University of Tromsø

What you'll study

This two-year master’s programme builds advanced competence in modelling, estimation and control for aerospace platforms including aircraft, satellites, rockets and unmanned vehicles. Teaching combines theoretical courses, laboratory work and a research or industrial master’s thesis.

• Core control theory: linear and nonlinear control, robust control, model predictive control and stability analysis.
• Estimation and navigation: Kalman filtering, sensor fusion, inertial navigation systems, GNSS integration and state estimation for moving platforms.
• Flight dynamics and guidance: aerodynamic modelling, vehicle dynamics, guidance laws and trajectory optimisation.
• Space systems and satellite control: orbital mechanics, attitude dynamics, attitude determination and control systems (ADCS) and mission operations concepts.
• Embedded systems and real-time implementation: hardware-in-the-loop, real-time control, microcontrollers, FPGA and software for safety-critical systems.
• Autonomy and robotics: autonomy architectures, path planning, perception for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and cooperative multi-agent control.
• Signal processing and sensors: sensor modelling, filtering of noisy measurements, radar and remote sensing fundamentals relevant to Arctic environments.
• Project work and thesis: supervised project courses and a substantial master’s thesis carried out in collaboration with a research group or industry partner.

Courses are typically a mix of lectures, practical lab sessions, simulation assignments and project work. Students may choose electives to focus on space systems, UAVs, maritime autonomous systems or advanced control methods.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, applied mathematics, physics, computer science or a closely related discipline with substantial mathematics and engineering content. Required background normally includes calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, signals and systems, basic control or dynamics, and programming skills.

Selection is based on the relevance and level of prior studies; applicants whose degrees are from outside Norway will be assessed against Norwegian degree-equivalency. Proof of English proficiency is required according to university regulations for international applicants.

Applicants with gaps in specific preparatory topics may be required to take qualifying courses or demonstrate competency through documented coursework or experience.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for technical and research roles in the aerospace and high-technology sectors. Typical career destinations include:

• aerospace manufacturers and systems integrators working on flight control, avionics and guidance systems;
• space companies and satellite operators focusing on attitude and orbit control, mission operations and payload control;
• companies developing unmanned aerial systems, maritime autonomous vessels and robotics;
• defence and security organisations working on guidance, navigation and surveillance systems;
• research institutes and universities pursuing doctoral studies or applied research in control, space technology and Arctic engineering;
• high-tech software and sensor companies developing embedded control software, sensor fusion algorithms and autonomy stacks.

The programme’s combination of theoretical foundations and hands-on projects makes graduates attractive to both industry employers and research organisations, particularly those operating in challenging Arctic environments.

Why study at University of Tromsø

The University of Tromsø (UiT) offers a distinctive Arctic perspective on aerospace control problems, with research strengths in satellite remote sensing, space physics and engineering for cold-climate operations. Students benefit from small, research-led teaching groups, access to laboratory facilities for control and embedded systems, and opportunities to work with local research centres and industry partners engaged in Norway’s space and maritime technology sectors.

UiT’s location provides unique case studies and fieldwork opportunities related to polar operations, remote sensing and communications in high-latitude environments. Supervision is provided by faculty with expertise in control engineering, space systems and autonomous vehicles, supporting both applied projects and preparation for PhD study.