Master's specialisation of Physics and AstronomyParticle and Astrophysics
Particle physics and Astrophysics use the laws of physics to study the universe or use the universe to study fundamental physics. In this specialisation, you can dive into extreme worlds and unravel the inner workings of the universe from the smallest to the largest scales.
Something for you?
- This Master’s specialisation provides you with a thorough background in High Energy Physics, Astronomy & Astrophysics, or Theoretical Physics or the interface between them.
- You can design the programme to your specific interests, ranging from pure Astronomy or Particle Physics to a combination.
- It's possible to participate in large-scale research projects, such as the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, the Event Horizon Telescope, the Pierre Auger observatory or gravitational wave detectors like Virgo, Einstein Telescope or LISA.
Admission requirements
Do you want to know if you can be admitted? Read more about the admission requirements of this programme.
Admission and applicationApply now
If you have determined that you can be admitted with your previous education, you can apply via Studielink.
Apply nowFactsheet
- Main language
- English (100%)
- Study duration
- 2 years (120 EC)
- Start
- September
- Contact hours
- 20-30
- Number of students
- 82
- Programme format
- Full time
- Degree
- Master of Science, specialisation of Physics and Astronomy
- Faculty
- Faculty of Science
- CROHO code
- 66984
- Accreditation
- NVAO
What will you learn
The Universe is an excellent laboratory: it tells us how the physical laws work under conditions of ultra-high temperature, pressure, magnetic fields, and gravity. In this specialisation you will learn how to decode that information, making use of advanced telescopes and observatories. Moreover, we will provide you with a thorough theoretical background in particle physics and astrophysics. Within this specialisation, you can choose to focus on astronomy and astrophysics or high energy physics - or if you're interested in the theories and predictions underlying all experimental work, we offer an extensive programme in mathematical or theoretical physics.
Study programmeFuture career opportunities
This Master’s specialisation is an excellent preparation for a career in research, either at a university, an institute (such as ESA and CERN), or a company. In addition, many of our students also end up in various business or government positions. Researchers in the fields of Particle Physics and Astrophysics develop advanced detector techniques that are often also useful for other applications. This resulted in spin-off companies in, for example, medical equipment and detectors for industrial processes.
Career prospectsResearch
All research of the Master’s specialisation Particle and Astrophysics is conducted within the research Institute for Mathematics, Astrophysics and Particle Physics (IMAPP). In addition to research in the individual disciplines, IMAPP also fosters interdisciplinary research: high-energy physics teams up with mathematics (on topics such as quantum gravity or noncommutative geometry) or astrophysics with high-energy physics (on topics such as gravitational waves or cosmic rays).
Questions about this programme?
Do you have a question about this programme? We're happy to help. Please contact us, ask a student or check out our information activities.
ContactTuitions & grants
If you are going to follow this Master's programme, you will pay an annual tuition fee. There are different tuition rates. The amount depends on your personal situation.
Tuition