Astronomy: Planetary Systems
From hot gas giants with swirling storms to rocky worlds that might host life – planetary systems are as diverse as they are fascinating. This master-level course explores the planets in our own solar system and the growing number of exoplanets discovered around other stars.
Start
Autumn 2026
Level
Master's
Language
English
Place of study
Lund
Course code
ASTM30
This course gives you a broad understanding of planetary systems, both in our solar system as well as where exoplanets have been discovered. You will study the structure, atmospheres and orbits of planets, moons, and smaller bodies like asteroids, comets and dwarf planets. You will also learn how planetary systems form in protoplanetary disks, and how they evolve over geological time.
A key part of the course is learning how we use advanced telescopes and instruments to detect exoplanets and study some of their properties. You will critically examine recent research and reflect on the challenges and possibilities in this fast-moving field.
This course is a mandatory component of the Astrophysics Master programme.
Teaching includes lectures, exercises and project work. You will work independently and in groups to analyse data, review scientific literature and present your findings. Some parts of the course – including exercises and project work – are compulsory.
Assessment is based on hand-in exercises, a written project report with presentation, and a final written exam.
Entry requirements
To be admitted to the course, students must have 75 credits in Physics and 45 credits in Mathematics, or a Bachelor of Science in Physics, in both cases including knowledge corresponding to either ASTB01, Introduction to astrophysics, 7.5 credits, or ASTC11 Astrobiology, 7.5 credits, as well as English 6/B. Students that have been admitted to the masterprogram in Astrophysics fulfill these requirements automatically.
Selection criteria
Seats are allocated according to: ECTS (HPAV): 100 %.
Specific documentsTuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens
Citizens of countries outside:
- The European Union (EU)
- The European Economic Area (EEA) and
- Switzerland
are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 23,125
First payment: SEK 23,125
Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.
No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.