Physics and Astronomy

Overview

Whether you are interested in physical processes within cells, creating artificial photosynthesis, astroparticle physics or testing fundamental symmetries at the atomic scale, the Master’s programme in Physics and Astronomy from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam gives you the opportunities to deepen your knowledge and engage in groundbreaking fundamental research.

You will learn to test, explain and develop theories of physical phenomena and to analyse and solve problems using a scientific approach. 

The result is a well-balanced education in which you combine a broad understanding of physics and astronomy with in-depth knowledge of specific areas and the ability to reason and work at an academic level.

The Master’s programme in Physics is a two-year programme during which you will take compulsory modules in your chosen specialisation, plus a number of optional subjects. These options can be general physics subjects or courses drawn from another specialisation. 

The programme also involves writing an essay on a subject which is not directly related to your field of specialisation. In your second year, you will join one of the participating research groups. Your research will culminate in a Master’s thesis and a final presentation.  

Career Prospects

• Our graduates are employed by research institutes like the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), the Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN), the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI). But they also find careers with major multinationals like Shell and Philips, and with telecommunications companies and banks. 

• The public sector likewise offers opportunities, as do software houses and consultancies. If you choose the Research profile, you can become an assistant or trainee researcher at a university and work towards a PhD.  

Promotion alumni sessions Master’s day

During the Master’s day, you can also meet our (international) alumni during several workshops. In these sessions they will tell you more about career opportunities after finishing your Master’s degree.