Study programme
The Astrophysics Master’s programme at Utrecht University aims to bring you to the level of a starting scientific researcher. The training is aimed specifically at astrophysical research, but its width and depth also prepare you for a career in related fields, such as physics.
In the first year, the fundamental knowledge is covered: the ‘core programme’ (knowledge that every astronomer should know), and ‘specialised (optional) courses’ (to prepare you for the research project which finalises the study).
The ‘core programme’ (37.5 ECTS) with five courses (7.5 ECTS each):
- Stellar Evolution
- Galaxies
- Observational Astrophysics
- Theoretical Astrophysics
- Radiative processes
Optional courses (22.5 ECTS) about specialised topics in Astrophysics like:
- General Relativity in Astronomy
- Binaries
- Nucleosynthesis
- Solar Physics
- Large-scale Structures in the Universe
Other accepted optional courses are in: Physics, Oceanography, Meteorology and History and Foundations of Physics from the Utrecht University Department of Physics, as well as Master’s courses in Astrophysics from other Dutch institutes, provided that these do not cover topics taught in Utrecht.
The second year is dedicated to your research project, which will be supervised by staff members of the Astronomical Institute or the Laboratory of Space Research in Utrecht. This involves literature study, defining the scope, planning, and carrying out research, and ends with a written report. In addition to this, you are expected to participate in colloquia, informal discussion about astrophysical news topics, and work meetings.
In short:
Year 1
Required courses (five) (37.5 ECTS)
Optional courses (three) (22.5 ECTS)
Year 2
Research project including thesis and seminar (60 ECTS)