Students and lecturers from Astronomy and Astrophysics will tell you what you can expect from this programme and discuss career opportunities once you have graduated.
Discover the Master's programme & tracks
The Master's programme Physics and Astronomy offers specialisations in offers specialisations in seven tracks. Astronomy and Astrophysics is one of them. The other tracks are:
The study programme
Astronomy and Astrophysics is firmly embedded in the Astronomical Institute Anton Pannekoek, which has a long track record of world leading research in both observational astronomy and theoretical astrophysics. Researchers of the institute are well-positioned to train you in both the observational and theoretical aspects of modern astronomy and astrophysics, and to teach on current international research topics.
You will be able to make use of a wide range of tools - both in theory and application - to define the properties of astrophysical objects, and to identify the fundamental laws that govern their behaviour.
Focus on the big questions, from the search for life to the physics of dense matter and strong gravity.
Unique combination of theory, and observations with state-of-the-art facilities.
Learn data science and programming for cutting-edge research.
From the start you are welcomed into the world-leading Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy
Meet the people
How to get to know this track better than via its students and teachers? Meet the staff and read the experiences from Astronomy and Astrophysics students.
Dutch astronomy is among the best in the world and so I naturally wanted to come here.Mihkel Kama, student Astronomy and Astrophysics
After graduation
Graduates of the Master's programme in Physics and Astronomy have had an excellent research training that allows them to pursue their PhD at astronomy and physics institutes around the world. But they can also pursue a career in a different work field.
Is Astronomy and Astrophysics for you?
If you are eager to explore how the laws of physics play out in the universe, Astronomy and Astrophysics might be the track for you. Obviously, you will need to have a solid background in physics and mathematics at the Bachelor's level (with at least some basic knowledge of astronomy). Furthermore, you have a strong interest in:
- the birth of planetary systems and stars;
- the history of the universe;
- the origin and nature of (extreme physical processes occurring around) black holes and neutron stars.
Joint degree programme with VU Amsterdam
Astronomy and Astrophysics is a track in the Master's programme Physics and Astronomy, a joint degree programme of the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Courses are taught at locations of both universities. UvA and VU jointly issue a degree certificate in Physics and Astronomy to graduates. As a Physics and Astronomy student in Amsterdam you benefit from expertise, networks and research projects at both universities and affiliated research institutes.
