Master's Programme in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Are you interested in the physics of black holes, galaxies, exoplanets, supernovae, and stars? In this programme you will cover theoretical and observational approaches to modern astrophysics, and acquire skills and proficiency to analyze, evaluate and present complex data. This prepares you for a career in research or for qualified jobs in industry.
Astronomers seek to understand phenomena and physical processes we observe in the Universe. In order to do this, you will learn on various fields of physics to create a complete picture of the processes at work and how they interact. This requires you to learn on a wide array of knowledge, developing your skills to solve complex problems. Together with our researchers, you will explore fundamental laws of radiation and study topics from planet formation to the evolution of galaxies. In the practical courses you will learn to plan and execute astronomical observations, and gain hands-on experience using research telescopes.
Information for admitted students autumn 2024
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from the department - programmes
Everyone admitted to a programme at the Department of Astronomy will receive a welcome letter with information via e-mail. If you have not receive an e-mail by August, please contact our Academic advisor! Unfold and read more.
Roll-call
All programmes at the Department of Astronomy starts with a mandatory introductory meeting (roll-call). You will receive more detailed information about the meeting via e-mail. If you are planning to start the programme but for some reason cannot participate in the meeting, contact our Academic advisor. Contact details are found further down on this web page.
Elective courses within a programme
If you are admitted to a programme at the Department of Astronomy you will also automatically be admitted to the compulsory courses within the programme given during the autumn. The courses included in the programme are listed further down on this web page. You will also receive information about this via e-mail. If you have elective courses within your programme during the autumn, you need to choose courses at the start of the semester. Information about this is provided at the introductory meeting.
Registration
If you are admitted to a programme at our department you can register yourself to the elective courses within your programme using your university account. Registration normally opens two weeks before the course starts and you must have registered at the latest one week after the first lecture. If you have any problems with registration, contact our Student office. Contact details are found further down on this web page.
Conditionally admitted
If you are conditionally admitted to a programme at the Department of Astronomy you need to contact our Academic advisor. Contact us as soon as possible, well before the the first course within the programme starts. Contact details are found further down on this web page.
Applicants on waiting list
Are you placed on a waiting list to a programme at our department? You will always be contacted by e-mail if you are offered a place. Normaly we will not admit new students if more than 1 week has passed after the beginning of the term.
Find the Departmend of Astronomy
All our courses are held in the AlbaNova building, located between the Frescati campus and the Royal Institute of Technology (Tekniska högskolan, KTH).
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
Read more
For new international students
Astronomers seek to understand phenomena and physical processes we observe in the Universe. In order to do this, you will learn on various fields of physics to create a complete picture of the processes at work and how they interact. This requires you to learn on a wide array of knowledge, developing your skills to solve complex problems. Together with our researchers, you will explore fundamental laws of radiation and study topics from planet formation to the evolution of galaxies. In the practical courses you will learn to plan and execute astronomical observations, and gain hands-on experience using research telescopes.
Study tracks
Within the Master's programme three topic tracks are proposed
Within the Master's programme you have to choose a number of elective courses. On the online web catalogue you can find a list of all courses available. But if you need help what courses to choose we have three study tracks that we recommend; Planets, Galaxy evolution or Stellar physics. The tracks is not mandatory, so you are aslo free to choose the courses that interest you. Support will be offered to the students to make their study plan accordingly to the topics they are most interested in.
Planets
- Planetary Systems
- Planet and Star Formation
- Stellar Atmospheres
- Observational Astrophysics II
- The Physics of the Interstellar Medium
Galaxy evolution
- Galaxies
- Galaxy Formation and Evolution
- The Physics of the Interstellar Medium
- Observational Astrophysics II
- Late stages of stars, supernovae and gamma-ray bursts
- Machine Learning for Physicists and Astronomers
Stellar physics
- Stellar Atmospheres
- Late stages of stars, supernovae and gamma-ray bursts
- Observational Astrophysics II
- The Physics of the Interstellar Medium
- High Energy Astrophysics
Image: Microsoft Bing Image creator AI
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Programme overview
The program comprises two years of full-time studies (120 ECTS credits). You will apply your knowledge of physics to key astronomical fields covered by the mandatory and elective courses, connected to the research expertise at our department. The free-choice courses give you the possibility to widen your studies to match your needs and interests, from statistics and machine learning to project management. Students without sufficient knowledge in astronomy from their BSc studies will replace free-choice master courses with introduction courses at bachelor level. The bachelor level courses that should be coverd is Astrophysical Spectra (7.5 ECTS credits), Cosmology (7.5 ECTS credits), and Stellar Structure and Evolution (7.5 ECTS credits). The final component of your studies is a thesis project where you independently plan, perform and report a research project in one of our research groups or at a company.
Mandatory courses:
- Astrophysical Gas Dynamics, 7.5 cr
- Astrophysics Radiative Processes, 7.5 cr
- Observational Astrophysics I, 7.5 cr
- Final master project, 30 or 45 cr
Elective courses:
Courses at advanced level given at the department, corresponding to at least 30 cr.
Free-choice courses:
Free-choice courses for a total of 37.5 or 22.5 cr depending on the size of the final master project.
Independent project
In the second year, you will do a degree project corresponding to 30 or 45 credits (AS9003 or AS9004). The project concludes the program, and gives you the opportunity to truly apply the skills you have learned to a field of research of your choice. Most of our students choose to do a project in one of our research groups, becoming part of the group and gaining first-hand experience with astrophysical research. For those aiming for a career in industry, the project can be done at a company or other government agency.
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How to apply
The Master’s programme in Astronomy starts during the autumn semester. The application round normally opens in mid-October the preceding year, with a deadline in January. Application is done through www.universityadmissions.se.
When submitting you application make sure you have uploaded all required documents. Read more here: https://www.universityadmissions.se/documents
We at the Department of Astronomy do not require any additional documents such as CV, letter of recommendation or motivation letter. You will be contacted by us if we need further documentation. -
Career opportunities
The Master’s programme in astronomy is very versatile and you will acquire a broad set of skills that are useful both inside and outside of the academic field. These skills include a good knowledge of physics and information technology, and excellent problem solving skills. This gives you great opportunities on the labour market, or prepares you for doctoral studies. Our alumni not only work in astronomical research but also in insurance analytics, ICT, teaching, data warehouse/software, computer game development, environmental research and have leading positions at companies such as Telia and Facilia.
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Contact
The Academic advisor and Student office can be contacted via studieinfo@astro.su.se.
