Astrophysics - Master Programme

Lund University has a long tradition of research at the absolute forefront of astronomy. Our staff also play an active and driving role in the international research community and take part in several international initiatives, including space missions and ground-based telescopes, instruments and surveys. As a Master’s student, you will thus be part of an environment characterised by international excellence, especially with regard to research into the Milky Way and its stars, exoplanets, galaxy evolution and astrometry.

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, and 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 your previous studies in both physics and mathematics.

For example, you will learn how to numerically simulate the evolution and final stages of various types of stars. You will also learn how to determine the movements of stars, their distribution and distances. You will also acquire knowledge about the evolution of the galaxies, and the latest research findings about exoplanets and their atmospheres.

The programme consists of several compulsory courses and a number of elective courses which offer the opportunity for deeper specialisation. You will receive extensive knowledge in statistics and the processing and analysis of large amounts of data, and you will practice both oral and written communication and gain valuable experience in collaborating in groups.

You will be embedded in an active research environment and exposed to the latest literature and research in the form of seminars and results from the various research groups. The programme is taught in English.

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.

During the second year, you build your expertise based on your own choices, in either theoretical or observational astrophysics. The degree project is worth 60 credits and is completed at the department where you will be integrated in an active research environment and work on your own research project under the supervision of one of the staff members. You will work on a research question in the field and learn how to carry out cutting-edge research independently.

The Master’s programme is designed to equip you well for further research studies in astrophysics. A large proportion of those who complete the programme go on to apply to doctoral programmes.

However, the knowledge that you obtain during your Master’s programme also prepares you well for a job in industry. Skills in programming, modelling and statistics, and an inquisitive mindset, are highly sought after in sectors that rely on processing and analysing large quantities of data.

Astrophysics graduates are regularly employed in a wide range of sectors, including information and communication technology, transport logistics, as well as in semi-conductor, financial, biotechnology and the defense sectors.

Prerequisites

Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 credits in physics or the equivalent. The degree must include at least 90 credits in physics. English course 6 (advanced proficiency)

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”).

Computers in the programme

The programme requires that you have access to a computer, preferably a laptop, on which you can install software mainly provided by the University, such as Microsoft 365, CAD/CAM and development environments for Python, Matlab or other computational tools. It can be either a Windows computer or a Macintosh computer. On some courses you may need to buy or rent your own software.

Conditions in the study environment and during study visits and field studies

The programme contains compulsory elements that require you to be able to work independently and safely in a laboratory environment, in a hospital environment, in workshops, in production facilities, or during study visits and field studies. These elements require the ability to comply with safety regulations, rules and instructions, and to move around in and evacuate premises safely.

Tuition 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 370,000
First payment: SEK 92,500

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

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.

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

African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship

Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities. 

ARUA Scholarship

Swedish Institute Scholarship: Global professionals

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden. 

Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website

Swedish Institute Scholarship: Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships for Master's studies in Sweden for women from selected countries in Africa and Asia who want to pursue degrees in STEM fields. Check the country and programme requirements on the Swedish Institute's website to see if you are eligible for the scholarship.

SI Scholarship Pioneering Women in STEM

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. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.

Country-specific scholarships

External scholarships

In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries. 

External scholarships