24 monthsProgramme duration
9,493 EURTuition Fee/year
SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Physics and Astronomy
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
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The Master of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics is a two-year programme consisting of 120 ECTS credits.
- First year: theoretical courses provide a solid foundation for further study, while you develop your research skills by undertaking a research project.
- 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.
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 strengths
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.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Physics and Astronomy
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Get in touch: join KU Leuven’s Webinars
Discover all that KU Leuven has to offer via one of KU Leuven’s Webinars about KU Leuven, admissions & applying, housing, and more.
The Master of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics is a two-year programme consisting of 120 ECTS credits.
- First year: theoretical courses provide a solid foundation for further study, while you develop your research skills by undertaking a research project.
- 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.
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 strengths
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.
Brochures
Admission Requirements
Students with a degree obtained at an institution outside the Flemish Community:
Diploma requirements
After admission procedure
After assessment of the study curriculum and with a possibility of a preparatory programme (individual preparatory programme)
- Bachelor of Engineering Science
- Bachelor of Bio-Engineering Science
- Bachelor of Chemistry
- Bachelor of Physics
- Bachelor of Mathematics, Minor Subject Physics
Language requirements
All applicants must prove their proficiency in English.
The following applicants are exempted from submitting an English proficiency certificate:
- Applicants who have obtained a previous university degree taught in English in Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Their diploma and transcripts suffice, provided they confirm that the entire university study was completely taught in English in one of the previous countries.
- Applicants who have obtained a Belgian diploma.
Absolutely no other diplomas will be accepted as evidence even if the applicant has followed an exclusively English-taught programme.
Tuition fees
International
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