Studying in Dutch
| Language of instruction | Dutch |
| Duration of programme | 3 years |
Astronomy
Contents of the programme
Sterrenkunde
An astronomer is driven by questions on the structure and evolution of the universe and all its stars, planets and galaxies. How are stars and planets born, how do they evolve and how long do they live? Is there life on other planets? What are black holes and how do they come into being?
Astronomers observe whatever goes on in space with stronger and stronger telescopes and with space probes that can travel farther and farther. They try to understand it all on the basis of mathematics and physics models and theories.
Students who do a bachelor’s programme in Astronomy at the UvA learn about the latest developments in the field and the newest observation technology. If you are fascinated by the mysteries of space and the universe we are part of, the bachelor’s in Astronomy is a good choice.
Astronomers work in close conjunction with physicists at the UvA in research and teaching alike. Both fields are part of a bachelor’s in Physics and Astronomy.
To provide a curriculum in keeping with students’ personal preferences, the bachelor’s in Astronomy is flexible. It includes a wide range of subjects. In the first semester, several required subjects are taken with Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics students.
In addition, students take two electives, such as a course in gravity and black holes or an astronomy lab. They can also take a course in mathematics or chemistry.
At the end of the first semester, a non-binding recommendation is made about the study programme to be taken for the bachelor’s. Of course the students’ motivation and interests play a central role in this connection.
At this point students can still transfer to another bachelor’s programme. In the second and third year, they can choose from various specialisations from cosmology to the astrophysics of compact stars.
The bachelor’s programme in Astronomy is a scientific programme that introduces students to how research is conducted. In the third year there is also an opportunity to explore the possibility of going on to do a master’s or of entering the labour market.
The programme is completed with a bachelor’s thesis, after which graduates are given a Bachelor of Science degree.
Master's programmes and afterwards
Bachelor's graduates can further specialise in the two-year master's programmes Physics or Astronomy and Astrophysics. Depending on the electives you have taken, you can also apply for other master's programmes.
You can opt for scientific research after the master's in Physics and the master's in Astronomy and Astrophysics. This means doctorate research and writing a doctoral thesis. You will then need to apply for a PhD post at a research institute; a UvA research institute or one of the insitutes the UvA cooperates with, such as NIKHEF or AMOLF, both part of Science Park Amsterdam.
Follow the link below for a complete overview of master's programmes offered by the UvA (in Dutch).
The job market
Because of their versatility, graduates in Physics and Astronomy find work in a wide range of fields, for example laboratories and institutes occupying themselves with fundamental and applied research, in management of businesses or government, consultancies, in software, or finance.
Technically oriented companies are increasingly looking for managers with a degree in science; the analytical and problem-solving skills of academically trained physicists and astronomers is much appreciated by employers.
Graduates also find employment in jobs in the fields of education and communications, such as teaching, scientific journalism and information.
Additional entry requirements
Apart from the entry requirements which apply to all students (see below) the following applies to school subjects:
- Compulsory: Mathematics and Physics
- Students are expected to have a good command of English since most of the literature is in English
- Students are expected to enjoy, and to be good at Mathematics and Physics