Astronomy and Business Studies Leiden University

Overview

This Astronomy and Business Studies MSc programme at Leiden University track prepares students for a career in science-related business and administration and for innovation and enterprise from an astronomy perspective. In addition to knowledge of astronomy, students obtain competence with respect to organisations, people in organisations and the establishment and management of processes. The first year of the track focuses on astronomy; in the second year the student will specialise in Science-Based Business.

The Leiden MSc in Astronomy focuses on: 

• Knowledge and understanding of the origin, structure, and evolution of galaxies, including processes in their nuclei, as well as the universe they are part of; 
• Knowledge and understanding of the origin, structure and evolution of stars, including the interstellar medium, circumstellar gas and dust, and planetary systems.

Do you pursue a management career in industry from an astronomy research perspective? Want to learn all about technology commercialization strategies? Then, Astronomy and Business Studies at Leiden University is the master’s specialisation of choice for you. It enables you to broaden your scope outside astronomy research. The Business Studies specialisation offers training that is analytically rigorous and connected to practice through class discussions based on real-life business cases, company visits, guest speakers, and an internship experience.

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 (see Beste Banen 2016). 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 and problem solving skills. Their helicopter view and ability to prioritise enable astronomers to successfully engage in large multidisciplinary projects.