The first year of the programme consists mainly of courses. The following courses are compulsory:
In addition, you choose an individually tailored set of elective physics and mathematics courses (21 EC in total), under compulsory guidance. At the end of the first year of the programme, you make a start with your Master's project, which will take most of your second year.
The University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam have joined forces in the Physics and Astronomy Master’s programme. As a student you will benefit from expertise, networks and research projects at both universities and affiliated research institutes. Upon completion of the programme you will receive a jointly issued degree certificate.
The entry requirements and the application procedure for this Master’s programme depends on whether you have completed your prior education in the Netherlands or abroad.
If you lack the required knowledge and skills to be admitted to the Master’s programme Physics and Astronomy, you can close the gap in our pre-Master’s programme.
The pre-Master’s programme consists of second and third year Bachelor courses. Eligibility for the pre-Master’s is based on your knowledge and skills. The Admissions Board will review your application and select the necessary courses for you.
The Master's programme Physics and Astronomy is a full-time programme and does not offer a part-time programme.
The application process and the deadline depend on whether you have completed your prior education in the Netherlands or abroad. We strongly recommend to start the application procedure at least a week before the deadline. Getting all your documents ready and going through the process will take several days.
For programme-related questions, please contact the Programme Manager, Dr Edan Lerner, at:
International degree students with questions about the application procedure can contact the International Team using this web form.
For other questions (from both Dutch and international degree students), contact the Central Student Service Desk:
Would you like to hear from one of our Master's students what it's really like to study at the UvA? Are you curious about the study programmes, student facilities, lecturers and research projects? You can either ask your questions by email, or make an appointment for a 'Meet the Master' day.