Master of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Taking advantage of generations of terrestrial and space-based instruments, the Master of Astronomy and Astrophysics trains students to study the origin, structure, and evolution of planets, stars, star systems, and the universe itself.

The Master of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics is a two-year program 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 is 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 have a distinct international and multidisciplinary character. The emphasis is on developing and applying research methodologies to collect, analyze, 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 program, 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

Program 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's program 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.

Many astronomers conduct research through a doctoral program at local and international universities or scientific institutions such as the Royal Observatory of Belgium and the Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy. International organizations such as ESO and ESA can also become your employer.

In addition, as an astronomer you will also find your way in the computer science sector, the image processing and visualization sector, telecommunications, air traffic control, science journalism, education ...

Further Studies

Do you want to continue your studies after getting your Master of Astronomy and Astrophysics? The Master of Artificial Intelligence trains a wide variety of students in all areas of knowledge-based technology and the wider application of that technology across multiple fields, including in the development of intelligent robots.

The courses are fully taught in English and also available in Dutch.

• Credits: 120 ECTS
• Degree Type: Master
• Specifications: Master of Science.

What sets us apart as a university?

A highly-ranked university

KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.

Research-based education

Education at KU Leuven is research-based, which means students will learn from the same professors who are performing the ground-breaking research you read about in the press. New insights are instantly integrated into classes and students are encouraged to perform their research. In our FabLab, students can use several high-tech machines to create whatever they want – all free of charge.

Affordable tuition fees

Higher education is highly valued in Belgium and therefore subsidised by the government. This allows KU Leuven to keep tuition fees relatively low, which gives you a price/quality ratio very few top-100 universities can match. We take pride in keeping our programs as accessible as possible to allow the brightest students from around the globe to join our courses.

International student life with respect for diversity

According to Times Higher Education, KU Leuven is in the top 50 of most international universities worldwide with staff and students from over 150 different nationalities. For all our international students, the Pangaea student center is their home away from home. Our university also strives for diversity and inclusion and wants to work together on a pact for more respect.

Learn more about why you should choose KU Leuven.

KU Leuven combines the best of both worlds by hosting both online and live info sessions. You choose how, where and when to get your information in your search for the right program

KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.