MSc in Astronomy University of Groningen

A Master's degree in Astronomy is a gateway into a wide world of science and technology.

Students are trained by astronomers from the world-renowned Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, a center leading in astronomical research on galaxy formation and evolution, cosmology, star and planet formation, neutron stars, and black holes.

The two-year curriculum of the Master's degree can be tailored according to your own interests and capabilities. The wide range of options includes the possibility to focus on observational astronomy, theoretical astronomy, astronomical instrumentation and informatics, data science, or astronomy teaching.

Dutch Astronomy graduates in general, and Kapteyn graduates in particular, have excellent career prospects, within and outside of science. The Master's program in Groningen is ranked as a top-degree in the Netherlands (by the 'Keuzegids'). Facilities are being ranked as outstanding, while the quality of the lecturers, the research component as well as the preparation for the professional field through e.g. internships are ranked as very good.

To enable students to gain additional experience in business and economics as well as to follow a company internship, the special Master's profile 'Business and Policy' has been designed.

Why study this program in Groningen?

• Awarded 'Top Rated program' label (Higher Education Guide 2017)
• Close connections with ASTRON and SRON
• Specialization on instrumentation and informatics possible
• Excellent facilities
• International and vibrant research environment
• Our faculty is the home of the 2016 Nobel Prize Winner in Chemistry, Ben Feringa, and the Nobel Prize winner in Physics, Frits Zernike
  
  

Year 1

2-year program; credits per year: 60 ECTS; most courses are 5 ECTS.

Program options

• Quantum Universe: Theoretical and Observational Astronomy (track)
• Quantum Universe: Instrumentation and Informatics (track)
• Science, Business and Policy (track)
• Quantum Universe: Data Science and Systems Complexity (track)
• HTSM Honours Master (honors program)

Study abroad

• Study abroad is recommended
• For an average of 20 weeks
• Maximum of 60 EC

Exchange: All our science and engineering programs offer study abroad possibilities at a number of partner institutions. Our partners include top-100 universities in Europe (for example in Germany, UK, and Sweden) and in the USA, China, South-East Asia, and South America. Our exchange programs have a typical duration of one semester and count toward your final degree.

Job prospects

The objective of the Groningen Master's degree program is to give students the best opportunity for participation in major European or global astronomical research projects, in Ph.D. programs, and in professions dealing with astronomical instrumentation and informatics.

While the Master's program in Astronomy is primarily aimed at training researchers, a substantial amount of graduates successfully find employment in the public or private sector. Astronomy graduates are well-trained problem solvers, skilled professionally not only in astronomy but also in physics, mathematics, IT, and computing science.

Job examples

• Ph.D. research position
• Participate in astronomical research projects
• Professions dealing with astronomical instrumentation and informatics