The Master of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics is a two-year programme consisting of 120 ECTS credits. In the first year, theoretical courses provide a solid foundation for further study, while you develop your research skills by undertaking a research project.

 In the second year you work on your master's thesis, as front-line research typically conducted within one of the research groups. Attention is devoted to the analysis and astrophysical interpretation of data and models, as well as to technological aspects of international astronomical research.

About the programme:

Astronomical research and education has a distinct international and multidisciplinary character. The emphasis is on developing and applying research methodologies to collect, analyse and interpret astronomical observations in the context of astrophysics. Technological as well as computational and theoretical aspects are extensively covered. Thanks to new generations of instruments on the Earth's surface and in space, you can adequately study the origin, structure and evolution of planets, stars, galaxies and the universe. Astronomy therefore retains a central place in international fundamental research.

Upon successful completion of this programme, you will have acquired:

• a thorough insight into various aspects of astronomy

• a developed understanding of the various sciences contributing to astronomy

• a critical research attitude

• the ability to define and formulate strategies to study complex questions

• the ability to integrate technological developments into basic research

• the ability to construct simple numeric and physical-mathematical models to study data within a theoretical framework

Programme strenghts:

KU Leuven situates itself as a leader in astronomical research in Flanders, among other things by being the only Flemish university to offer a full master's degree in astronomy. The master programme has an international focus and attracts students from many different countries

Thanks to an extensive network of national and international collaborations, our researchers have access to large-scale modern instruments within the framework of the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and the European Space Agency (ESA). Moreover, thanks to KU Leuven, Flanders has its own professional Mercator telescope at the La Palma International Observatory, which master students can use during their training. Large scale numerical models in the context of projects or the master thesis can be simulated on the KU Leuven Genius supercomputer with more than 8000 cores

You obtain a broad formation in astronomy and astrophysics with strong attention to transferable skills and personal development.  The curriculum is research oriented and the master’s thesis is always well embedded into the actual research of the research groups at the Institute of Astronomy.

Admission requirements:

• To be eligible for the Master of Astronomy and Astrophysics, you must have obtained an academic bachelor’s degree in the field of physics or mathematics.

• You should have a good command of both spoken and written English.   

Tuition fees:

It is worth noting that our tuition fees are cheaper than in many other European countries thanks to the generous financing of the higher education system by our government. Although all of our programmes are very affordable compared to equivalent universities around the world, the fees for any individual student are contingent upon their choice of academic programme and the nationality of the student.

 Scholarships

Our aim is to offer afforable tuition fees for all students, which means we only have a limited number of scholarships available for students from particular backgrounds or studying in particular fields. 

Career perspectives:

A range of career options are available in the pharmaceutical and bioscience industries, where structure determination, modelling and the direct study of molecular interactions in the living cell play a major role. Graduates may also pursue a career in medical sciences research or academic research. A considerable number of graduates go on to undertake a PhD at one of our associated research laboratories or abroad.