You are eligible to apply if you have

• a bachelor’s degree in Astronomy (Sterrenkunde) from any research university in the Netherlands
  OR
• a bachelor’s degree in an Astronomy-related programme from a research university in the Netherlands.

Admission to this master is under the provision that you have in-depth knowledge comparable to undergraduate courses of the Leiden Astronomy curriculum, i.e. with: 
•    a theoretical and mathematical emphasis,
      including quantum physics, electrodynamics,
      statistical physics, and complex analysis. 
•    courses in the field of Astronomy.
•    and with proficiency in programming,
      preferably in the Python language.

Astronomy and Cosmology: For this specialization, you must additionally have knowledge of “Physics of elementary particles” at undergraduate level. 

Astronomy and Data Science: For this specialization, proven fluency in a 3rd generation programming language (e.g. Python, C++, ..) is required. Additionally, knowledge of “Statistics” at undergraduate level is required. 

The Board of Admissions will assess whether your degree and background are sufficiently related to the BSc degrees in Astronomy (and, if applicable, whether you meet the additional requirement for certain specialisations).

If you have a bachelor’s degree that does not meet the requirements specified above, you may be eligible for an individual Pre-Master’s Programme tailored to your individual background. If you have successfully met the requirements of the imposed Pre-Master's Programme, you will be admitted to the master’s programme.

For more information, please contact the Astronomy study advisor.

If you have a bachelor’s degree in Astronomy or in an Astronomy-related programme from a foreign research university with a level similar to Dutch universities, you are eligible to apply under the condition that you have in-depth knowledge (comparable to undergraduate courses of the Leiden Astronomy curriculum) with:

• a theoretical and mathematical emphasis, including quantum physics, electrodynamics, statistical physics, and complex analysis.
• courses in the field of Astronomy.
• and with proficiency in programming, preferably in the Python language.

Astronomy and Cosmology: For this specialization, you must additionally have knowledge of “Physics of elementary particles”at undergraduate level. 

Astronomy and Data Science: For this specialization, proven fluency in a 3rd generation programming language (e.g. Python, C++, ..) is required. Additionally, knowledge of “Statistics” at undergraduate level is required. 

The Board of Admissions will assess whether your degree and background are sufficiently related to the BSc degrees in Astronomy (and, if applicable, whether you meet the additional requirement for certain specialisations).

If you have a bachelor’s degree that does not meet the requirements specified above, you may be eligible for an individual Pre-Master’s Programme tailored to your individual background. If you have successfully met the requirements of the imposed Pre-Master’s Programme, you will be admitted to the master’s programme.

For more information, please contact the Astronomy study advisor.

In order to successfully participate in this programme, you must be proficient in English. The following requirements apply*:

• IELTS: minimum 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 for each of the components Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
• TOEFL: internet based 90 (with a minimum component score of 20)
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE), minimum 180, with a minimum component score of 169 

*Please note: You do not have to submit proof of proficiency if you have

• An International Baccalaureate diploma (or other with English A);
• A diploma of secondary or higher education completed in Australia, Canada (with the exception of French-language programmes in Canada), Ireland, Malta, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States or South Africa;
• A diploma of an English-taught university degree programme completed at a Dutch research university;
• A pre-university education (vwo) diploma.

For detailed information about which English qualifications are accepted, as well as the relevant exemption criteria, refer to English language proficiency.