Is Particle and Astroparticle Physics the study for me?

The programme is looking for students who are interested in:

• the smallest particles in the Universe
• the way these particles interact
• matter and anti-matter
• the Higgs particle
• neutrinos from supernovae or from our Sun
• the search for dark matter and
• the detection of gravitational waves.

Can I join the programme?

• You need profound knowledge of quantum mechanics, calculus and electrodynamics
• You should enjoy doing fundamental research and be willing to spend time abroad.
• You like to dig deep into the Standard Model and have a well-developed concept of the art of doing science, in particular experimental science.
• It is useful if you can quickly absorb and integrate novel concepts.
• You should take pleasure in an international collaborative research environment.
• Preferably, you have solid basic knowledge of particle physics

What does Particle and Astroparticle Physics offer me?

This Master's track offers the chance to reflect on current research topics such as:

• the search for the Higgs particles
• physics beyond the Standard Model
• the first detection of cosmic neutrinos, gravitational waves or dark matter particles.

The programme is firmly embedded in the research of the Dutch National Institute for Subatomic Research (Nikhef), with which the University of Amsterdam (UvA), the VU University Amsterdam (VU), Utrecht University and Radboud University Nijmegen engage in collaborative projects. Nikhef staff members teach groundbreaking topics in particle and astroparticle physics research.

Thanks to this cooperation you benefit from the existing networks with research institutes such the accelerator laboratory at CERN in Geneva, the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Chicago or the many other research institutes in the world involved in particle and astroparticle physics projects.

Professional specialization within the Master’s programme

In general, Master’s students are trained to become independent researchers. But at the UvA Faculty of Science you can also choose to complete your Master’s programme with a professional specialization, that focuses on other skills than doing research.

 There are three professional specializations available:

• Science Communication (in Dutch)
• Teaching (in Dutch)
• Management, Policy Analysis & Entrepreneurship.

What our students say

Click the link below to read a testimonial by Particle and Astroparticle Physics student Lucie de Nooij.