Programme
When deciding what to study you undoubtedly read a lot of information about your study programme. Leiden University employs various systems to provide information about programmes and courses and to facilitate communication between lecturers and students.
The Prospectus contains information about all the courses within your study programme. Here you can find all you need to know about your programme. Via the online learning environment Brightspace you can communicate with your lecturers and submit assignments.
The Course and Examination Regulations (OER in Dutch) and the Rules and Regulations set by the Boards of Examiners (R&R) can be found on the page Faculty and study programme regulations.
The Astronomy bachelor´s programme takes three years. Every year includes lectures and practical courses, totaling 60 credits (EC); 1 EC equals 28 hours of study load. The three-year programme has the following structure:
First year
In the first year, you build the foundation for the rest of your study. You start out with mathematics, physics, and computer science courses, but astronomy is also included, with courses like Planetary Systems, Introduction to Astronomy, and Practical Astronomy. Furthermore, you will improve your communication skills with the course Presentation and Communication. An overview of all first-year courses can be found in the e-Prospectus.
Second year
In your second year, you will learn more about astrophysics - for example, you will get acquainted with modern astronomical research. Upon successful completion of the first year you will have the opportunity to participate in an observation trip to La Palma (Canary Islands), where you will independently perform your own research using the professional British-Dutch Isaac Newton telescope. An overview of all second-year courses can be found in the e-Prospectus.
Third year
In your third year, you will compile part of your own study programme from electives. This year mainly focuses on astrophysical concepts, especially during your Bachelor Research Project. Uniquely, you will get your own workplace at the Leiden Observatory. As such, you will be a full member of a research group during this period and you will experience what it is to be an academic researcher. The Bachelor Research Project is the ideal opportunity to take the first steps towards scientific research. An overview of all third-year courses can be found in the e-Prospectus.
Double bachelor
The Astronomy bachelor´s programme can be combined with the bachelor´s programmes of Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Sciences in a double first year programme followed by a double bachelor. Upon successful completion of the double bachelor programme, you may continue with a master's programme connecting to either bachelor programme.
Career orientation
During the Astronomy bachelor’s education programme, we support you in making choices that are relevant to your future career. You will be stimulated to think about your ambitions and potential and to reflect on how to reach your goals. By actively exploring the possibilities, you enable yourself to make motivated study and career choices.
Shaping your future
The Astronomy career event calendar contains an up-to-date overview of all career events relevant to Astronomy bachelor’s students, including workshops, company visits and alumni lectures. You can easily add the Google Calendar to your own planning.
Astronomy career event calendar