Astronomy and Cosmology (MSc)
Career prospects
With a master’s degree in Astronomy you are well prepared for jobs in research, industry and the public sector, including technological, financial and consultancy companies, research institutes, governments and science communication organizations.
Acquired skills and competence
With a Leiden degree in Astronomy you obtain an impressive skill set leading you to a top-level job quickly after graduation (see Beste Banen 2016). As a strong communicator and collaborator you can easily operate in an international setting. You have acquired extensive astronomical research experience and highly advanced analytical and problem solving skills. Their helicopter view and ability to prioritise enable astronomers to successfully engage in large multidisciplinary projects.
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
Research at Leiden Observatory
If you want to get more deeply involved in research after graduating in Astronomy, consider pursuing a PhD at Leiden Observatory. If you have completed the Leiden master’s degree programme in Astronomy, you are directly eligible for admission to our PhD programme. Read more.