Astronomy

specialisatie Astronomy Research

This 2-year programme consists of advanced Astronomy courses, two research projects in Astronomy, and courses on science topics related to Astronomy. It allows the broadest programme, including a significant component from adjacent fields, such as Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science. The overall goal is to prepare you for conducting independent research in astronomy.

Are you aiming for a career in astronomical research? Are you looking for a broad master's programme in Astronomy with many opportunities to assemble your own study path? Then Astronomy Research is the right programme for you.

specialisatie

In addition to knowledge of astronomy, students obtain competence with respect to organisations, people in organisations and the establishment and management of processes.
The first year of the track focuses on astronomy; in the second year the student will specialise in Science-Based Business.

The Leiden MSc in Astronomy focuses on: Knowledge and understanding of the origin, structure, and evolution of galaxies, including processes in their nuclei, as well as the universe they are part of; Knowledge and understanding of the origin, structure and evolution of stars, including the interstellar medium, circumstellar gas and dust, and planetary systems.
These goals are approached by means of courses teaching knowledge of the various fields and insight into their mutual connections, and through research projects in which the student focuses on one or more aspects of ongoing research carried out by staff and postdocs.
The Leiden programme is particularly known for its emphasis on the interface between observation and theory: interpretation, modelling and simulation.

specialisatie Astronomy and Cosmology

In the field of cosmology we look for scientific answers to the most fundamental questions that one can ask: Where do we come from? How did the Universe start? How did it evolve and where does it go?

Modern cosmology is a complex, multidisciplinary research area. Observations of the Universe with state-of-the-art telescopes on Earth and in space, supercomputer simulations of the origin of structure, and theoretical physics studies of the Hot Big Bang, the expanding Universe, and inflation provide a consistent understanding of our Universe.

The current picture is quite accurate, yet full of with new physics waiting to be discovered. Research in this area is moving fast, and requires familiarity with current theoretical ideas as well as a basic understanding of the data. The overall aim is to train you in this exciting research field, preferably in an integrated Cosmology master's and PhD degree programme.

Are you a theory-oriented student interested in discovering all aspects of modern astrophysics, including observation, interpretation, simulation and theory? Then, Astronomy and Cosmology at Leiden University is the right master's specialisation for you. This programme is essentially based on combined research in astronomy and physics and is therefore open for students with a bachelor's degree in Astronomy and/or Physics from a recognized university.

specialisatie Astronomy and Instrumentation

The overall goal is to fully understand the physical principles and performance of astronomical instruments and to contribute to the development of new instrumentation technologies. The courses in the Astronomy and Instrumentation specialisation go beyond astronomy and space applications of instrumentation technology. This enables you to use your knowledge and skills in adjacent areas of science and engineering, including the development of instrumentation for environmental and medical applications.

Do you want to contribute to the high-tech world of astronomical instrumentation engineering? Do you have a bachelor's background in Astronomy, Physics or equivalent degrees? Then the master's specialisation Astronomy and Instrumentation is the right choice for you.

specialisatie Astronomy and Science Communication and Society

The Astronomy and Science Communication and Society master's specialisation focuses on the interaction between science and society.

Increasingly, the general public wants to be and needs to be informed about scientific topics. At the same time, scientists need to show accountability to the general public about their research. In this specialisation you bridge the gap between experts and the public by combining high quality research in astronomy with extensive training in science communication. After completion you have obtained the necessary knowledge and skills to either become science communicator with a strong astronomy background, or an astronomer with a communicating mindset.

Do you want to bridge the gap between scientific research and the public? Want to combine high quality astronomy research with professional science communication? Then, this master's specialisation is an excellent opportunity for you. You will be prepared for a career as a science or health communicator, policy maker, PR officer, science journalist, health officer, museum educator or an astronomy researcher with a communicating mindset.

specialisatie Astronomy and Education

Student teachers develop their competences to innovate their practice (e.g., by developing and testing instruction on a specific topic). This track meets the requirements to obtain the degree eerstegraads lesbevoegdheid in Physics, needed for teaching at Dutch secondary schools.
The Leiden MSc in Astronomy focuses on: Knowledge and understanding of the origin, structure and evolution of galaxies, including processes in their nuclei, as well as the universe they are part of; Knowledge and understanding of the origin, structure and evolution of stars, including the interstellar medium, circumstellar gas and dust, and planetary systems.

These goals are approached by means of courses teaching knowledge of the various fields and insight into their mutual connections, and through research projects in which the student focuses on one or more aspects of ongoing research carried out by staff and postdocs.
The Leiden programme is particularly known for its emphasis on the interface between observation and theory: interpretation, modelling and simulation.

honours-/excellence program Leiden Leadership Programme

The Leiden Leadership Programme (LLP) is an honours programme of 15 ECs on top of the regular master's curriculum. The programme consists of training courses, seminars and a practical assignment.

Are you looking for an extra challenge in addition to your Leiden master's programme? Are you adventurous enough to look beyond the borders of your own master's programme? The Leiden Leadership Programme may be just what you are looking for. The programme gives you the opportunity to develop your leadership skills. You will follow seminars and courses, as well as carrying out a practical assignment for a company or organisation as part of a small, multidisciplinary team. Your lecturers will be leading academics and experienced professionals from the business sector.

Students can apply who have:

• Good study results in the bachelor's programme;
• The ambition and motivation to develop leadership qualities;
• A broad and interdisciplinary span of interest.