The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Astrophysics - Master Programme

Master's programme · 2 years · 120 credits

The old water tower with a name sign saying Faculty of Science

Description

If you are fascinated by the subject of astronomy and its endless adventure into knowledge, you could be a candidate for our Master’s Programme in Astrophysics. Through the programme, you will specialise in fields such as the planetary systems in the Milky Way, the evolution of stars and extragalactic astronomy.

Lund University has a long tradition of research at the absolute forefront of astronomy. As a Master’s student, you will be part of a characterised by international excellence, especially with regard to the Milky Way and its stars, planet formation and the formation of planetary systems, high energy astrophysics and astrometry. Our staff also play an active and driving role in the international research community with regard to major initiatives such as the Gaia satellite.

All teaching staff on the Master’s programme are researchers, so the courses are continuously adapted to current research. The proportion of teacher-directed learning is high. The programme provides specialist knowledge about the methods used by astronomers to study and understand our universe. You will get the opportunity to connect and use knowledge from previous studies in both physics and mathematics. For example, you will learn how to calculate the formation and final stages of various stars on the basis of their original mass. You will also learn how to determine the movements of stars, their distribution and distance. You will also acquire knowledge about the evolution of the universe and the latest research findings about the processes that underpin the formation of planets.

The Master’s programme will give you extensive knowledge in statistics and the processing and analysis of large amounts of data. You will practise both oral and written communication and gain good experience of collaborating in groups. The programme is taught in English.

Programme structure

The programme consists of a number of compulsory courses providing broad knowledge about the many areas of astrophysics, and a number of elective courses which offer the opportunity for specialisation. The first semester is initially spent studying a course on the structure and evolution of stars and a course in either extragalactic astronomy or planetary systems. You then study dynamic astronomy and statistical tools. In the spring semester, you start your degree project, together with the remaining courses that you choose to study.

During the second year of study, you build your expertise on the basis of your own choices for specialisation, in either theoretical or observational astrophysics. The degree project is worth 60 credits and is completed at the department. During your degree project, you will be integrated in an active research environment.

Career prospects

The Master’s programme equips you well for research studies in astrophysics and a large proportion of those who complete the programme go on to apply to doctoral programmes. However, you can also choose a career path in industry by finding suitable jobs in areas such as information and communication technology, where there is a need for expertise in advanced programming and modelling, statistics and data processing.

 

Closed for applications

Application opportunities

Contact

Program coordinator

David Hobbs

Email: david [dot] hobbs [at] fysik [dot] lu [dot] se

Requirements and selection

Entry requirements

Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 credits in physics or the equivalent. The degree must include at least 90 credits in physics.

Proficiency in English equivalent to English 6/B from Swedish upper-secondary school.

Selection criteria

Based on grades awarded for previous academic courses, particularly qualifying courses, and a statement of purpose for the application (from the applicant’s “Summary sheet”).

English language requirements

Most of Lund University’s programmes require English Level 6 (unless otherwise stated under 'Entry requirements'). This is the equivalent of an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 90. There are several ways to prove your English language proficiency – check which proof is accepted at the University Admissions in Sweden website. All students must prove they meet English language requirements by the deadline, in order to be considered for admission.

How to prove your English proficiency – universityadmissions.se

Country-specific requirements

Check if there are any country-specific eligibility rules for you to study Bachelor's or Master's studies in Sweden:

Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se

Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se

Apply

Start Autumn Semester 2024

Mixed-time Lund, full time 100%

In English

Study period

2 September 2024 - 7 June 2026

Application

Closed for applications

How to apply

Lund University uses a national application system run by University Admissions in Sweden. It is only possible to apply during the application periods.

When to apply for studies

Step 1: Apply online

  • Check that you meet the entry requirements of the programme or course you are interested in (refer to the section above on this webpage).
  • Start your application – go to the University Admissions in Sweden website where you create an account and select programmes/courses during the application period.
    Visit the University Admissions in Sweden website
  • Rank your programme/course choices in order of preference and submit them before the application deadline.

Step 2: Submit documents

  • Read about how to document your eligibility and how to submit your documents at the University Admissions in Sweden website. Follow any country-specific document rules for Master's studies or Bachelor's studies
    Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se
    Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se
     
  • Get all your documents ready:
    - official transcripts and high school diploma (Bachelor's applicants)
    - official transcripts and degree certificate or proof that you are in the final year of your Bachelor's (Master's applicants)
    - passport/ID (all applicants) and
    - proof of English proficiency (all applicants).
     
  • Prepare programme-specific documents if stated in the next paragraph on this webpage.
  • Upload or send all required documents to University Admissions before the document deadline.
  • Pay the application fee (if applicable – refer to the section below on this webpage) before the document deadline.

* Note that the process is different if you are applying as an exchange student or as a part of a cooperation programme (such as Erasmus+).
* If you have studied your entire Bachelor's programme in Sweden and all of your academic credits are in Ladok, you do not have to submit transcripts or your diploma when applying for a Master's programme. However, there may still be other documents you need to submit! See the link below. 

Svensk student? 
Läs instruktionerna om att söka till ett internationellt masterprogram på lu.se

Programme-specific documents

In addition to the documents mentioned under Step 2, you must also submit a 'Summary Sheet' when you apply for this programme.

Summary Sheet for Astrophysics (PDF, new window)

Watch on YouTube: How to apply for a Master's programme

Tuition fees

Non-EU/EEA citizens

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 340 000

First payment: SEK 85 000

Convert currency – xe.com

Citizens of a country outside of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. You pay one instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

EU/EEA citizens and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

Application fee

If you are required to pay tuition fees, you are generally also required to pay an application fee of SEK 900 when you apply at the University Admissions in Sweden website. You pay one application fee regardless of how many programmes or courses you apply to.


*Note that there are no tuition or application fees for exchange students or doctoral/PhD students, regardless of their nationality.

Scholarships & funding

Lund University Global Scholarship programme

The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.

Lund University Global Scholarship

Swedish Institute Scholarships

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students applying for studies in Sweden at Master's level.

Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website

Country-specific scholarships and funding options

Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University.

External scholarships

Information about scholarships from external organisations