Astronomy (MSc)

Why Leiden University?

Andreea Şuta

Student

I initially chose Leiden University because of its strong international reputation as one of the top institutions for Astronomy research — and it has indeed surpassed my expectations.

What I value most about the Master’s programme is its balance between coursework and research. The courses provide both a solid theoretical foundation and practical experience, while the research projects encourage you to grow into an independent scientist. I particularly appreciated the freedom to choose from a wide range of courses, allowing me to focus on the topics that interested me most.

The courses are designed to stimulate curiosity and independent learning rather than follow a rigid pattern, and the teaching staff ensure that you receive all the support you need. The research projects offer the opportunity to explore your own scientific interests and shape your work according to your goals, with careful guidance and access to all necessary resources.

In addition, you can attend talks given by renowned scientists, where you learn about state-of-the-art research, engage in discussions, and make connections that can further benefit your career.

All in all, studying Astronomy at Leiden University provides you all assets needed to become a proficient scientist.

Ines Berčuk

Student

From the first contact with the university through the study advisor, I could understand why this is one of the best places to study Astronomy.

The staff at the Leiden Observatory take care to have an individual approach with every student. From your choice of courses to the research projects tailored to your interests, the freedom that this programme offers ensures that you can explore a wide range of scientific interests through high-quality education. The research projects also provide an opportunity to be a part of the diverse scientific groups at the Leiden Observatory, which I specifically appreciate. When combined with the wide variety of available courses and specialisations, the programme offers a unique opportunity to grow as a scientist.

World-class education in a vibrant student city

Leiden University is the oldest university of the Netherlands. Its buildings are located at several locations throughout Leiden, all at easy biking distance from each other. Leiden city centre is small but lively, with plenty of places to meet up with your fellow students after class. It is also very easy to get from Leiden to other Dutch cities, with Amsterdam, Utrecht and The Hague only a short train ride away. Leiden is also within biking distance of the beach, where you can swim or go for a walk in the unique dune landscape along the Dutch coast.

Read more about Leiden as a student city. 

Education at a world class research institute

Leiden Observatory has a strong international reputation and is widely known to turn out master's and doctoral students of the highest quality. Students are trained by world-renowned astronomers including Kavli and Spinoza prize winner Prof. Ewine van Dishoeck, Spinoza prize winners Prof. Marijn Franx and Prof. Xander Tielens, European Research Council (ERC) grant holders Prof. Ignas Snellen and Prof. Huub Röttgering and NWO-Vici grant holders Prof. Elena Rossi, Dr. Aline Vidotto, Prof. Joop Schaye, Prof. Henk Hoekstra, and Prof. Mariska Kriek. Therefore, you can expect engaging in cutting-edge research as an integral part of the Astronomy Master’s programme. 

Strong skill set

During the programme, you learn to perform academically sound research and evaluate scientific information independently and critically. You will actively contribute to current research within the institute and will be individually supervised by our international scientific staff. Students with a Leiden degree in Astronomy become strong science communicators and collaborators and can easily operate in an international setting. You will acquire extensive astronomical research experience and develop highly advanced analytical and problem-solving skills also directly relevant in an industrial setting. 

Access to the world’s best observational facilities

Leiden astronomers have access to the foremost observational and computer facilities in the world, including the Hubble Space Telescope, JWST, ESO’s Very Large Telescope, ALMA, XMM-Newton, Chandra, JVLA, LOFAR and others. On a daily basis, Astronomy master’s students work with data directly obtained by Leiden researchers at these facilities. The Leiden Observatory also hosts unique astrochemistry and optics laboratories that are also open for master student’s research projects.

Faculty of Science

The Leiden University Faculty of Science is a first-class research faculty with an excellent position in the fundamental disciplines of science. The current research and education programmes cover the entire spectrum of science, including Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science, Computer Science, Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biology, and Environmental Sciences. Our science community is driven by their curiosity and desire to increase basic knowledge for science and to contribute to the great societal challenges of today and tomorrow. Our core values are scientific impact, technological innovation and societal relevance.  

Study at a world-class university

Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands and enjoys an excellent worldwide reputation built up over more than four centuries. Since 1575 we’ve provided sound personal education for hundreds of thousands of students. We’ll do our utmost to give you the best possible support. And if you can and want to do more, we’ll challenge you every step of the way. For many years, we’ve been among the leaders in Dutch university rankings and we are currently to be found in a variety of top international rankings too.

More reasons to choose Leiden University