Sciences, Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy is a vast adventure of knowledge across both time and space. To explore the Universe, scientists use advanced telescopes and instruments, both on Earth and in space, while also creating computer models to study, for example, the evolution of galaxies or how exoplanets form around stars outside our solar system.

In the Bachelor’s programme, you will learn about the conditions for life in the Universe, the different stages in a star’s life, and how the Universe started. You will make and analyse your own astronomical observations using the department’s telescopes.

You will also gain skills in programming, modelling, and statistics, developing your own computer programs to solve problems. You will join a dynamic and internationally oriented university environment where all your teachers are also researchers. Here, you will find many exciting research projects, both theoretical and observational.

The programme is given in English, and is open for application by Swedish as well as international students during the second admission round.

The programme includes lectures, laboratory work, problem-solving, and project assignments. You will learn how to plan, carry out, and analyse experiments, how to program, use advanced experimental equipment, and process and interpret measurement data.

The proportion of teacher-led instruction is high. You will practice both oral and written communication and gain valuable experience of teamwork. Teaching is conducted in English, but you also have the opportunity to learn the Swedish terminology for central concepts.

During the first two years, you build a solid foundation in physics and mathematics. The courses are taught jointly with the physics programme but also include topics such as planetary motion, stellar nucleosynthesis, and an introduction to cosmology.

In the third year, you begin with a basic course in astronomy and can then specialize in different directions with 30 credits of elective courses. Among the options are courses on galaxies, astrobiology, cosmology, or stellar evolution. You also have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge by studying other subjects. In the final semester, you complete a half-time degree project connected to ongoing research in astronomy and astrophysics.

After completing the program, most students choose to continue at the Master’s level. As an astronomer, you may work in research and education at a university or at a research facility such as the European Southern Observatory (ESO).

There is also the possibility of pursuing a career in industry, where suitable positions can be found in areas such as information and communication technology. Here, expertise in advanced programming and modelling, calculations, statistics, and data management is in high demand.

Prerequisites

General requirements and studies equivalent to Swedish Upper Secondary School courses Physics 2/Physics level 2, Chemistry 1/Chemistry level 1 and Mathematics 4 (or older course Mathematics D)/Mathematics further level 2

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to: The general average (GPA) of your higher secondary school leaving certificate: 66 %, The Swedish national university aptitude test: 34 %.The University board has decided that applicants with equal merits (in the GPA group) should be separated by the use of a valid result from the Swedish national university aptitude test.

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 555,000
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 aimed at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA. It is primarily available for Master’s applicants. However, students applying to certain Bachelor’s programmes are also eligible. The current selection of programmes is Development Studies, Mathematics, Physics, and Physical Geography.

Lund University Global Scholarship

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