Master's Degree Programme in Exact Sciences: Astronomy and Space Physics
Turku, Finland
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
21 Jan 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 12,000 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* application period: January 2026
** free for citizens of EU/EEA countries or Switzerland, for citizens of non-EU/EEA countries €12,000/academic year
Key Summary
Introduction
Discover all degree programmes of the University of Turku
From the Sun to supernovae, neutron stars, black holes, and galaxies!
The Master's Degree Programme in Exact Sciences: Astronomy and Space Physics specialisation track encompasses a broad range of topics from the physics of the sun and solar system to stellar and galactic structure and evolution, as well as topics in high energy astrophysics and cosmology.
The Astronomy and Space Physics track includes a solid grounding in theoretical aspects as well as opportunities for observational studies (e.g. of supernovae or accreting black holes). The space physics group performs experimental, theoretical and computational research on high-energy phenomena in near-Earth space. Upon graduation, you will be able to use the diverse set of skills acquired as part of this track, including computational and numerical techniques.
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Academic Excellence & Experience
The aim of the Master’s education is to support you to become an independent expert who can evaluate information critically, plan and execute research projects to find new knowledge, and solve scientific and technological problems independently and as part of a group.
You will be able to choose among three lines of studies: theoretical astrophysics, observational astronomy and space physics. You will acquire knowledge of various astrophysical phenomena and plasma physics, from the Solar systems to neutron stars and onto galaxies and cosmology. You will also get hands-on experience with observational techniques, space instrumentation, numerical methods and analysis of large data sets.
Specialisation Tracks
The Master’s Degree Programme of Exact Sciences has six tracks. You can find more detailed information on tracks from the specific site of each track by clicking on the links below.
Other tracks in the Master’s Degree Programme of Exact Sciences:
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Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Scholarship Opportunities
The University of Turku supports merited and motivated students with generous scholarships. The university offers these scholarships to students pursuing Master's level studies who are subject to tuition fees.
Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, and you can apply for a scholarship by simply answering “yes” to the corresponding question in the online application form when you apply for the programme.
One type of scholarship covers whole tuition fees for two years for Master’s degree programmes. In addition to that, there is a scholarship for the best applicants that covers tuition fees and includes an additional grant of €5,000.
Approximately 30 % of the admitted students are awarded a scholarship by the University of Turku.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The structure is modular. All modules have 20 ECTS. The track has two obligatory modules that contain the core material of the field. In addition, you may choose one thematic module from other modules offered within the MDP in Exact Sciences or other programmes at the University of Turku. The fourth module consists of freely chosen courses and an obligatory Finnish language and culture course.
A master’s thesis (30 ECTS), and seminar, an internship, or a project work (10 ECTS) are also required. You can replace the latter by participating in a Capstone project (15 ECTS) organised by the Department of Computing. We recommend this for those students who aim to work in the industry after graduation.
You can see the visual representation of the structure below.
Examples of different modules in different specializations are:
Theoretical courses will cover aspects of plasma physics and astrophysics, radiative processes and cosmology, hydrodynamics and magnetohydrodynamics, astrophysical spectroscopy and interstellar medium, as well as stellar structure and evolution.
The methodology module covers observational techniques, data analysis methods, detectors, and numerical methods. Here, you will take courses in the methods of observational astrophysics, statistical and simulation methods, signal and image processing, time-series analysis and Fourier transforms, space technology and radiation and particle detectors.
You are free to choose the thematic module from those offered in the Faculty of Sciences or take a suitable minor subject, even one offered by other faculties. Thematic modules offered by the MDP in Exact Sciences include biomaterials, electronics materials, modelling and functional materials. Possible minor subjects are e.g. computer science, mathematics, chemistry, business creation and innovation. However, for the thematic module, specialised courses in astrophysics and space physics are highly recommended.
The specialised courses in astrophysics and space physics will give you a deeper understanding of e.g. active galactic nuclei, astroparticle physics, physics of planet formation, galaxies and cosmology, galactic astronomy, heliophysics and high-energy astrophysics as well as nuclear and particle physics. You can select the topics that support your master‘s thesis.
In the module of other studies, you can choose any courses you want from the entire offering of the University in addition to the obligatory course of Finnish for foreigners. It is recommended that you take more courses on computing, modelling and theoretical physics, depending on your preferences.
Master's Thesis & Topics
The compulsory thesis component corresponds to six months of full-time work. The thesis is to be written up as a report based on a combination of a literature review and an original research project that forms the bulk of the thesis.
The thesis is an independently made research project but the project will be carried out under the guidance of leading researchers in the field at the University of Turku. It is expected that you will be embedded within an active research group or experimental team, thereby providing excellent opportunities to discuss results and exchange ideas in a group setting.
Recent examples of thesis titles in astronomy and space physics are:
- Flux decay during thermonuclear X-ray bursts: decay rate analysis using the dynamic power-law index method
- Mass and radius constraints for neutron stars from pulse shape modelling
- Near-infrared observations of supernovae with the Nordic Optical Telescope
- The population of supernovae and their progenitors in starburst galaxies
- Photometric studies of exoplanet transits of stars in the open cluster M44
- Polarimetric studies of binary stars: the case of HD 4809
- Variability of optical polarization and gamma-ray flux in blazar jets
- Linear polarization of BL Lacertae OJ 287 at 21 cm
- Very high energy gamma-rays emitting BL Lac’s population study
- A statistical study of velocity dispersion analysis of Solar particle eruptions
- Design, construction and testing of the prototype of a simple particle instrument for a space flight
- Modelling solar energetic particle fluences using observations from ground-level events
- Calibration and simulations of SIXS-P response to energetic particles
- Transport of energetic charged particles in reservoirs behind CME-driven shock waves
- Instruments for observing energetic neutral atoms in space
Program Outcome
Competence Description
The Master of Science degree provides the skills to work in many different kinds of positions within areas such as research and development, education and management, and industry. The Astronomy and Space Physics specialisation track provides very good data analysis and programming skills, and thus many graduates have gone on to successful careers in the big data and finance sectors.
During your studies, you will study plasma physics and hydrodynamics, radiative processes, high-energy astrophysics and solar physics, galaxies and cosmology, astrophysical spectroscopy, radio astronomy and X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy, numerical techniques and programming, statistical methods and particle and photons detectors. You will carry out hands-on exercises in observational techniques, space instrumentation, and analysis of large data sets. You will also be able to remotely use modern observational facilities and participate in building space-qualified instruments. You may choose among three lines: space physics, observational astrophysics and theoretical astrophysics. These studies will prepare you for a career in research and development in the industry or can often lead to PhD studies.
Career Opportunities
Job Options
The prospects for employment at relatively senior levels are excellent for those trained in the physical and chemical sciences. Thanks to the broad scope of the programme, the skills and knowledge developed as part of this education at the University of Turku provide many employment opportunities in different areas.
Many of our graduates choose to continue their education by pursuing PhD studies in Finland or other European countries (e.g., Belgium, Estonia, Germany and Norway). Others have obtained employment in the software and high-tech industries.
Career in Research
The Master’s degree makes you eligible for scientific postgraduate degree studies – doctoral and licentiate degrees. The University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS) has aDoctoral Programme in Exact Sciences that covers the disciplines of this Master’s degree programme. Postgraduate degrees can be completed at the University of Turku.
The doctoral studies incur no tuition fees, and PhD students often receive either a salary or a grant to cover their living expenses.