Universiteit Leiden

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Astronomy and Business Studies (MSc)

Career prospects

Many students receive their first job offer during or right after their Business Studies internship. After graduating you can also aim for a career in Astronomy research.

Acquired skills and competence

With a Leiden degree in Astronomy you obtain an impressive skill set leading you to a top-level job quickly after graduation (see Beste Banen 2016). As a strong communicator and collaborator you can easily operate in an international setting. You have acquired extensive astronomical research experience and highly advanced analytical and problem solving skills. Their helicopter view and ability to prioritise enable astronomers to successfully engage in large multidisciplinary projects.

Business Studies alumni at work

  • 22 Procent PhD Student
  • 17 Procent Clinical Research/Regulatory Professional
  • 12 Procent Business-/Project Manager
  • 11 Procent Business Consultant
  • 7 Procent Product-/Marketing-/Sales Manager
  • 7 Procent Manager
  • 5 Procent Business Analyst
  • 4 Procent Management Consultant
  • 4 Procent ICT Professional
  • 3 Procent Tech Transfer Professional
  • 8 Procent Other

Career

Most graduates holding a MSc degree in Astronomy from Leiden University find work in many different capacities, including:

  • Research: universities, observatories, research institutes
  • Industry and consultancy: ICT, R&D, telecom, high technology, aerospace
  • Finance: banking, insurance, pension funds
  • Public sector: governments, policy makers, high schools
  • Science communication: journalism, popular writing, museums

Typical jobs for Astronomy graduates include:

  • Scientific researcher (postdoc, research fellow, professor)
  • R&D engineer
  • Consultant
  • Data scientist, statistician
  • Policy advisor, public information officer (e.g. Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
  • High school physics teacher
  • Scientific editor for magazines, newspapers and other media

Research at Leiden Observatory

If you want to get more deeply involved in research after graduating in Astronomy, consider pursuing a PhD at Leiden Observatory. If you have completed the Leiden master’s degree programme in Astronomy, you are directly eligible for admission to our PhD programme. Read more.

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