Astronomy and Cosmology Leiden University

Overview

What does this Astronomy and Cosmology MSc programme at Leiden University entail?

Modern cosmology is a complex, multidisciplinary research area. Observations of the Universe with state-of-the-art telescopes on Earth and in space, supercomputer simulations of the origin of structure, and theoretical physics studies of the Hot Big Bang, the expanding Universe, and inflation provide a consistent understanding of our Universe. The current picture is quite accurate, yet full of new physics waiting to be discovered. Research in this area is moving fast, and requires familiarity with current theoretical ideas as well as a basic understanding of the data. The overall aim is to train you in this exciting research field, preferably in an integrated Cosmology master’s and PhD degree programme.

Cosmology is positioned at the interface between Observational Astronomy and Theoretical Physics an is offered by the Leiden Observatory in collaboration with the Leiden Institute of Physics. The MSc curriculum consists of 60 EC (1 year) course work, and two significantly different research projects (24+36 EC) supervised by different staff members. The minor research project will typically start early in the first year, and the major one (Master's thesis) during the course of the second year. Detailed programmes may differ slightly depending on whether the students are enrolled in the Physics or Astronomy MSc programmes, but will in all cases include a common core curriculum of cosmology courses. What and who? Check out the cosmology website, and meet the teachers! Or read the formal details in the so-called MSc OERs for Astronomy and Physics. Each student's choice of courses is discussed beforehand with the De Sitter programme coordinator and the respective study advisors.

The Astronomy and Cosmology MSc programme at Leiden University provides you with research training with a strong focus on modern observational and theoretical cosmology.

Career Opportunities

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, telecom, high technology, aerospace

• Finance: banking, insurance, pension funds

• Public sector: governments, policy makers, high schools

• Science communication: journalism, popular writing, museums