Тhе M.Sc. program Astronomy and Astrophysics aims to provide a fresh start for people who pursue professional career in the fields of astronomy and physics of the Cosmos. In the course of this program, students will acquire in-depth knowledge and should develop practical skills needed for scientific research and/or for successful activity as experts in physics outside science. Teaching is conducted in English.

Eligible candidates should hold either:

i) a B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree in the fields of higher education Physical sciences, Technical sciences or Pedagogy of training in: natural sciences, mathematics and informatics from Bulgarian universities;

or,

ii) a B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree from universities in other countries worldwide. Admission of students is done through a test and on the basis of educational documents: a degree certificate and an official transcript of records covering the full length of studies and including full titles of the course units completed for the degree. If the candidate has not yet graduated, the transcript of records must include the name of the degree that shall be awarded to him/her after graduation.

Prerequisites for a successful study in this M.Sc. program are good fundamental knowledge in physics and mathematics and basic computer skills. The teaching curriculum is liberal and consists of one compulsory and 24 elective courses. The latter must bring at least 70 ECTS credits: 30 ECTS credits in the first semester, 25 ECTS credits in the second semester and 15 ECTS credits in the third semester. The course of study ends with defense of a Master thesis which can take place in February or in July.

The tutors are active researchers in the fields of stellar astrophysics, star formation, planetary astrophysics and extragalactic astronomy. Interested students could be involved in small research projects in the course of their study.

Graduates of the M.Sc. program Astronomy and Astrophysics shall be competent to work with astronomical instruments in observatories and laboratories; use standard packages for processing astronomical data; understand and follow the recent scientific research in the field; work with various sources of astronomical information (data bases, catalogs etc.); participate as investigators in scientific projects. They can work as research fellows in various scientific institutions and astronomical observatories and/or apply for a PhD study and/or assistant professorships in the EU countries and worldwide. They can be also employed in R&D and analytical departments in the industry and in research laboratories.