Welcome to the Department of Astronomy! Our MSc program gives you a well-rounded and broad education in astronomy, closely connected to world-leading research. Whether you are interested in black holes, cosmology, exo-planets, or exploding stars, this two-year program is the right choice for you. The program covers both theoretical and observational approaches to modern astronomy. Our students acquire skills in current research methods and proficiency to analyze, evaluate, and present complex astrophysical data.
Reasons to choose
First-class education and a close connection to department research:
Stockholm University is one of the 100 highest-ranked universities in the world and a leading European university. The Department of Astronomy covers world-leading research, including both theoretical as well as more observational and experimental research. With all our teachers being active researchers, you are offered various ways to get in contact with recent advancements in each respective field through lectures, laboratory sessions, or degree projects.
Diverse and technically advanced learning environment:
Stockholm University's and the Royal Institute of Technology's joint research and educational initiative AlbaNova University Centre is an international and dynamic facility. With 600 researchers and Ph.D. students and about 2000 BSc and MSc students, the atmosphere is diverse and progressive. We have a friendly atmosphere at our department and its moderate size allows for informal and close contact between students and teachers, ensuring good educational support throughout the program. Most of your studies take place at AlbaNova where we host Sweden's largest operating optical telescope. During some courses, our students also get to use the 20-meter radio telescope at Onsala Space Observatory and the 2.5 meter Nordic Optical Telescope at La Palma. In addition to this, it is possible to get international experience from collaborative projects such as the Hubble Space Telescope, Zwicky Transient Facility, Very Large Telescope at the European Southern Observatory, or the Swedish 1-m Solar Telescope at La Palma.
Career prospects
Our MSc program in astronomy is very versatile and our students acquire a broad set of skills that are useful both inside and outside of the academic field. These skills include good knowledge of physics and information technology and generally excellent problem-solving skills. Therefore education in Astronomy provides you with great opportunities in the labor market. Our alumni not only work in astronomical research but also in insurance analytics, ICT, teaching, data warehouse/software and computer game development, environmental research, and leading positions at companies such as Telia and Facilia.
Why Stockholm University?
Studying at Stockholm University makes a difference
Stockholm University is one of the 100 highest-ranked universities in the world and Sweden’s largest institution of higher education with top-quality education and outstanding research in a wide variety of fields.
Our campus is situated in the Royal National City Park, just minutes away from the center of Stockholm city. Stockholm has recently been rated the safest capital in Europe and is famous for its many green and clean areas. Stockholm is leading in areas such as social welfare, equality, IT, sustainability, and innovation. Known for being an open society, Sweden is also ranked second in the world in the Social Progress Index.
