Master of Science in Low-Altitude Economy and Technology
Program Introduction
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Duration of Study
The normal duration of this program is 2 years,and the maximum duration is 3 years.
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Teaching Approach
Face-to-face Teaching
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Teaching Language
English
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Academic Field
Information and Communication Technologies
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Course Introduction
The program aims to cultivate interdisciplinary talents with expertise in in low-altitude technology research, development and application; capable of leading urban air mobility planning, developing intelligent application system of unmanned aircraft system; designing airspace governance frameworks and international standards. Graduates will possess the capability to drive industrial transformation and build a robust low-altitude economic ecosystem, supporting the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a global innovation hub for the low-altitude economy.
Study Plan
1.Admission Requirements
Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Biology, Medicine, or a related discipline, and provide proof of English proficiency (such as CET-4/CET-6, IELTS, TOEFL etc.).
2.Course Structure
Table 1：Core Courses (12 Credits)
Course Title | Type | Credits |
Core | 3 | |
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Unmanned Systems | Core | 3 |
Low-Altitude Airspace Information and Route Management Systems | Core | 3 |
Low-Altitude Economy Business Model Innovation | Core | 3 |
Table 2：Elective Courses (9 credits)
Course Title | Type | Credits |
Low-Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Remote Sensing and Counter-UAV Technologies | Elective | 3 |
Low-Altitude Safety, Reliability, Airworthiness and Certification Systems | Elective | 3 |
Flight Dynamics and Intelligent Control Technologies | Elective | 3 |
Low-Altitude Economy Policies and Regulations | Elective | 3 |
Low-Altitude Meteorological Monitoring and Forecasting | Elective | 3 |
Low-Altitude Meteorological Engineering and Technology | Elective | 3 |
Low-Altitude Infrastructure Planning and Investment Evaluation | Elective | 3 |
Urban Spatial Information Systems | Elective | 3 |
Low-Altitude Communication and Navigation | Elective | 3 |
Special Topics in Low-Altitude Economy and Industry Development | Elective | 3 |
Special Topics in Urban Low-Altitude Management | Elective | 3 |
Table 3：Other Core Courses (3 Credits)
Course Title | Type | Credits |
Literature Review and Thesis Proposal | Core | 2 |
Academic Activities | Core | 1 |
Table 4：Thesis (12 Credits)
Course Title | Type | Credits |
Thesis | Core | 12 |
Course Description
Introduction to Low-Altitude Economy (3 Credits)
This course introduces the fundamental economic principles underlying the emerging low-altitude economy (LAE). Instead of focusing on technical systems, the course examines low-altitude activities from an economic, industrial, and policy perspective. Topics include market structure, supply–demand dynamics, externalities, cost–benefit analysis, regulatory economics, public goods, industrial organization, and regional economic development. Students learn how low-altitude activities—such as logistics services, aerial data markets, tourism, and public-service applications—interact with broader economic systems, influencing productivity, labor markets, and innovation.
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Unmanned Systems (3 Credits)
This course introduces the fundamental concepts, system architecture, and application domains of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Autonomous Unmanned Systems (AUS), covering intelligent perception, decision-making and planning, control execution, human-machine collaboration, ethics, and standardization.
Low-Altitude Airspace Information and Route Management Systems (3 Credits)
This course teaches the technical framework of low-altitude airspace management, including airspace classification, information services, route planning, dynamic control, and CNS integration, and examines operational safety mechanisms within UTM system standards.
Low-Altitude Economy Business Model Innovation (3 Credits)
This course introduces the emerging low-altitude economy (LAE) and its commercial market innovation. It examines key low-altitude applications—such as UAV services, eVTOL mobility, low-altitude logistics, inspection, tourism, and digital airspace platforms—and analyzes their industry value chains, market opportunities, and revenue models. Students will learn how technological innovation, regulation, and business strategy intersect to shape the commercial development of the low-altitude market.
Low-Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Remote Sensing and Counter-UAV Technologies (3 Credits)
This course covers low-altitude UAV remote-sensing imaging and counter-UAV technologies, including optical, infrared, and radar sensing principles, as well as detection, interference, and defense methods.
Low-Altitude Safety, Reliability, Airworthiness and Certification Systems (3 Credits)
This course focuses on safety assessment, reliability modeling, and airworthiness certification systems for low-altitude aircraft and unmanned systems, including FMEA/FHA, SSE, and relevant EASA and FAA standards.
Flight Dynamics and Intelligent Control Technologies (3 Credits)
This course teaches aircraft dynamics modeling, attitude control, and trajectory planning, covering nonlinear control, optimal control, and intelligent control techniques.
Low-Altitude Economy Policies and Regulations (3 Credits)
This course introduces international and domestic aviation regulatory systems and the roles and processes of major standardization bodies such as ICAO, EASA, RTCA, and IEEE.
Low-Altitude Meteorological Monitoring and Forecasting (3 Credits)
This course teaches the structural characteristics of the low-altitude atmosphere, meteorological observation technologies, and forecasting methods, including radar, lidar, and NWP models.
Low-Altitude Meteorological Engineering and Technology (3 Credits)
This course studies the design, integration, and application of low-altitude meteorological observation systems, including sensor deployment, data acquisition and communication, and early-warning dissemination systems.
Low-Altitude Infrastructure Planning and Investment Evaluation (3 Credits)
Overview of Urban Air Mobility systems, including airspace integration, intelligent operation, safety, and sustainability. Focus on low-altitude economy, industry chain, and business model fundamentals for future urban transportation.
Urban Spatial Information Systems (3 Credits)
This course teaches the theories and technologies of urban spatial information systems, including spatial data acquisition, 3D modeling, and digital-twin applications.
Low-Altitude Communication and Navigation (3 Credits)
This course covers low-altitude communication and navigation systems, including VHF/UHF communication, 5G/satellite communication, GNSS/INS navigation, and the CNS/UTM architecture.
Special Topics in Low-Altitude Economy and Industry Development (3 Credits)
This course examines emerging issues and advanced topics in the development of the low-altitude economy (LAE) from an economic and industrial perspective. It explores how UAVs, eVTOL systems, low-altitude logistics, airspace services, digital platforms, and public-service applications drive industrial transformation and regional economic growth. Topics include industry structure, policy and regulatory evolution, market forces, business ecosystems, investment trends, and cross-sector integration. Through case studies and thematic discussions, students gain a deeper understanding of the industrial logic, economic mechanisms, and development pathways of the low-altitude sector.
Special Topics in Urban Low-Altitude Management (3 Credits)
This course explores key topics in urban low-altitude management, focusing on how cities govern, regulate, and coordinate low-altitude activities within complex urban environments. It examines airspace classification, policy frameworks, risk management, digital airspace platforms, UAS Traffic Management (UTM), and the integration of UAV/eVTOL operations into urban public services. Through case studies and thematic discussions, students learn how urban governance, regulatory design, and industry ecosystems interact to support safe, efficient, and sustainable low-altitude operations.
Literature Review and Thesis Proposal (2 Credits)
This course guides students through the structured process of selecting a research topic in Low-Altitude Economy and Information Technology. Students will review key literature, industrial reports, and policy documents related to UAS/UAM technologies, low-altitude digital platforms, traffic management systems, safety frameworks, and emerging applications. Through this process, they will identify research gaps and develop a clear thesis direction. The course concludes with the completion of a concise, well-structured thesis proposal outlining the research background, objectives, methodology, and timeline.
This course explores the academic and practical dimensions of Low-Altitude Economy and Information Technology, with 100% of learning through academic activities. Focusing on core themes like low-altitude system safety, data governance, intelligent UAS/UAM deployment, airspace equity, and responsible innovation, students engage in thematic academic seminars, cutting-edge literature analysis, collaborative research projects on real-world integration challenges, and scholarly presentations. Emphasizing academic inquiry and evidence-based communication, the course equips students to grasp latest research trends and contribute to low-altitude economy discourse.
Degree Requirements
Students are required to complete core courses and elective courses to gain 36 credits： 1. During semester 1-2, students are required to complete 4 core courses in Table 1, for a total of 12 credits. 2. During semester 1-2, students are required to take 3 elective courses in Table 2, for a total of 9 credits. 3. During semester 1- 2, students are required to participate in academic activities to complete “Academic Activities” in Table 3, for a total of 1 credit. 4. During semester 3-4, students are required to complete the “Literature Survey and Thesis Proposal” in Table 3, for a total of 2 credits. 5. Thesis in Table 4, for a total of 12 credits. The program offers two types of thesis: Academic Thesis and Applied Thesis. For Academic Thesis, student needs to write a traditional English thesis of 15,000-20,000 words; while for Applied Thesis, student needs to write an English thesis of 10,000-15,000 words based on practical achievements such as project development or program design. 6. Upon confirmation of enrollment of all compulsory and elective courses, students can start writing the thesis proposal. Students can continue their thesis research and writing upon completion of the thesis proposal defense.
Learning Time
The course work period normally lasts 18 months, while the thesis writing period normally lasts six months.
Qualifications of Graduation
Upon approval from the Senate of the University, a Master’s Degree will be conferred on a student when he or she has: 1.Completed and met the requirements prescribed in the study plan of his or her program within the specific study period, and achieved a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or above (excluding thesis)； 2.Abided by the regulations of the University； 3.Cleared all fees and charges and returned all University’s property and equipment borrowed. If student passes all courses required in Table 1, 2, and 3 above with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above, but fail to submit or pass the final thesis oral defense during the specified period, he/she can only get a completion certificate. Note: 1. All curriculums and study plans are based on the newest announcement of the Boletim Oficial da Região Administrativa Especial de Macau. 2. In case of any discrepancy, the Chinese version shall prevail.
