The Master's programme Physics and Astronomy focuses both on fundamental research and its applications. You learn to test, explain and develop theories on physical phenomena, to conduct and evaluate experiments and astronomical observations, and to analyse and solve problems using scientific methods. The programme combines a broad understanding of physics and astronomy in general with in-depth knowledge of specific physics areas.
Internationally renowned
The UvA and VU are internationally renowned for their physics and astronomy research. Among past and present professors are several winners of the Spinoza Prize - often called the Dutch Nobel Prize: Ed van den Heuvel (Astronomy, 1995), Robbert Dijkgraaf (Mathematical Physics, 2003), Michiel van der Klis (Astronomy, 2004) and Erik Verlinde (Theoretical Physics, 2011).
Extra scholarships available
For Physics and Astronomy only, we have in addition to our regular Amsterdam Science Talent Scholarships, extra scholarships available for excellent (non-Dutch) EU/EER students. The Amsterdam Physics and Astronomy Scholarship.
Joint degree programme with VU Amsterdam
Physics and Astronomy is a joint degree programme of the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Courses are taught at locations of both universities. UvA and VU jointly issue a degree certificate to graduates. As a Physics and Astronomy student in Amsterdam you benefit from expertise, networks and research projects at both universities and affiliated research institutes.
Physics and Astronomy tracks
Within the Master's programme Physics and Astronomy, every student can find an area suited to their individual talents and ambitions. There are several specialisations or 'tracks':
| Degree programme | MSc Physics and Astronomy |
|---|---|
| Mode | Full-time |
| Credits | 120 ECTS, 24 months |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Starts in | September |
| CROHO code | 65016 |