Astronomy (MSc)
About the programme
Within the two-year Astronomy master’s programme, you can choose from seven specialisations, ranging from fundamental or applied astronomy research in cosmology, instrumentation or data science, to combinations of astronomy research with education, management or science communication.
Overview of the Astronomy programme
The two-year Astronomy master’s programme offers seven specialisations:
- Astronomy Research: you follow a tailor-made programme to become an independent and resourceful scientist.
- Astronomy and Instrumentation: obtain in-depth knowledge of state of the art approaches to develop high tech astronomy instruments.
- Astronomy and Data Science: focus on development and application of new data mining technologies, fully embracing modern astronomy as a data rich branch of science.
- Astronomy and Cosmology: discover all aspects of modern astrophysics, including extensive observation, interpretation, simulation and theory.
- Astronomy and Business Studies: combine training in astronomy with education in management and entrepreneurship.
- Astronomy and Science Communication and Society: combine research with all aspects of science communication, such as journalism and universe awareness education.
- Astronomy and Education (taught partly in Dutch): prepare yourself for a career in teaching science at high school level.
All Astronomy master’s specialisations have their own curriculum with a wide variety of in-house Astronomy courses to tailor your own study path:
- Astronomical Telescopes and Instruments
- Astronomy from Space
- Detection of Light
- High Contrast Imaging
- Observational High-Energy Astrophysics
- Project Management for Scientists
- Radio Astronomy
- Observational Cosmology
- Astrochemistry
- Databases and Data Mining in Astronomy
- High-energy Astrophysics
- Gravitational Lensing
- Compact Objects and Accretion
Educational methods
- Lectures
- Working groups
- Practical classes
- Excursions
- Research
Assessment methods
- Written, oral and take home exams
- Homework assignments
- Presentations and colloquia
- Reports (scientific paper, literature study)
Student support
The favorable student–staff ratio guarantees a high degree of interaction with and personal attention from the (senior) staff. The Astronomy study advisor is available for individual and confidential study support. In addition, Astronomy master’s students get their own desk and computer during their master research project. Therefore, close collaboration with supervisors and group members is guaranteed. Moreover, the Astronomy master’s programme provides an informal atmosphere and a welcoming research community, in which social activities flourish.