Astronomy and Cosmology (MSc)

Why Leiden University?

Combining astronomy and physics: a rich history

The two-year Cosmology master’s programme is run jointly by the Leiden University Astronomy and Physics departments. The programme is part of the Leiden de Sitter Cosmology Programme, where you can follow an integrated master’s and PhD degree programme. This is named after Willem de Sitter (1872-1934), who was director of the Leiden Observatory when the expansion of the Universe was first discovered, and one of the firsts to study the ramifications of Einstein’s theory of general relativity in cosmology.

Education at a world class research institute

Leiden Observatory has a strong international reputation and is widely known to turn out master's and doctoral students of the highest quality. Students are trained by world-renowned astronomers including Kavli and Spinoza prize winner Prof. Ewine van Dishoeck, Spinoza prize winners Prof. Marijn Franx and Prof. Xander Tielens, European Research Council (ERC) grant holders Prof. Ignas Snellen and Prof. Huub Röttgering and NWO-Vici grant holders Prof. Elena Rossi, Dr. Aline Vidotto, Prof. Joop Schaye, Prof. Henk Hoekstra, and Prof. Mariska Kriek. Therefore, you can expect engaging in cutting-edge research as an integral part of the Astronomy Master’s programme. 

Strong skill set

During the programme, you learn to perform academically sound research and evaluate scientific information independently and critically. You will actively contribute to current research within the institute and will be individually supervised by our international scientific staff. Students with a Leiden degree in Astronomy become strong science communicators and collaborators and can easily operate in an international setting. You will acquire extensive astronomical research experience and develop highly advanced analytical and problem-solving skills also directly relevant in an industrial setting. 

Access to the world’s best observational facilities

Leiden astronomers have access to the foremost observational and computer facilities in the world, including the Hubble Space Telescope, JWST, ESO’s Very Large Telescope, ALMA, XMM-Newton, Chandra, JVLA, LOFAR and others. On a daily basis, Astronomy master’s students work with data directly obtained by Leiden researchers at these facilities. The Leiden Observatory also hosts unique astrochemistry and optics laboratories that are also open for master student’s research projects.

Faculty of Science

The Leiden University Faculty of Science is a first-class research faculty with an excellent position in the fundamental disciplines of science. The current research and education programmes cover the entire spectrum of science, including Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science, Computer Science, Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biology, and Environmental Sciences. Our science community is driven by their curiosity and desire to increase basic knowledge for science and to contribute to the great societal challenges of today and tomorrow. Our core values are scientific impact, technological innovation and societal relevance.  

Study at a world-class university

At Leiden University, you choose a master’s degree with impact. You study at a university with a strong international reputation and high-quality research, where academic freedom and critical thinking are at the core. Our master’s programmes offer intellectually challenging curricula with a wide range of courses and specialisations, allowing you to explore what truly interests you while preparing for a strong position in the job market. You become part of an international and diverse community, collaborating with students and academics from around the world. At the same time, you study in a personal and close-knit environment in Leiden and The Hague, where the atmosphere remains engaging and supportive. With a strong connection between education, research and societal challenges, you contribute to solutions for the issues of today and tomorrow – while shaping your own future.
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