Astronomy (Master)

Two students looking at a blackboard.

© Universität Wien / Fakultät für Mathematik

Graduates of the master’s programme are able to independently implement research-oriented projects in the field of astronomy and to critically assess and independently use existing specialist literature. They have received training in the use of technically sophisticated measuring and observation instruments as well as modern large-scale astronomical equipment. Furthermore, they have acquired the necessary competences to analyse, model and interpret intricate systems and develop a systematic scientific way of thinking, enabling them to address complex problems.

Classes are held in German and English. Therefore, students are expected to be proficient (level C1) in both languages.

Master of Science

Degree Programme Code: 066 861

4 semesters / 120 ECTS credits

Language: English

NO entrance examination

Curriculum

Facts & Figures

  • Students: n.a.
  • Graduates in the last academic year: n.a.
  • Number of semesters needed for graduation (median): n.a.

Data updated on: 28.12.2022

*Click here for further information on statistical data in the field of teaching and learning. (in German)

Attention

Instruction Language German

Please note that the instruction language of this programme is German. To start the degree programme, you need to hold a certificate of German proficiency on C1 level.

Study Programme

In addition to a research seminar, students have to complete at least 6 modules from a group of compulsory modules. Please note that students have to complete at least one module from each of the following subject areas: Galaxies and Universe, Stars and Planets, Astronomical Instrumentation and Methods. For the group of compulsory modules, students can select courses from the degree programme in Astronomy as well as from related natural science programmes. To successfully complete the master’s programme, students have to write a master’s thesis and pass a master’s examination.

 

Five concepts

which you will deal with during your studies:

  • Galaxy formation
  • Extragalactic astronomy
  • Stellar structure
  • Exoplanets
  • Astronomical instrumentation

... and many more.

 Overview of the programme structure & topics

Here you find the current offer of courses for this programme to gain better insight into the topics and structure. For more information please click on the respective level.



After Graduation

Graduates can pursue a career in the following occupational fields: Space Research Institute; Austrian Academy of Sciences; Austrian university departments offering a degree programme related to astronomy (Vienna, Graz and Innsbruck); university departments with a mathematical, physical and chemical emphasis; departments of the Austrian Academy of Sciences; international organisations, such as the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Southern Observatory (ESO). Apart from university teaching, graduates of the master’s programme are qualified to work at public observatories, planetariums, adult education centres, as well as in the area of science journalism and at museums.

Graduates' Perspective on the Degree Programme

Graduate Survey

The University asks graduates to provide their opinion about the degree programme immediately after graduating. The survey results show how graduates evaluate the degree programme they completed from a subject-specific and organisational perspective.

 

The graduate survey is an important feedback tool for continuously improving the quality of studies.

Graduates ...

  • say that this degree programme receives the grade: 1.8 (good)
  • rate the level of difficulty as: 3.6 (high)

→ These results are based on feedback from 16 graduates.

*Detailed information about the implementation, analysis and use of the survey as well as further data can be found in the master’s programme in Astronomy graduation survey (in German).

Career Tracking of Graduates

The tracking of graduates provides information about the career paths of the University of Vienna graduates and aims at providing guidance for career entry after graduation (e.g. questions about the duration of job search until first employment after graduation, salary development and sectors that graduates are active in).

3 years after graduation ...

  • 76% of graduates residing in Austria are gainfully employed.
  • graduates earn approx. € 2,979 gross/month.
  • 13% of graduates work in the scientific research and development (non−university) sector.

*You can find precise information on implementation, evaluation and use as well as further data for this degree programme in the graduate tracking "Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics".

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