•  China National Space Administration

•  Secretariat of AP-MCSTA

•  Beihang University

Master Program on Space Technology and Applications (MASA)

I. What's MASA?

In order to translate the recommendations of the United Nations Program on Space Applications (UN-PSA) into an operational program, China National Space Administration (CNSA), Secretariat of Asia Pacific Multilateral Cooperation in Space Technology and Applications(AP-MCSTA) and Beihang University (formerly called Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics) initiated the Master Program on Space Application (MASA) for the applicants from Asia-Pacific region. MASA is designed for students, researchers, and professionals interested in developing one's career in the space sector or improving their positions within it.

In the light of UN-PSA, MASA can offer facilities and expertise in the five areas:

(a) Space and Atmospheric Sciences

(b) Satellite Communications

(d) Space Project Management

(c) Remote Sensing (RS) and Geo-information System (GIS)

(e) RS & GIS and their Applications on Land Use, Environmental Protection, and

Disaster Monitoring

II. Objectives

The objectives of MASA are:

(a) To promote the use of space technology in solving problems of a regional and global nature;

(b) To further strengthen the capability in the use of space-related technologies and applications for economic and social development.

MASA is designed to give participants a competitive edge by:

(a) Broadening knowledge of space-related issues and activities.

(b) Developing the skills necessary for working effectively with colleagues from a diverse range of disciplines and cultures

(c) Placing participants at the heart of the industry through contact with space professionals

(d) Putting to use acquired knowledge and skills through practical, hands-on experience

III. Duration, Schedule and Faculty

With the present activities of UN-PSA around the world, MASA will be achieved in a two-stage program:

( a) 9-month Core Course (Leading to a diploma of Beihang University .)

The 9-month core course is divided into three modularized phases as given below.

• 3 months for platform courses .The participants should study them to strengthen their fundamental knowledge.
• 3 months for special courses. The special courses shall offer the various approaches to space application in the study area.
• 3 months for pilot-project. Pilot projects will take place at some aeronautical institutes or in a space research and application environment. The participants shall be separated into several teams.

(b) 6-12 months for Advanced Project. (Leading to a Master degree of Beihang University (BUAA))

The advanced project in 6-12 months would be carried out in the participant's home country with committed support of a sponsoring agency. The topic of project is chosen by the participant, in consultation with his/her sponsoring organization and approved by the supervisor of MASA. After the completion of this advanced project, a thesis would be submitted to BUAA and have to pass the answer of the Master's degree committee. The prerequisite for participation in the program would be a diploma from the first program.

The faculty for MASA consists of leading professors, chief experts and senior engineers invited from Beihang University and some institutes or Academies. They have long and varied experience in the field of space science and technology. In addition, they have acquired considerable skills in teaching and advising international participants.

The teaching methods include class room lectures, video lectures, laboratory and technical visits, field work, group discussion and case studies. Modern methods of teaching and instruction will be used for imparting and training during the course. Our teaching and learning process will be different from regular courses. Team teaching is our main approach, which means that a subject will be taught by a group of lecturers. The process gives students opportunity to benefit from the experience of more than one lecturer.

IV. Admission

a) Required Materials

Applicants are requested to provide the following materials:

1) A completed application form. (download at http://www.apmcsta.org) ）

2) A 500-word essay explaining your reasons for wishing to participate in MASA-Advanced Project, and how the applicant will expect to benefit from MASA in relation to her/his academic and professional background and career objectives.

3) A 100-word biography (not to be used in the evaluation process but to be included in the Student Biographies Booklet).

4) Curriculum Vitae/Resume.

5) Certified academic records, transcripts or mark sheets (photocopies are acceptable).If the records are not in English, a certified English translation must be provided.

6) Two letters of recommendation in sealed envelops.

7) Declaration of professional experience (including relevant internships).

8) Financial Information (bank statement to show an applicant's financial power in paying the tuition and fees relevant to this master program, in case the applicant is not sponsored by her/his government or the Secretariat of the AP-MCSTA).

9) Healthy facts sheet.

10) Proof of language proficiency in English (Score report of TOEFL, IELTS, and other English tests).

b) Academic Acceptance

Applicants will be assessed on the basis of their academic and professional qualifications and achievements. Preference is given to applicants:

•  Holding higher academic degrees

•  With professional experience in industry, government agencies or academic institutions

•  Proficient in a second language or willing to learn one

•  focused career objectives

•  Excellent references. (Please note that a Bachelor's degree (in any discipline) is the minimum requirement for admission to MASA.)

c) Where to submit

Required materials must be directly returned to Secretariat of Asia-Pacific Multilateral Cooperation in Space Technology and Applications (AP-MCSTA) by express post to the following address:

Master Program on Space Technology and Applications

Secretariat of Asia-Pacific Multilateral Cooperation in Space Technology and Applications (AP-MCSTA)

Apartment 1121-1124, Beijing Rui Cheng Hotel

No.9 Xi cui Road, Haidian District

Beijing , 100036, P.R.China

Fax: 86-10-88271120

Tel: 86-10-88271277-19, 20

Email: secretariat@apmcsta.org

Website:www.apmcsta.org

Note: (1) In order to speed up your applying process, you should also send the scanning copies by email and by fax so that we can surely get your information in advance.

( 2). The course contents and the exact duration for each course are subject to adjustment, though the whole duration of the core courses has been fixed as 9 months.

V. Tuition and Costs

Note:

1) Current Exchange Rate 1USD=8.05 RMB

2) The monthly average living cost for a Chinese university student in Beijing is around 800 RMB.