Master of Astronomy and Astrophysics
KU Leuven
Key Information
Campus location
Leuven, Belgium
Languages
English, Dutch
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
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Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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Introduction
The Master of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics is a two-year programme consisting of 120 ECTS credits. In the first year, theoretical courses provide a solid foundation for further study, while you develop your research skills by undertaking a research project. In the second year you work on your master's thesis, as front-line research typically conducted within one of the research groups. Attention is devoted to the analysis and astrophysical interpretation of data and models, as well as to technological aspects of international astronomical research.
Astronomical research and education has a distinct international and multidisciplinary character. The emphasis is on developing and applying research methodologies to collect, analyse and interpret astronomical observations in the context of astrophysics. Technological as well as computational and theoretical aspects are extensively covered. Thanks to new generations of instruments on the Earth's surface and in space, you can adequately study the origin, structure and evolution of planets, stars, galaxies and the universe. Astronomy therefore retains a central place in international fundamental research.
Upon successful completion of this programme, you will have acquired:
- a thorough insight into various aspects of astronomy
- a developed understanding of the various sciences contributing to astronomy
- a critical research attitude
- the ability to define and formulate strategies to study complex questions
- the ability to integrate technological developments into basic research
- the ability to construct simple numeric and physical-mathematical models to study data within a theoretical framework
Programme strengths
KU Leuven situates itself as a leader in astronomical research in Flanders, among other things by being the only Flemish university to offer a full master's degree in astronomy. The master programme has an international focus and attracts students from many different countries
Thanks to an extensive network of national and international collaborations, our researchers have access to large-scale modern instruments within the framework of the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and the European Space Agency (ESA). Moreover, thanks to KU Leuven, Flanders has its own professional Mercator telescope at the La Palma International Observatory, which master students can use during their training. Large scale numerical models in the context of projects or the master thesis can be simulated on the KU Leuven Genius supercomputer with more than 8000 cores
You obtain a broad formation in astronomy and astrophysics with strong attention to transferable skills and personal development. The curriculum is research oriented and the master’s thesis is always well embedded into the actual research of the research groups at the Institute of Astronomy.
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Admissions
Curriculum
Structure
The Master of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics program consists of 120 ECTS divided over two years. In the first year, theoretical courses provide a solid foundation for further study, while you develop your research skills by undertaking a research project. The second-year will feature a master’s thesis.
The mission of the Department of Physics and Astronomy is exploring, understanding, and modeling physical realities using mathematical, computational, experimental, and observational techniques. Fifteen teams perform research at an international level. Publication of research results in leading journals and attracting top-level scientists are priorities for the department, as well as the interaction of industry and society.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
A range of career options are available in the pharmaceutical and bioscience industries, where structure determination, modelling and the direct study of molecular interactions in the living cell play a major role. Graduates may also pursue a career in medical sciences research or academic research. A considerable number of graduates go on to undertake a PhD at one of our associated research laboratories or abroad.