25 Physics and Astronomy Degree Programs in Netherlands

Our two-years Master’s research programme Climate Physics offers you a unique combination of theoretical courses and practical training in all aspects of the Earth’s climate. You’ll study the physics, dynamics, and chemistry of the atmosphere, oceans, and cryosphere – as well as explore their interactions.

The Bachelor Applied Physics trains you to understand physical laws and apply them to real-world technologies. The curriculum combines core physics and mathematics, lab work, challenge-based projects and a third-year research internship, with close contact between students, researchers and industry.

Would you like to specialise in fundamental particle physics or dive into astrophysics, neurophysics or condensed matter physics? You choose! The Master's specialisations in Physics and Astronomy at Radboud University cover various research areas. You can dive into theoretical physics or perform your own experiments. Discover new material properties in Europe’s highest magnetic fields or with unique free electron lasers, study space objects with the with the world's largest telescopes or unravel brain activity with MRIs. At Radboud University, you can choose from six specialisations to define your field of interest within Physics and Astronomy.

How old is the Universe? How do galaxies develop? What is found between the stars? How are planetary systems formed? Are you fascinated by questions like these? Then Astronomy is right for you! If you are interested in natural sciences, this international program will appeal to you. You will study the physical processes in the universe, which means that physics and mathematics are an important part of the program. Our three-year program ranks as a top-degree in the Netherlands and has a regular intake of 50-60 students, ensuring many contact hours and availability of excellent facilities. You still have the opportunity to switch to (Applied) Mathematics in the first semester and you can still switch to (Applied) Physics in the first year. This means you can never go wrong!

Leading experts train students in our Astronomy programme in cutting-edge astronomical research. We incorporate in our educational programme observations and data from the world’s foremost ground- and space-based telescopes as well as theoretical, computational and astrochemical modelling, large-scale simulations, and laboratory experiments that mimic conditions in space.

In this two-year Master's programme, you will deepen your knowledge of astronomy and develop advanced skills in research, data analysis, and instrumentation. You will be part of a vibrant international research community working on topics like the structure and dynamics of galaxies, the formation of planetary systems, cosmology, and the development of astronomical instruments. You can tailor your curriculum to your interests, including the option to prepare for careers beyond academia with the Science, Business and Policy track.

The Master's degree Program in Physics is open to students with a solid background in physics who are eager to expand their knowledge and experience in a modern physics research environment. The goal of the Master of Physics is to train excellent researchers in the field of materials science, subatomic physics, isotope physics, or theoretical physics.

The Master Applied Physics (MSc) programme trains students to apply physical principles to develop technologies (e.g. photonics, quantum communication, renewable energy, photonic chips) through research-led teaching, practice-oriented projects and close collaboration with high‑tech industry.

Are you curious to understand the fundamental properties of the universe at both the smallest and largest scale? Do you want to develop advanced optical techniques to study quantum, bio-, and nanomaterials? Do you want to build materials bottom-up to achieve novel quantum properties? Are you fascinated by how complex soft and biological matter follows the laws of physics? The Experimental Physics Master's programme will challenge you to go beyond your curiosity and fascination.

Upgrade your smartphone, design smart textiles, or optimize X-ray equipment. The Applied Physics program teaches you to understand and apply physics. Develop solutions and optimize processes in areas ranging from healthcare and sustainability to vehicles and sound safety.

The Physics master’s programme offers you a research intensive tailor-made study path on current topics in experimental and theoretical physics at an institute of international renown.

How does nature work? How can we use its concepts? By making models and formulating natural laws, we can describe and predict the natural world. Physics is a 'hard' science: it is concerned with hard figures, precise and pure measurements. These are used to produce models and explain natural phenomena. Physics graduates have excellent opportunities in the job market. You can work as a researcher at a company or an institute, or for example as a consultant because you will have the analytical skills that are both needed and wanted to solve complicated questions in such environments.

The Master of Science in Applied Nanotechnology is unique in the Netherlands. The most distinguishing feature is its focus on the development of innovative micro- and nanotechnology-based products and applications. The fusion of elements from biology, chemistry, electrical engineering and physics results in nanotechnological materials and devices with unprecedented properties. The programme only starts in September and is taught entirely in English.

Physics is concerned with describing and predicting natural phenomena. Applied physics is concerned with applying physics in technical solutions. Design and construction are important aspects of this. Applied physics is at the heart of society. It forms the basis for many of the products we use in daily life. The program has a strong interdisciplinary orientation, with an emphasis on combinations of subjects: physics with design studies, nanotechnology, new materials and systems, and control engineering Applied physics involves studying not only how phenomena come about, but also how to use them for technical solutions. The program focuses on theory and practice.

If you’re ready to meet tomorrow's complex medical challenges and new approaches, then this is the Master’s program for you. It offers you the unique opportunity to combine scientific subjects with practical application and fundamental research in a clinical setting.