Master's Programme in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Are you interested in the physics of black holes, galaxies, exoplanets, supernovae, and stars? In this programme you will cover theoretical and observational approaches to modern astrophysics, and acquire skills and proficiency to analyze, evaluate and present complex data. This prepares you for a career in research or for qualified jobs in industry.

Carina nebula. Image credit: ESO/T. Preibisch

Study tracks

Within the Master's programme three topic tracks are proposed

Within the Master's programme you have to choose a number of elective courses. On the online web catalogue you can find a list of all courses available. But if you need help what courses to choose we have three study tracks that we recommend; Planets, Galaxy evolution or Stellar physics. The tracks is not mandatory, so you are aslo free to choose the courses that interest you. Support will be offered to the students to make their study plan accordingly to the topics they are most interested in. 

Planets

• Planetary Systems
• Planet and Star Formation
• Stellar Atmospheres
• Observational Astrophysics II
• The Physics of the Interstellar Medium

Galaxy evolution

• Galaxies
• Galaxy Formation and Evolution
• The Physics of the Interstellar Medium
• Observational Astrophysics II
• Late stages of stars, supernovae and gamma-ray bursts
• Machine Learning for Physicists and Astronomers

Stellar physics

• Stellar Atmospheres
• Late stages of stars, supernovae and gamma-ray bursts
• Observational Astrophysics II
• The Physics of the Interstellar Medium
• High Energy Astrophysics

Image: Microsoft Bing Image creator AI

• Programme overview

  The program comprises two years of full-time studies (120 ECTS credits). You will apply your knowledge of physics to key astronomical fields covered by the mandatory and elective courses, connected to the research expertise at our department. The free-choice courses give you the possibility to widen your studies to match your needs and interests, from statistics and machine learning to project management. Students without sufficient knowledge in astronomy from their BSc studies will replace free-choice master courses with introduction courses at bachelor level. The bachelor level courses that should be coverd is Astrophysical Spectra (7.5 ECTS credits), Cosmology (7.5 ECTS credits), and Stellar Structure and Evolution (7.5 ECTS credits). The final component of your studies is a thesis project where you independently plan, perform and report a research project in one of our research groups or at a company.

  Mandatory courses:

  • Astrophysical Gas Dynamics, 7.5 cr
  • Astrophysics Radiative Processes, 7.5 cr
  • Observational Astrophysics I, 7.5 cr
  • Final master project, 30 or 45 cr

  Elective courses:

  Courses at advanced level given at the department, corresponding to at least 30 cr.

  Free-choice courses:

  Free-choice courses for a total of 37.5 or 22.5 cr depending on the size of the final master project.

  Independent project

  In the second year, you will do a degree project corresponding to 30 or 45 credits (AS9003 or AS9004). The project concludes the program, and gives you the opportunity to truly apply the skills you have learned to a field of research of your choice. Most of our students choose to do a project in one of our research groups, becoming part of the group and gaining first-hand experience with astrophysical research. For those aiming for a career in industry, the project can be done at a company or other government agency.

   

• How to apply

  The Master’s programme in Astronomy starts during the autumn semester. The application round normally opens in mid-October the preceding year, with a deadline in January. Application is done through www.universityadmissions.se.

  When submitting you application make sure you have uploaded all required documents. Read more here: https://www.universityadmissions.se/documents

  
  We at the Department of Astronomy do not require any additional documents such as CV, letter of recommendation or motivation letter. You will be contacted by us if we need further documentation.

  Read our step-by-step guide on how to apply

• Career opportunities

  The Master’s programme in astronomy is very versatile and you will acquire a broad set of skills that are useful both inside and outside of the academic field. These skills include a good knowledge of physics and information technology, and excellent problem solving skills. This gives you great opportunities on the labour market, or prepares you for doctoral studies. Our alumni not only work in astronomical research but also in insurance analytics, ICT, teaching, data warehouse/software, computer game development, environmental research and have leading positions at companies such as Telia and Facilia.

• Contact

  The Academic advisor and Student office can be contacted via studieinfo@astro.su.se.