Astronomy & High-Tech Innovation
Career prospects
The broad scope of the High-Tech Innovation specialisation provides you with an MSc-level education that is highly valued by the advanced high-tech and semiconductor industries. Your combined expertise in astronomy, cutting-edge technology, instrumentation, and innovation makes you well positioned for roles in R&D, engineering, and technology-driven project management.
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. 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, data science and problem-solving skills. With your helicopter view and ability to prioritize, you are well-equipped to successfully contribute to large multidisciplinary projects where both scientific insight and data-driven approaches are essential.
After graduation, you will be equipped to tackle complex challenges in high-tech industrial research, develop new techniques and materials, and contribute to the advancement of precision instrumentation. You will be prepared to work alongside highly skilled engineers on instrument design and development, and effectively integrate your scientific expertise into multidisciplinary teams. Additionally, you will be able to provide professional advice on the broader applications and impact of new technologies.
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, chipmaking sector, high technology, aerospace
- Finance: banking, insurance, pension funds
- Public sector: governments, policy makers, high schools
- Science communication: journalism, popular writing, museums
Typical jobs Astronomy graduates include:
- Scientific researcher (PhD, 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 and/or math 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.
Research at Leiden Observatory
If you want to get more deeply involved in astronomy research after graduating from our master's programme, consider pursuing a PhD at Leiden Observatory. If you have completed the Leiden master’s degree programme in Astronomy, you are directly eligible for applying to our PhD programme. Read more.