The Master's degree program in Astrophysics at LMU provides you with a research oriented training in all areas relevant to modern Astrophysics. Experience the vibrant research activities at LMU Observatory and other Munich institutes for Astrophysics & Cosmology, and challenge yourself to become an expert in your field.
The city of Munich, and its Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in particular, are among the largest and most successful centers for astrophysical and cosmological research worldwide. Four different research institutes - the LMU Observatory, the Max-Planck Institute for Astrophysics, the Max-Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics and the headquarters of the European Southern Observatory - create a diverse scientific environment covering all frontiers of modern astrophysics and cosmology. With the curriculum of our Master program in Astrophysics you will train at the heart of this excellent and international research community.
Curriculum outline
Please note that the information provided here only applies to students who started their Master studies in Astrophysics during or after the winter semester 2023. A version of this webpage that applies to students who started earlier can be found HERE.
The program can be started in the winter semester as well as in the summer semester since all mandatory courses are offered every semester.
The language of instruction is English.
The curriculum of the Master Astrophysics (PDF, 40 KB) covers 4 semesters. In the 1st and 2nd semesters, you will attend advanced courses in astrophysics and physics and choose a field of specialization.
In the second half of the program you will engage in your own research project (accompanied by further colloquia, tutorials and seminars). During the practical, 3rd, semester you will be trained in scientific work as member of one of the many research groups at LMU Observatory (or at MPA, MPE and ESO; see Links & Downloads for information on conducting thesis work at non-LMU institutions). In your 4th semester you will have 23 weeks to dive deep into cutting edge astrophysical and cosmological research (see Courses & Specialisation for potential research areas).
To get an idea of how your studies can be like, have a look at our examplary schedule (PDF, 62 KB).
You can focus your studies on a wide range of observational and theoretical topics. Scientists at LMU Observatory are leading innovative research in all fields relevant to modern astrophysics and cosmology. Each semester these experienced researchers offer about 6 different elective lecture courses as well as a number of specialised research seminars, covering a wide variety of topics such as gravitational dynamics, the formation and atmospheres of planets and stars, cosmology, statistics, data science and machine learning. A large part of your course work can be freely chosen from this lecture pool. In line with our concept of research driven education you will furthermore have the opportunity to participate in lab courses as well as various seminars of astrophysical research groups in the Munich area.
For information about our application procedure, please consult the separate page Applying to a Master's program at the Faculty of Physics.
If you have any questions, please contact