MSc in Astronomy - Astronomy and Education

Leiden University

The master’s specialisation Astronomy and Education prepares you for a career as a teacher in secondary schools. After completion you obtained the qualifications to be a Physics teacher. Note that this specialisation is only open to students who speak Dutch.

What does this master’s programme entail?

Astronomy and Education optimally prepares you to teach the subject of physics to secondary school students, based on a solid background of high quality research in astronomy. The programme comprises a one-year Astronomy component, followed by an education component in the second year. This master’s specialisation uniquely enables you to make a relevant impact on society by educating today’s secondary school pupils for tomorrow’s challenges in the field of (astro)physics.

Reasons to choose Astronomy and Education at Leiden University

• The specialisation provides you with a full year of research training in Astronomy followed by a year of theory and practical experience in teaching offered by the Leiden University Graduate School of Teaching.
• You have access to world-class and cutting edge research in modern astronomy at Leiden Observatory.
• During the education component, you receive one-on-one guidance, but you will also meet with colleagues from different disciplines, each with their own knowledge and experience, providing you with a broad view on education.

Astronomy and Education: the right master’s programme for you?

Do you want to fascinate our younger generations for the field of physics and astronomy? Are you aiming for a career as a modern and flexible teacher? Then, the Astronomy and Education master’s specialisation is the right choice for you. After completion, you will have obtained your teacher qualification, which is required for employment as a physics teacher in Dutch secondary schools. You can also participate in the World Teachers Programme for international teaching. As the main education component is taught in Dutch, all applicants must provide proof of proficiency in Dutch language.

Career prospects

After graduation you have a lot of opportunities: academics are highly sought after in Dutch secondary education or mbo teaching. You can also aim for a management position or work as a researcher within the field of Astronomy.

Acquired skills and competence

With a Leiden degree in Astronomy you have become a strong communicator and collaborator and can operate in an international setting with ease. You have acquired extensive astronomical research experience and highly advanced analytical and problem solving skills.

Career

Most graduates holding a MSc degree in Astronomy from Leiden University find work in many different capacities, including:

• Research: universities, observatories, research institutes
• Industry and consultancy: ICT, R&D, telecom, high technology, aerospace
• Finance: banking, insurance, pension funds
• Public sector: governments, policy makers, high schools
• Science communication: journalism, popular writing, museums

Typical jobs for Astronomy graduates include:

• Scientific researcher (postdoc, research fellow, professor)
• R&D engineer
• Consultant
• Data scientist, statistician
• Policy advisor, public information officer (e.g. Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• High school physics teacher
• Scientific editor for magazines, newspapers and other media