MSc in Astrophysics

Programme overview

This structured two-year programme offers you the opportunity to learn about the universe and apply your knowledge of physics in a vibrant and fast-developing area of science.

The first semester is spent on core astronomy courses, including stellar structure and evolution and galactic dynamics. In the second semester, you will begin work on a 60 ECTS degree project under the supervision of internationally well-regarded professors, and this project continues over three semesters. You will also take four more courses broadening your knowledge of the most exciting areas of modern astrophysics, such as exoplanets and the early universe.

Programme structure

Compulsory courses:

• Stellar Structure and Evolution
• Dynamical Astronomy
• Statistical Tools in Astrophysics
• Planetary Systems
• Extragalactic Astronomy

Electives:

• High Energy Astrophysics
• Introduction to Astrophysics
• Observational Techniques and Instrumentation
• Computational Astrophysics
• General Relativity
• Fluid Mechanics
• Radiative Transfer and Stellar Atmospheres

In the courses, there are normally about 4 hours of lectures per week as well as additional seminars and workshops that are led by the teachers. Note that you will take two courses in parallel at all times during the autumn in the first year. Supervision for the thesis project is provided on an individual basis, but students receive supervision each week during the whole project. In addition to that, you will be fully integrated into the life of the department and actively participate in weekly group meetings and scientific seminars.

Career prospects

Although many of our students go on to do a PhD in astronomy, we aim to teach skills that are of broad use outside academia.

To give an idea of the possibilities open to you, we can mention that some of our former Master’s students are doing or have done PhDs at the University of Cambridge, Heidelberg University and Leiden University. Former alumni work at Sony, as postdocs at universities in Europe and the USA, as secondary school teachers and on developing the next generation of instruments to image the retina in the human eye.