Astronomy and Education (MSc)
About the programme
The Astronomy and Education specialisation consists of 120 European Credit Transfer System (EC) points and includes a one-year astronomy component and a teacher’s education component in the second year.
Programme overview
At the start of the master’s programme, you are required to draw up the Master Study Plan: a complete list of planned courses and projects for two subsequent academic years in consultation with the Study Advisor Astronomy. The curriculum of this master’s specialisation consists of an Astronomy component to be followed in the first year, and an Education component in the second year, offered by the Leiden Graduate School of Teaching. On top of the Education component, you can also participate in the World Teachers Programme.
Astronomy component (60 EC)
- Astronomy core courses (> 12 EC)
- Other astronomy courses (6-12 EC)
- Non-astronomy courses (6-12 EC)
- Master’s Research Project in astronomy (30 EC)
Education component (60 EC, in Dutch)
- Education courses (30 EC, in Dutch)
- Teaching and practice (30 EC, in Dutch)
World Teaching Programme (60 EC, in Dutch and English)
- Education courses (30 EC, partly in Dutch)
- International teaching and practice (30 EC, in English)
If you already have successfully completed the minor Education in your BSc programme, you only need 30 EC of the specific education modules. The remaining 30 EC is then added to the electives of the Astronomy programme.
The education component can only be started in August/September or January/February after completion of the Astronomy modules of the programme.
Read more about the programme outline and courses
Educational methods
- Colloquium
- Lectures
- Individual papers
- Lab work
- Presentations
- Research
- Projects
- Seminars
- Work group
- Internship
- School practice
Student support
The favorable student–staff ratio guarantees a high degree of interaction with and personal attention from the (senior) staff. The Astronomy study advisor is available for individual and confidential study support. In addition, Astronomy master’s students get their own desk and computer during their master research project. Therefore, close collaboration with supervisors and group members is guaranteed. Moreover, the Astronomy master’s programme provides an informal atmosphere and a welcoming research community, in which social activities flourish.