Astronomy and Education (MSc)
Career prospects
After graduation you have a lot of opportunities: academics are highly sought after in Dutch secondary education or mbo teaching. You can also aim for a management position or work as a researcher within the field of Astronomy.
Acquired skills and competence
With a Leiden degree in Astronomy you have become a strong communicator and collaborator and can operate in an international setting with ease. You have acquired extensive astronomical research experience and highly advanced analytical and problem solving skills.
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.