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| Application Deadline: | June 1 (EEA); March 1(Non EEA) | ||
| Annual Tuition Fee: | ≈ € 578 - | ||
| Location: | Leuven / Belgium / View location on map ▾ Hide location on map ▴ | ||
| Duration: | 24 months | Start Date: | September |
| Educational Form: |
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| Education Variants: |
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| Credits (ECTS): | 120 | ||
| Languages: | Dutch English | ||
Location of University of Leuven
The field of astronomy is currently gaining importance worldwide, fuelled by technological developments. New generations of instruments, situated on the earth´s surface and in space, enable astronomers to study the origin, the structure, and the evolution of planets, stars, star systems, and the universe. Over the coming decades, astronomy will undoubtedly play a prominent role in international basic research.
The Master of Astronomy and Astrophysics programme offers a wide range of courses on the subfields of astronomy and on its research methodology. Special attention will be devoted to the analysis and astrophysical interpretation of data, as well as to technological aspects of international astronomical research.
Upon successful completion of this programme, students will have acquired:
- Thorough insight into various aspects of astronomy
- Insight into the sciences contributing to astronomy
- A critical research attitude developed through gradual training
- The ability to define and formulate strategies to study complex questions
- The ability to integrate technological developments in basic research
- The ability to construct simple numeric and physical-mathematical models to study data within a theoretical framework
Career prospects
A research-oriented Master’s programme in Astronomy and Astrophysics is essential in ensuring high-quality astronomy research. Graduates will have a competitive advantage when applying for a PhD, either locally or abroad, and the skills they acquire will also prepare them for research careers in a broad range of professional environments.
Contents
The Master of Astronomy and Astrophysics programme consists of 120 credits
(European Credit Transfer System - ECTS), divided over two years. In the first year,
theoretical courses provide a solid foundation for further study, while students develop their research skills by undertaking a research project. The second year includes the Master’s thesis, i.e. an extensive written report of research conducted in one of the Department’s astronomy research groups.
MASTER OF ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS 120 studiepunten
COURSE / CREDITS
Compulsory courses 54
- Observational Techniques in Astronomy 6
- Research Projects I 3
- Binary Stars 6
- Theory of Nucleosynthesis 3
- Star Formation 6
- Interstellar Matter 6
- Physics of Planets 6
- Asteroseismology 6
- Specialised Topics in Astronomical Techniques 6
Students must choose two of the courses below.
- Stellar Structure Models 3
- Research Projects II 3
- Research Projects III 4
Elective courses 36
Students choose electives comprising at least 36 credits, either from the list below
or from specialized courses included in other Master’s programmes, particularly
physical applied mathematics (Plasma Astrophysics) courses from the Master of
Mathematics and physics courses from the Master of Physics.
- The Milky Way Galaxy 6
- Relativity 6
- Dynamics of Stellar Systems (UGent) 6
- Theoretical Seismology 6
- Capita selecta in Astronomy and Astrophysics 6
- Planetary Systems 6
- Computational Methods for Astrophysical Applications 6
Master's thesis 30
You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test if you come from a non-English speaking country.
Most European Universities recognise the IELTS test.
More informationRequirements
Direct access:
- Bachelor (of Science) in Physics
- Bachelor of Science, minor Physics
- Bachelor of Science in de fysica
- Bachelor of Science in de wiskunde, minor fysica
- Bachelor of Science in de informatica, minor fysica
- Bachelor of Science in de chemie, minor fysica
- Bachelor of Science in de biochemie en de biotechnologie, minor fysica
- Bachelor of Science in de biologie, minor fysica
- Bachelor of Science in de geologie, minor fysica
- Bachelor of Science in de geografie, minor fysica
Non-native English students are required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS certificate.
TOEFL (Computer-based test 213 pt., Internet-based test 79 - 80 pt., Paper-based test 550 pt.) or IELTS (6.5 - 7 pt.)
Additional information - In order to gauge whether the expected entry level matches your curriculum, we require that you submit a complete transcript of your academic records.
(1) A complete list of course titles for which you have obtained a credit should be part of this. Indicate the course size (in ECTS-credits).
(2) Also indicate the result you obtained, preferably according to the ECTS-scale; if a different scale is used, please provide an summary explanation on the meaning of the scores.
(3) For the courses that you deem most relevant as a preparation for the master that you are considering, provide a shot (about one half to one page) description according to the standard guidelines for an ECTS-study guide.
Additional Requirements
| Minimal degree required: | Bachelor's degree |
| Minimal amount of work experience | Not specified |
Language Proficiency
| IELTS Band: | 6.5 |
| TOEFL Paper-based: | 550 |
| TOEFL Computer-based: | 213 |
| TOEFL Internet-based: | 79 |
Funding details
Motivated and talented international students, interested in participating in an international master programme of the Faculty of Science of the K.U.Leuven are invited to apply for a scholarship.
For the following masters you can apply for the Scholarship :
- Master of Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Master of Biology
- Master of Molecular and Cellular Biophysics
- Master of Chemistry
- Master of Physics
- Master of Geography
- Master of Mathematics
- Master of Statistics
Amount of Scholarship
The amount of the scholarship can be up to 8.000 Euro for 1 year. The Board of the Science@Leuven Fund will decide exactly how much a scholarship will be. The scholarship will always cover the tuition fee for 1 year, the insurance and a basic health insurance coverage. The amount awarded for living expenses can vary.
Most master programmes of the Faculty of Science are 2-year programmes. A scholarship for the second master year will be only be continued for students having had outstanding results the first master year.
Contact
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