to clarify the contents of the lecture, and serves to exemplify how you can apply your new knowledge in practice. The mandatory projects during the M.Sc. education can also be chosen within whichever field you want, and push you to be creative, often taking you all the way from an initial idea to a finished product. This yields a lot of valuable experience applicable to both your future studies and in a work-related context.
I have no regrets with my choice of a geophysics-oriented ESPE MSc and have no doubt that the knowledge I have gained will provide an excellent starting place for my future career. I can really recommend this education.
Juan Sebastian Cervantes Villa, Mexico
I have always been passionate about space and universe and after a BSc in Geophysics Engineering, I found DTU and the department DTU Space to be the perfect place to learn and grow. The ESPE programme provided the right balance of theory classes and practicals, and it gave me immense freedom in terms of choosing courses for my study. Furthermore, there were also special projects which were tailored-made and offered exactly what I wanted to learn. The programme encouraged practical learning and stimulated creativity through projects, group assignments and presentations – these were the most enriching aspects of my study. The curriculum set me up very well for the job I have now and gave me all the tools I require to apply in the real world.
At the ESPE programme, the sizes of the classes were big enough that you had a lot of mates but small enough that you knew every single person’s name! I was immersed in a group of students from all over the world, which provided a very exciting and enriching experience. Teachers are extremely knowledgeable and supportive and made this programme a joy to study. Moreover, the Study Coordinator as well as the Head of Department were beyond helpful and friendly and made me feel always comfortable and welcome.
My experience at DTU Space was like no other and I can only recommend following the ESPE programme!
Jean-Paul Breuer, Germany
Coming from a scientific background, at some point I wondered how my life would be different if I were to try to pursue a career in engineering. The ESPE program was a perfect fit because it gave me the opportunity to not only pursue my interest in science and physics, but also to get some exposure to the world of engineering and see if it was an alternative for me.
Given the opportunity to explore my curiosity within the program, I am now continuing my career confident in knowing that what I chose to do is what I really want and enjoy. The Professors are all extremely friendly, incredibly helpful, and experts in their fields; and academics aside, DTU as a University is a fantastic place to study and without a doubt full of talented, interesting students. I can totally recommend the ESPE program, and I have zero regrets of having started a life in Denmark to complete it.