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 galaxy formation and evolution, cosmology, star and planet formation, neutron stars and black holes.
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, data science or astronomy teaching.
Dutch Astronomy graduates in general, and Kapteyn graduates in particular, have excellent career prospects, within and outside of science. The Master's programme in Groningen is ranked as a top-degree in the Netherlands (by the 'Keuzegids'). Facilities are being ranked as outstanding, while the quality of the lecturers, the research component as well as the preparation for the professional field through e.g. internships are ranked as very good.
To enable students to gain additional experience in business and economics as well as to follow a company internship, the special Master's profile 'Business and Policy' has been designed.
Job prospects
The objective of the Groningen Master's degree program is to give students the best opportunity for participation in major European or global astronomical research projects, in PhD programs, and in professions dealing with astronomical instrumentation and informatics.
While the Master's program in Astronomy is primarily aimed at training researchers, a substantial amount 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
15 October 2021
More details
Start date
1 September 2021, 1 February 2022
University of Groningen
Broerstraat 5,
Groningen,
9712 CP, Netherlands
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 Admissions Board determines whether the specific contents of your previous degree programme meet the admission requirements.
Language requirements
IELTS overall band: 6.5
TOEFL internet based: 90
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
