The overall goal of the course is that the student practices, develops and is able to apply theory and methods to solve unstructured problems relevant to a profession as Master of Science in Space Engineering.

 This means that on completion of the course the student is able to:

• Formulate a relevant problem for investigation from a chosen subject within the main area of study Space Engineering.

• Apply knowledge and proficiency that has been acquired during the period of study to a complex development project or a smaller research project in an independent and systematic manner.
• Choose and justify the study method with explicit understanding of the influence of the choice on the results of the study.
• Analyse and defend the problem formulated in a scientifically correct manner, whilst lacking complete information required .
• Locate and critically review information and summarise this in a scientific manner.
• Plan, structure and execute a research or development project.
• Judge the scientific relevance of the results obtained.
• Work according to a timetable.
• Express oneself well in writing and linguistically in a scientifically correct manner.
• Create and execute a presentation of the results of the project, defending the conclusions.
• Critically review the work of others in a constructive and scientific manner.

The content of the degree project is designed in collaboration with the supervisor. The degree project always contains a theoretical foundation in the form of a literature survey that highlights the area of technology and the methodology, summarised in a scientific manner.

The student independently plans and executes the degree project; the supervisor is available for assistance. A timetable for the entire project is included in the degree project, which is continuously reviewed.

• Written presentation of individual work.
  In the report the student shows the ability to:
  
  • Justify the chosen problem of study
  • Select and justify the study methods with explicit understanding of the influence of the methods on the results of the study
  • Collect information relevant to the problem formulation with an explicit connection to the theory and methods chosen
  • Present in writing the information collected in a relevant manner
  • Analyse and defend the formulated problem from the chosen theory and methods
  • Critically review the scientific relevance of the results obtained
  • Express oneself in writing in a correct linguistic and scientific manner.

The master degree project is also examined by any ot the other universities in the Space Master programme: Cranfield University, Czech Technical University, Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering or Université Paul Sabatier.
The department provides active supervision for a period of two terms from the start of the project. The degree project is performed individually; only in exceptional cases may at most two students carry out the degree project together. In cases in which the degree project is carried out by two students, this shall be clearly visible in the scope and depth of the report.