StudyQA — Master: Astronomy — University of Groningen

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The Master's degree in Astronomy is a valuable degree. The students are supervised by and follow courses taught by renowned astronomers from the well-known and leading Kapteyn Astronomical Institute.

The two-year curriculum connected to the Master's degree can be tailored according to the interests and capabilities of the student. The wide range of options include the possibility to focus on observational astronomy, theoretical astronomy, astronomical instrumentation and informatics, or astronomy teaching.

The curriculum as well as the career prospects are being monitored continuously, and are consistently evaluated very positively. Dutch Astronomy graduates in general, and Kapteyn graduates in particular, have excellent career prospects, within and outside science.

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 perspectives
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

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

Specialisations / Tracks
* Theoretical and Observational Astronomy(specialization) The first is comprised of a research project (Master's thesis), worth 60 ECTS, and 60 ECTS of coursework (30 ECTS for Advanced Astrophysics, 20 ECTS General Science, 10 ECTS for optional courses).

* Instrumentation and Informatics(specialization) In the Instrumentation and Informatics track, you follow a number of courses aimed at supplying you with astronomical information.

The research is split into 40 ECTS worth of Master's research/thesis and 20 ECTS for an industrial research project, as well as 60 ECTS of coursework which includes a substantial component (40 ECTS) of instrumentation and informatics courses. The research work is carried out under the supervision of a staff member from the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute (including affiliated staff members from SRON and ASTRON, see below), and often in interaction with his or her research group, resulting in Master's thesis of high international standard.

* M-variant: Science, Business and Policy track (Dutch-taught only)(specialization) Maatschappijvariant, gericht op functies in het bedrijfsleven.

This track gears you towards a position in the business world. One year is dedicated to course units and placements in the business or government sectors, mainly focusing on business aspects. In addition, you will of course also follow astronomy course units and work on a 30 ECTS final-year research project in the field of astronomy.

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

For the complete curriculum, please see:
Study abroad

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

language test * 237 computer based * Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English - CAE (Certificate of Advanced English) * English language test ± University of Groningen Language Center ± section scores C2 or C1 and one section score B2. * With the exception of students whose native language is English.matching procedureThe Admissions Board will decide whether you can be admitted to the Masters degree programme. The Board may decide that you have to take supplementary courses or follow a bridging programme before being admitted.previous educationBachelor's degree in Astronomy; possible admission for a Bachelor's degree in Physics or Applied Physics.other admission requirementsBachelor's degree in Astronomy; possible admission for a Bachelor's degree in physics or applied physics. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 580 TOEFL iBT® test: 92