Program Details

This Master's programme is strongly connected to research in astronomy and astrophysics and aims to prepare the students for research in this area.
Location:
Leuven, Belgium
Program Type:
Study Abroad
Degree Level:
Undergraduate
Term:
Academic Year

Program Overview

Program Description:
Fuelled by technological developments, the field of astronomy is currently gaining importance worldwide. New generations of instruments, situated on the earth's surface and in space, enable astronomers to study the origin, structure, and evolution of planets, stars, star systems, and the universe. Over the coming decades, astronomy will undoubtedly play a prominent role in international basic research. The Master of Astronomy and Astrophysics programme offers a wide range of courses on the subfields of astronomy and on its research methodology. Special attention will be devoted to the analysis and astrophysical interpretation of data, as well as to technological aspects of international astronomical research. This is an initial programme and can be followed on a full-time or part-time basis. 120 ECTS

This Master's programme is strongly connected to research in astronomy and astrophysics and aims to prepare the students for research in this area.

The Institute of Astronomy conducts research on stellar astrophysics. A particular area of expertise is asteroseismology, the field that studies the internal structure of stars (massive stars, red giants, blue subdwarfs) through the observation and theoretical interpretation of their oscillation spectra. Early and late evolutionary phases of single and binary low-mass stars are investigated, with a particular focus on the interaction of stars with their circumstellar environments. The institute is involved in the development and exploitation of both ground-based and space-based instrumentation.
Setting Description:
Situated in the heart of Western Europe, KU Leuven (University of Leuven) has been a centre of learning for nearly six centuries. Today, it is Belgium's largest and highest-ranked university and, founded in 1425, one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe. As a leading European research university and co-founder of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), KU Leuven offers a wide variety of programmes in English, all supported by high-quality, innovative, interdisciplinary research. KU Leuven is home to a vibrant community of international scholars spread out over its various campuses. 14% of the university’s 54,000 students are international representing 140 countries. KU Leuven's three doctoral schools provide internationally oriented PhD tracks for more than 4,000 doctoral students. Boasting an outstanding central location, KU Leuven offers a truly international experience, high-quality education, world-class research and cutting-edge innovation.
Cost:
The Flemish Government's generous co-financing system ensures that tuition fees for Bachelor's and initial Master's programmes remain relatively low: 890 EUR per academic year (subject to change without notice).