Astronomy – (M.Sc.)

The Master´s degree in Astronomy from the University of Groningen is a very valuable degree. The students are supervised by and follow courses given by astronomers from the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, all well known worldwide for their research. The two-year curriculum connected to the Master´s degree can be tailored according to the interests and capabilities of the student, focussing on observational astronomy, theoretical astronomy, astronomical instrumentation and informatics, or astronomy teaching.

While the Master´s programmein Astronomy is primarily aimed at training researchers, many graduates find employment in the public or private sector. This is because Astronomy graduates are well-trained problem-solvers, skilled in astronomy, physics, mathematics, IT and computing science. To enable students to gain additional experience in business and economics as well as to follow a company internship, a special Master´s programme `Business and Policy´ profile has been designed.

The objective of the Groningen Master´s degree programme is to give students the best opportunity for participation in major European or global astronomical research projects, in PhD programmes, and in professions dealing with astronomical instrumentation and informatics. The curriculum as well as the career prospects are being monitored continuously, and are consistently evaluated very positively. Dutch Astronomy graduates in general, and Kapteyn graduates in particular, have excellent career prospects, within and outside science.