The National Centre for Research and Development

  Project title

Adapting the 2nd cycle course programme entitled “Space and satellite technologies” to job market needs

  Name of Beneficiary/Beneficiaries

Gdańsk University of Technology

  Name of programme

Operational Programme Knowledge Education Development 

  Competition

Competition for New Course Programmes

  Project value

PLN 1,973,352.00

  Funding value

PLN 1,914,150.00

  Project delivery period

01 October 2016  - 30 September 2018 

Meet our team

View the results of our work

 

 

What problem is addressed by the project? 

We are often not aware how many technologies are based on satellite data and data related to space and satellite technologies. Space technologies are not only Martian rovers or interplanetary travel - they are present in our lives each day, in telecommunications, satellite navigation, Internet or research on threats of natural disasters.
Education of top class specialists in the field of space and satellite technologies is a considerable challenge. Thanks to the joint efforts of the Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdynia Maritime University and the Polish Naval Academy in Gdynia, we developed a Master's degree programme conducted at three universities and related to one specific subject matter, i.e. space and satellite technologies. This is our response to the demand of the job market. The course programme prepared as part of the project is adapted to the needs of companies operating on the market, at the same time fulfilling students’ ambitions and expectations. Four specialities were launched: Information and communication technologies in space and satellite engineering; Mechanics and mechatronics technologies in space engineering; Maritime satellite and space systems; and Space and satellite applications in security systems.
Poland is doing quite well on the international space technology market, taking part in numerous projects, while Polish companies perform contracts made with multinational consortia and companies. Our intention is to strengthen this trend. Therefore, our course programme was created and is being implemented in collaboration with employers representing the space sector and with the Polish Space Agency. The numerous cooperating entities include the Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Science, or Blue Dot Solutions from Gdańsk.

Who uses the project results? 

Companies need specialists, and we are the ones to educate them. We have developed and implement the programme in cooperation with enterprises dealing with, i.a., remote sensing, satellite telecommunication, robotics, security technologies, satellite data analysis, mechatronics in space applications. 
Students acquire the skills of research teams, gain knowledge of market practices and of those fields related to space technologies which are rapidly growing. Already at the stage of university education, they can learn about the needs of potential employers, gain skills aimed at cooperation on specific projects which are actually delivered.
We are convinced that thanks to our project, Polish specialists will be able to play an even more significant role in international and domestic undertakings.
The course programme was attended by over 60 students. After graduating, they were all employed in the broadly understood space and satellite technology sector or in similar engineering sectors. The course programme is being continued. Last year, two faculties of the University of Gdańsk, the Faculty of Law and Administration and the Faculty of  Oceanography and Geography, joined the programme.
We are currently trying to internationalise the course and commence joint education activities with Hochschule Bremen.

What was the greatest challenge during project implementation?

Companies need specialists, and we are the ones to educate them. We have developed and implement the programme in cooperation with enterprises dealing with, i.a., remote sensing, satellite telecommunication, robotics, security technologies, satellite data analysis, mechatronics in space applications. 
Students acquire the skills of research teams, gain knowledge of market practices and of those fields related to space technologies which are rapidly growing. Already at the stage of university education, they can learn about the needs of potential employers, gain skills aimed at cooperation on specific projects which are actually delivered.
We are convinced that thanks to our project, Polish specialists will be able to play an even more significant role in international and domestic undertakings.
The course programme was attended by over 60 students. After graduating, they were all employed in the broadly understood space and satellite technology sector or in similar engineering sectors. The course programme is being continued. Last year, two faculties of the University of Gdańsk, the Faculty of Law and Administration and the Faculty of  Oceanography and Geography, joined the programme.
We are currently trying to internationalise the course and commence joint education activities with Hochschule Bremen.

Our advice for other applicants

Launching new course programmes in collaboration with enterprises bring unquestionable benefits for all the parties concerned (students, academic staff, employers) which arise from cooperation in the education process. It is necessary to take into consideration the need to appropriately adapt student admission procedures and consider an option to organise remedial classes.