Leiden Observatory offers a challenging two-year master’s programme in Astronomy, leading to the MSc degree in Astronomy. Students can expect research at the cutting edge of modern astronomy as an integral part of the programme. Both education and research focus on two major themes:
- the formation and evolution of galaxies, from high-redshifts to the nearby universe, and
- the birth and death of stars, including the lifecycle of dust and gas.
Visit the website:
http://en.mastersinleiden.nl/programmes/astronomy/nl/introduction Course detail
The overall goal is to integrate students in research as soon as possible. Right from the start of the programme, master’s students get involved in front-line research, have access to all facilities, and get their own workspace at the institute. During the programme, students learn to analyse and evaluate scientific information independently and critically, and to conduct academically sound research.
Specialisations
Students can choose one out of six specialisations, each containing a different study path:
- Astronomy Research
Broadest possible training in astronomical research.
- Astronomy and Cosmology
Research training with a particular focus on modern observational and theoretical cosmology.
- Astronomy and Instrumentation
Research training with a particular focus on astronomical instrumentation and instrument development.
- Astronomy and Education
Teacher training for obtaining the qualification required for teaching in Dutch secondary schools.
- Astronomy and Science-Based Business
Research education combined with training in management, business and entrepreneurship.
- Astronomy and Science Communication and Society
Research education combined with training in science communication and public outreach.
Careers
Graduates holding an MSc or PhD degree in Astronomy from Leiden University find work in many different capacities, including:
- High technology
- Aerospace industry
- IT/Telecommunications
- Computer software
- Finance banking
- Consultancy
- Insurance industry
- Science communication
- Education
Some graduates continue in science and get research positions at universities, observatories or research institutes. Others pursue a career as science communicator, science policy maker, or a physics teacher.
Reasons to choose Astronomy in Leiden:
1) Leiden Observatory is a vibrant university astronomy department with a distinguished history. It has both a strong international reputation, and is widely known to turn out masters and doctoral students of the highest quality.
2) The favorable student-staff ratio guarantees a high degree of interaction with and personal attention from the senior staff.
3) The Leiden programme is particularly known for its emphasis on the interface between observation and theory: interpretation, modeling and simulation.
4) Leiden astronomers have access to the foremost observing facilities and the largest high performance computer facilities in the world.
5) The Observatory provides an international atmosphere. It has close ties with other astronomy institutes in Europe and the U.S. Many students, postdocs and staff come from abroad, and there are regular visits by guests from all over the world.
6) The institute provides a very welcoming, informal atmosphere, in which social activities flourish.
How to apply:
http://en.mastersinleiden.nl/arrange/admission Funding
For information regarding funding, please visit the website:
http://prospectivestudents.leiden.edu/scholarships
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