Search
Did you study here?
Write a short review & help students like you! Over 1,500 students already shared their experience.
Astronomy and Astrophysics – (M.Sc.)
University of Amsterdam
Faculty of Science
- Programme website
- Department Homepage
- University website
- City Guide
- StudyinHolland.nl : Information on why and what to study in The Netherlands.
- Student Experiences about The Netherlands - STeXX.eu
- StudyinHolland Youtube Channel
- Nuffic - Netherlands organisation for international cooperation in higher education
- Nuffic Grand Finder
- Nuffic Study Finder
- Holland Alumni network
| Application Deadline: | Start in 1 September: May (non-EEA: February). Start in 1 February: December (non-EEA: October). | ||
| Annual Tuition Fee: | ≈ € 1,771 ≈ € 12,000 (non-EEA) | ||
| Location: | Amsterdam / Netherlands / View location on map ▾ Hide location on map ▴ | ||
| Duration: | 24 months | Start Date: | February, September |
| Educational Form: |
| ||
| Education Variants: |
| ||
| Credits (ECTS): | 120 | ||
| Languages: | English | ||
Location of University of Amsterdam
The MSc programme in Astronomy and Astrophysics provides training in both the observational and theoretical aspects of modern astronomy and astrophysics.
The research Master's programme puts an emphasis on the fundamental questions that current astrophysical research at the UvA focuses on. For example, what is the history of the universe? How are stars and planetary systems born? What is the origin and physical nature of black holes and neutron stars? Researchers use a wide range of tools to define the properties of astrophysical objects and to identify the fundamental laws that govern their behaviour. Among these tools are supercomputers (our campus houses the premier data and computing hub of the Netherlands), ground-based telescopes operating at wavelengths from radio to optical (such as ESO's VLT and the new LOw Frequency ARray) and space observatories such as Hubble, Chandra, XMM, Swift and soon also Herschel and GLAST. Teaching at API emphasises interaction, with many courses employing non-traditional, project-based forms of testing. The programme offers a large number of electives covering a broad spectrum of areas, thus giving students the opportunity to select topics that interest them. All courses are taught by researchers internationally recognised in their fields.
Contents
The programme offers advanced courses in astrophysics and related disciplines, such as physics and mathematics. In the first year students take core courses in Radiative Transfer and Stellar Evolution. They are also strongly advised to take the Observing Project module and Cosmology course. Approximately half of the programme is dedicated to an independent, state-of-the art research project, initiated by students in the second half of the first year and conducted under the close guidance of one of the staff members.
The programme also trains students in scientific writing and presentation skills. The Institute's international atmosphere creates a stimulating work environment. Ambitious students with an excellent academic record can elect to combine their Master's in Astronomy with a Master's track in Physics (e.g. particle physics or theoretical physics). This programme lasts three years and entails one-and-a-half years of coursework in the two disciplines and one-and-a-half years of interdisciplinary research.
Degree requirements
A Master of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics is awarded upon successful completion of all the core courses in the curriculum and a written Master's thesis based on an independent research project. This translates into a total of 120 ECTS credits.
Research training
A major part of the Master's programme in Astronomy and Astrophysics is the research training that is rounded off with a Master's thesis. It takes place either in the form of a major research project within one of the participating groups in the programme, or in industry or business. A literature study with colloquium completes the programme. The programmes also cover training in scientific writing and presentation.
Professional specialization within the Master’s programme
In general, Master’s students are trained to become independent researchers. But at the UvA Faculty of Science you can also choose to complete your Master’s programme with a professional specialization, that focuses on other skills than doing research. In that case you will follow the programme of the Master's programme in Astronomy and Astrophysics during the first year of your Master’s, and the programme of the specialization during the second year. You will graduate as a Master of Science. There are three professional specializations available:
- Science Communication
- Teaching
- Management, Policy Analysis & Entrepreneurship.
A note to readers who don’t speak Dutch: Only the specialization Management, Policy Analysis & Entrepreneurship is described in English, because the other two specializations are only taught in Dutch.
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 informationGRE® revised General Test
Official Registration.
Get free test prep and register today.
Requirements
Grade average: 1) 3.0 (American system) 2) 2.1 (a second class upper/division one degree in the British system) 3) C (ECTS-system)
Additional language requirements:
- Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: B1
- Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: B1
- IELTS overall band: 6.5
- IELTS listening: 6
- IELTS reading: 6
- IELTS writing: 6
- IELTS speaking: 6
- TOEFL paper based: 580
- TOEFL computer based: 235
- TOEFL internet based: 90
Additional Requirements
| Minimal degree required: | Bachelor's degree |
| Minimal amount of work experience | Not specified |
Language Proficiency
| IELTS Band: | 6.5 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): | Grade A (Score: 80) |
| TOEFL Paper-based: | 580 |
| TOEFL Computer-based: | 235 |
| TOEFL Internet-based: | 90 |
Accreditation
Accredited by: NVAO in: Netherlands
Funding details
Scholarships / Grants:
The University of Amsterdam:
The University of Amsterdam provides a limited number of full and partial scholarships for excellent students from outside the European Economic Area. The Amsterdam Merit Scholarships have specifically been designed to offer talented, ambitious and dedicated students the opportunity to pursue a Mast
For additional information: Website
Contact
Contact University of Amsterdam
Using the form on this page, you can directly ask questions to the contactpersons at the university.
Fill out your contact information and message. The information you fill out in this form will be sent directly to the university. They will reply to you on the e-mail address you provide here.
Explain your academic background in the message; the more sophisticated your e-mail, the better the answer.
MastersPortal.eu cannot take any responsibility for the answering of contacts or for the content of their replies.
MastersPortal.eu - Finds the Masters for you!