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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Astronomy
Header image Astronomy

Astronomy

Would you like to explore the most fundamental questions in the universe? Or learn about the formation of stars and planets, or the evolution of our Milky Way? Do you want to learn all there is to know about building large telescopes and the data science behind them? A Master's degree in Astronomy is a gateway into a wide world of science and technology.

Students are trained by astronomers from the world-renowned Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, a centre leading in astronomical research on the structure and dynamics of our Milky Way, on the structure and dynamics of galaxies, galaxy formation and evolution, cosmology and large scale structure of the Universe and star and planet formation, and in the design and development of new astronomical instrumentation.

Astronomy research has been carried out at Groningen University since 1883, and Groningen astronomers belong to the top of the world. They have been heavily involved in the construction and use of the Westerbork radio telescope (WSRT). Currently, they play a key role in the development and use of the LOFAR network of radio telescopes and the future Square Kilometer Array, while leading the development of instruments for the upcoming Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) in Chile. They also have key roles in space projects, such as leading the developments of the HIFI detector in the Herschel satellite, the data processing center of the upcoming Euclid cosmology satellite, while having a leading role in the Gaia satellite mapping of our Milky Way.

The two-year curriculum of the Master's degree can be tailored according to your own interests and capabilities. The wide range of options include the possibility to focus on observational astronomy, theoretical astronomy, astronomical instrumentation and informatics, as well as data science.

Dutch Astronomy graduates in general, and Kapteyn graduates in particular, have excellent career prospects, within and outside of science. The Master's programme has been frequently voted as a top-degree Astronomy programme in the Netherlands. We have outstanding facilities, and the quality of the lecturers, the research component as well as the preparation for the professional field through e.g. internships are also very good.

To enable students to gain additional experience in business and policy as well as to follow a company internship, the special Master's track 'Science, Business and Policy' is available.

Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Astronomy
Course type
Master
Duration
24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code
60200
Language of instruction
English
Start
February, September
Faculty
Science and Engineering
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • Close connections with ASTRON and SRON
  • Specialization on instrumentation and informatics possible
  • Excellent facilities at your disposal
  • A vibrant international research environment.
  • Our Faculty is the home of Ben Feringa, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and Frits Zernike, a Nobel Prize winner in Physics.
Programme

Curriculum

2-year programme; credits per year: 60 ECTS; most courses are 5 ECTS.

Please be advised that students of the Faculty of Science and Engineering are expected to adhere to our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, ensuring seamless integration of personal electronic devices for academic purposes. For more detailed information on our BYOD policy, please visit our webpage .
Programme options
Quantum Universe (track)

Within the Quantum Universe track you can choose between three different specializations:

  • Theoretical and Observational Astronomy;
  • Data Science;
  • Instrumentation and Informatics.

More information about this option

Science, Business and Policy (track)

Interested in the business side of science? You can combine this Master's programme with the Science Business & Policy profile. The SBP profile includes a six-month internship as a scientific advisor.

For the complete curriculum, please see: https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/programme/60200-5901

More information about this option

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is recommended
  • For an average of 20 weeks
  • Maximum of 60 EC

Exchange: All our science and engineering programmes offer study abroad possibilities at a number of partner institutions. Our partners include top-100 universities in Europe (for example in Germany, UK, and Sweden) and in the USA, China, South-East Asia, and South America. Our exchange programmes have a typical duration of one semester and count toward your final degree.

Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
AstronomyAll Research universities

No additional requirements

More information:

(to be decided by the admissions board)

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
PhysicsUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Applied PhysicsUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Bachelor's degree in Astronomy; possible admission for a Bachelor's degree in Physics or Applied Physics.

Information about admission possibilities and requirements for students from a Dutch HBO institute is published on: https://www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission

other admission requirements

BEFORE YOU APPLY Make sure to visit 'MSc Application Procedure' at https://www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements.

Registration procedure

The Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be admitted to the Master's degree programme.

Please fill out this checklist to describe why you are applying for this Master's degree programme (questions to be addressed are outlined in the form).

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

At least a Bachelor's degree in Astronomy; admission is decided on a case by case basis for applicants with at least a Bachelor's degree in Physics or Applied Physics.

This is merely an indication of required background knowledge. The Board of Admissions determines whether the specific contents of your previous degree programme meet the admission requirements.

additional subject

The Admissions Office will advise the Board of Admissions on your application, after which the Board will decide if you meet the admission requirements in terms of general level of previous education and specific background knowledge. Applications are evaluated on a continuous basis. You do not have to wait until the application deadline to apply.

language test

MAKE SURE TO VISIT http://www.rug.nl/fse/programme/admissions/msc/language-requirements for all the necessary information about required language tests and minimum scores.

other admission requirements

BEFORE YOU APPLY Make sure to visit 'MSc Application Procedure' at www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements.

SCHOLARSHIPS

ASML Scholarship: ASML is one of the world's leading manufacturers of chip-making equipment. The €5000 p/y scholarship is awarded every year to 25 exceptional students, who get the chance to become a Technology Ambassador within their scholarship period. More information can be found here: https://www.asml.com/en/careers/students-graduates/asml-scholarship

Registration procedure

The Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be admitted to the Master's degree programme.

Please fill out this checklist to describe why you are applying for this Master's degree programme (questions to be addressed are outlined in the form).

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 24200full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

The Groningen Master's degree programme aims to give students the best opportunity to take part in major European or global astronomical research projects, PhD programmes, and professions involving astronomical instrumentation and informatics.

While the Master’s programme in Astronomy is primarily designed to train researchers, a substantial number of graduates successfully find employment in the public or private sector. Astronomy graduates are well-trained problem solvers, skilled professionally not only in astronomy but also in physics, mathematics, IT and computing science.

Job examples

  • PhD research position
  • Participate in astronomical research projects
  • Professions dealing with astronomical instrumentation and informatics
Research

Close Connections with two Major Astronomical Foundations

The research work is carried out within one of the research groups of the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, under the supervision of a staff astronomer. Kapteyn staff are involved in observational and theoretical research dealing with:

  • Active Galactic Nuclei and Quasars
  • Cosmology and the Large Scale Structure of the Universe
  • Formation, Evolution and Structure of Galaxies
  • High-energy Astrophysics: Neutron Stars and Black Holes
  • Instrumentation
  • Star and Planet formation and the Interstellar Medium of Galaxies
  • Virtual Observatory and Astronomical Data Centers

The Kapteyn Astronomical Institute uses the most advanced instrumentation on the ground and in space, as well as the most advanced computing facilities. Kapteyn staff are involved in the operation as well as planning and construction of major astronomical instrumentation efforts, again on the ground and in space. Master students at the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute work in research groups which are currently shaping 21st-century astronomy and astrophysics. The Kapteyn Institute has close connections with the two major national foundations dealing with astronomical instrumentation: ASTRON and SRON.

ASTRON, the Netherlands Foundation for Research in Astronomy, provides front-line observation facilities for Dutch astronomers and astronomers worldwide across a broad range of frequencies and technologies. ASTRON operates the Westerbork Radio Synthesis Telescope, one of the largest in the world, and offers a strong technology development programme, encompassing both innovative instrumentation for existing telescopes and new technologies for future facilities. The latter include the new, revolutionary low-frequency array LOFAR and the APERTIF antenna array, which will be operated by ASTRON together with the University of Groningen. ASTRON and its facilities are within a one-hour drive from Groningen.

SRON is the national centre of expertise for the development and exploitation of satellite instruments for astrophysical and earth oriented research. The low energy astrophysics branch of SRON (infrared and submillimeter instrumentation and techniques) is hosted by the University of Groningen. Scientific discoveries and instrumentation development go hand in hand as a result of the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute-SRON Groningen connections (IRAS, ISO, Herschel Space Observatory, just to mention a few successful missions). In short, the combination offered by the University of Groningen and the ASTRON and SRON Institutes is unique in the world.

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Contact

  • newsletter (Sign up for our monthly newsletter!)
  • Academic Advisors FSE (For questions regarding the programme)
  • studyscience@rug.nl Study Science (For students who are interested in a Campus Tour or who have other general questions)
    Email: studyscience rug.nl

Study associations

Sirius A

Sirius A is the study association for astronomy in Groningen, the Netherlands. Astronomy in Groningen is taught at the Kapteyn Institute and is part of the University of Groningen.
Besides aiding you in your study, Sirius A informs you on future career prospects, promotes social bonding between you and your fellow students by many events and gives you the opportunity to participate in voluntary work and explore your qualities. Furthermore, Sirius A is always open for cooperation. Please contact us if you have any questions or queries.
https://sirius.astro.rug.nl/
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