Astronomy & High-Tech Innovation
As our quest to explore the Universe becomes ever more ambitious, so too do the technological advances needed to deepen our understanding. At Leiden, we unite high-tech innovation with the study of the cosmos in this unique master’s specialisation, giving you the opportunity to push the frontiers of both science and industrial applications. PLEASE NOTE: This is a new specialisation that you can choose as of September 2026.
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What does this master’s programme entail?
This master’s programme explores how cutting-edge technologies from astronomy drive innovation in the high-tech industry. You will study the development of advanced optical systems, precision instrumentation, and interdisciplinary technologies that are vital to knowledge-intensive sectors and industry.
Beyond deepening your expertise in astronomy, you will gain analytical tools and practical skills to design novel instruments and develop integrated software and hardware solutions. This prepares you to apply your knowledge directly to high-tech engineering challenges in an industrial setting.
In the Astronomy and High-Tech Innovation specialisation, you combine top-level astronomy research with real-world experience in a project in collaboration with an industrial partner. This unique blend equips you to play a key role in shaping technological innovation far beyond astronomy.
Reasons to choose Astronomy & High-Tech Innovation at Leiden University
- Leiden University offers a unique master’s programme that combines world-class astronomical research with pioneering work in high-tech instrumentation for the world’s largest telescopes.
- You will gain hands-on experience in the lab, designing and building instruments through cutting-edge projects for organisations like ESO and ESA, while also learning to apply this expertise directly in the high-tech industry.
- Industrial collaboration: Gain practical experience through a research project with an external partner from the high-tech industry or an applied research institute.
- Real-world relevance: Work on current industrial challenges using scientific methods, in close connection with the innovation landscape.
- Innovation pipeline experience: Learn to develop ideas into prototypes and practical solutions through multidisciplinary teamwork and industrial case studies.
- Strategic location: Study at the heart of the Leiden Bio Science Park, The Leiden Quantum Hub and more than 200 nearby life sciences and high-tech companies, offering excellent internship and career opportunities.
Astronomy & High-Tech Innovation: the right master’s programme for you?
Do you want to help drive technological innovation inspired by the challenges of modern astronomy? Do you have a bachelor’s degree in Astronomy, Physics, or a related field? Then the master’s specialisation Astronomy and High-Tech Innovation is the perfect choice to combine your scientific background with cutting-edge applications in high-tech industry.