Astronomy

Specialisaties

• Astronomy and Education
• Astronomy and Science Communication and Society
• Astronomy and Science-Based Business
• Research in Astronomy

De MSc Sterrenkunde in Leiden richt zich op:

• Kennis en begrip van het ontstaan, de structuur en ontwikkeling van sterrenstelsels, inclusief zowel processen binnen de kern van het sterrenstelsel als het universum waar ze deel van uit maken.
• Kennis en begrip van het ontstaan, de structuur en de ontwikkeling van sterren, inclusief de omgeving tussen de sterren, gas en stof rondom de sterren en planeetsystemen.

Deze doelen worden bereikt door cursussen waar je kennis opdoet over de diverse onderwerpen en inzichten in hun samenhang, en door onderzoeksprojecten waarin je je richt op een of meer aspecten van lopend onderzoek van onze wetenschappers. Het Leidse programma staat met name bekend om zijn nadruk op het raakvlak tussen observatie en theorie: interpretatie, modelleren en simulatie.

In the course of the master’s programme, you learn to independently evaluate information in a critical manner and to conduct academically sound research in your particular field of study. You may choose to specialise by conducting your major research project in either theory, observation or instrumentation, or a combination of these subjects, and by emphasising the appropriate courses .

Reasons to Choose Astronomy in Leiden

1. The Leiden Astronomy Department (the ‘Sterrewacht’) is the largest and oldest in the Netherlands. It has a strong international reputation, and it is widely known to turn out graduates and PhDs of the highest quality.
2. Research at the cutting edge of modern astronomy is an integral part of the MSc programme. Research students graduate with a broad knowledge of astronomy and astrophysics, but may specialise in observation, theory or instrumentation. Other specialisations allow the student to specialise in business and management, communication or education.
3. The Sterrewacht provides a thoroughly international atmosphere. It has close ties with other astronomy institutes in Europe and in the U.S. Its students and staff have access to the most advanced observation facilities in the world. Many students, postdocs and staff come from abroad, and there are regular visits by guests from all over the world.
4. The large number of faculty staff and the relatively small number of students guarantee students a high degree of interaction with and personal attention from the senior staff.
5. With its modest size and open, international character, the Sterrewacht provides a very congenial, informal atmosphere, in which social activities flourish.
6. The Leiden programme is particularly appreciated for its emphasis on the interface between observation and theory: interpretation, modeling and simulation.

For more information, please visit the programme site.