Programme overview
Study sensor physics, observation principles and satellite imagery to extract information about the Earth. Process, classify and validate observation data in environmental, water, marine and polar applications. Advanced study develops multi-source and multi-scale analysis, parameter estimation, time series and reproducible scientific validation.
ESAS Paris — Paris College of Aeronautics and Space. Duration: 2 years.
Master study builds on relevant undergraduate foundations, with advanced methods, complex cases and independent research or applied projects.
Study pathways
Environmental remote sensing; marine observation; polar and cryosphere observation. All pathways share a common core. Indicate your preferred pathway when applying; actual availability is confirmed before admission.
Learning outcomes
• Develop advanced remote sensing skills in multi-source, multi-scale analysis and fusion, explaining methods, evidence and limitations.
• Develop retrieval methods skills in parameter estimation and model comparison, explaining methods, evidence and limitations.
• Develop time series skills in change, trends and anomalies, explaining methods, evidence and limitations.
• Develop thematic research skills in climate, oceans and polar environments, explaining methods, evidence and limitations.
• Develop scientific validation skills in reference data, errors and reproducibility, explaining methods, evidence and limitations.
• Develop research project skills in an integrated observation product and dissertation, explaining methods, evidence and limitations.
Learning content and competency modules
| Module | Learning content | Assessment evidence |
| Advanced remote sensing | Multi-source, multi-scale analysis and fusion | Problem definition and reasoned analysis |
| Retrieval methods | Parameter estimation and model comparison | Reproducible case or model documentation |
| Time series | Change, trends and anomalies | Quality and traceability records |
| Thematic research | Climate, oceans and polar environments | Comparison of options and testing evidence |
| Scientific validation | Reference data, errors and reproducibility | Project plan and collaboration records |
| Research project | An integrated observation product and dissertation | Integrated report and oral defence |
Study progression
• Year 1: deepen specialist methods, undertake literature or case research and define an independent project.
• Year 2: complete a research or applied project, evaluate methods and outcomes, and submit a final report and oral defence.
Projects and practice
Develop a reproducible Earth-observation study using multi-source data, uncertainty analysis and scientific validation.
Document the problem, working process, personal contribution, validation evidence and limitations. Individual contributions are assessed within team projects. Placements and external projects depend on actual arrangements.
Teaching and assessment
Theory, computational laboratories, system simulations, data workshops and project reviews use public, synthetic or authorised information. The programme focuses on scientific and civilian applications.
Assignments, case or laboratory work, staged projects and the final defence assess accuracy, methods, evidence quality, practical reliability and communication. Assessment weightings, reassessment and extension rules are published before teaching begins. Moodle may support resources, assignments, quizzes and feedback; specialist practical activities are assessed separately.
Entry requirements
Provide evidence of relevant undergraduate study or equivalent experience. Bachelor applicants should demonstrate mathematics and physics foundations. Master applicants should explain relevant engineering, computing, geography or scientific study. Requirements are assessed against the chosen programme.
Submit education evidence, transcripts, a CV, a motivation statement and any requested project materials. Teaching language, language evidence and document-translation requirements are published for the intake. Website language does not determine teaching language.
Completion and award documentation
Complete the required modules and assessments, final project and oral defence, and the published practice and academic-integrity requirements. The exact award title, awarding institution, nature and recognition scope are specified in programme information and the study agreement before formal admission.
Career development
Remote-sensing analyst; Earth-observation researcher; environmental data project specialist. Employment depends on individual skills, experience and employer requirements. Regulated work requires the applicable qualifications and authorisations. Further study is assessed by the receiving institution.