Education, Courses

Master in Astrophysics

Overview

The Master in Astrophysics is a selective two-year master’s program to get access to cutting edge research in modern astrophysics. It provides advanced training in astrophysics with an emphasis on exoplanetology, stellar and extragalactic physics, ground- and space-based instrumentation, and concepts and tools of modern data science. It includes common courses and a specialisation in one of the three above domains. The program and dissertation work takes place in a renowned research institute (the Astronomy Department of the University, also known as the "Geneva Observatory"), offering direct contacts with the local research groups and with international collaborations which use and contribute to state-of-the-art facilities of the field (ESO, ESA, NASA, and others). Through the programme, students acquire both a solid foundation in modern astrophysics and expertise in their field of specialisation. The program leads to careers in areas such as research, teaching and industry, and develops skills that are very valued for Data scientists.

 

Why Geneva ?

 The Astronomy Department of the University of Geneva has a strong international reputation for research in several domains in astrophysics. Students are trained by world-renowned astronomers and they carry out cutting-edge research in modern astrophysics as an integral part of the master’s program. Students actively participate in current research within the institute and are individually supervised by an international scientific staff. You will acquire extensive astronomical research experience and advanced analytical and problem-solving skills. The Astronomy Department is also part of the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) PlanetS devoted to study of the origin, evolution, and characterization of planets and planetary systems.

 

About the Programme

The Master in Astrophysics is a selective 2-year research- and technique-oriented Master with the following structure:

- Semester 1 (30 ECTS): Mandatory and Elective courses common to all specialisations

- Semester 2 (30 ECTS): Courses from one specialisation among:

- Exoplanetology
- From stars to the Universe
- Instrumentation and data analysis

- Semesters 3 & 4 (60 ECTS):

      • Major research project (Master thesis)
      • Astrophysics Colloquium

The list of courses is available here

Career prospects

The Master in Astrophysics leads to a number of opportunities both in Switzerland and abroad, including:

  • Research      
  • Data Science
  • International organisations (ESA, ESO)
  • Industry / Engineering
  • Teaching
  • Communication and science outreach

 

Admission and Application

The condition for admission is a Bachelor in physics or an equivalent degree and the Master Program is selective.

Outstanding and highly motivated students are welcome to apply to the Excellence Fellowship program which consists of a grant amounting to CHF 10'000/year.

The general deadline for application is February 28, 2025.  For candidates with/from a Swiss Bachelor degree/program and not subject to visa for Switzerland the deadline for application is April 30, 2025. Admissions open in january 2025.

Early applications are strongly encouraged. Students are also asked to inform the  program Director by email (below) of their application with the University. This also holds for students from the Bachelor of Physics of the UniGE.

To apply follow the Application Link

 

Contacts

For more information,  contact:

Director of the Master program: Daniel Schaerer

Program coordinator: François Bouchy 

Program secretary: Erika Ségransan

email: astro-master(at)unige.ch

Department of Astronomy
University of Geneva       
Chemin Pegasi , 51    
CH-1290 Versoix            
Switzerland