Bachelors in Sciences in Astronomy and Astrophysics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Lund University

Program Overview

The Bachelor’s Programme in Astronomy and Astrophysics is designed for students who are curious about how stars, planets, galaxies and the universe itself develop. Alongside exploring topics such as exoplanets, cosmology and stellar evolution, students build strong foundations in physics, mathematics, programming, statistics and scientific data analysis.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
The first year gives students the mathematical and physical tools needed to understand more advanced astronomical ideas later in the programme. Through courses such as Physics: Light and Matter, Single-Variable Calculus, and Mechanics and Relativity, students explore the behaviour of light, motion, energy, space and time while strengthening their problem-solving abilities. They also study Programming Concepts with Python, beginning their development of the computational skills used throughout modern astronomy.

Year 2:
During the second year, students move into more advanced areas of physics that explain how matter and energy behave across the universe. Courses such as Waves and Fluids, Basic Quantum Mechanics, and Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics help students understand phenomena ranging from radiation and stellar interiors to microscopic particles and large physical systems. Students may also explore subjects such as Particle Physics, Cosmology and Accelerators, Nuclear Physics, or Analytical Mechanics and Relativity.

Year 3:
The third year allows students to focus much more deeply on astronomy and astrophysics while shaping the degree around their own interests. Available specialist courses include Astrobiology – Conditions and Possibilities for Life in the Universe, Astrophysics of Stars, and Galaxies and Cosmology, with further options in radiation processes, stellar atmospheres and fluid dynamics. Students finish the programme with an independent Bachelor’s Degree Project, which can investigate an observational, technical or theoretical problem linked to active research at Lund Observatory.

Focus areas: Astronomy, astrophysics, stellar evolution, exoplanets, galaxies, cosmology, astrobiology, quantum mechanics, mathematical modelling, Python programming, statistics, simulations and astronomical data analysis.

Learning outcomes: Students learn to plan and analyse experiments, carry out astronomical observations, write computer programs, interpret measurement data and use mathematical and statistical models to investigate complex scientific questions. They also develop scientific communication, teamwork, independent research and analytical problem-solving skills.

Professional alignment: The programme leads to a recognised Bachelor of Science degree and provides the academic preparation needed for postgraduate study in astronomy, astrophysics or physics. Astronomy is not a professionally licensed field, so the programme does not require a separate industry accreditation; its value comes from its research-led curriculum, quantitative training and connection to Lund Observatory.

Reputation: Lund University is ranked 71st in the QS World University Rankings 2027, making it the highest-ranked university in Sweden. It is also ranked first globally for sustainability, while QS Europe 2026 reports that Lund has the strongest employer-brand reputation among Nordic universities.

Official Bachelor’s Programme in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Lund, astronomy is studied through observation, experimentation, programming and research rather than through lectures alone. Students work with scientific data, computer models and experimental equipment while learning how astronomers turn observations into meaningful explanations of planets, stars and galaxies. The programme includes laboratory work, problem-solving sessions and project-based learning, with a relatively high level of teacher contact and opportunities to collaborate with other students.

Students are taught by active researchers within the Department of Physics and Lund Observatory, where current research combines simulations, astronomical observations, theoretical astrophysics and international space-mission work. This gives students the opportunity to learn in an environment connected to real discoveries in exoplanets, stellar populations, galactic evolution and space instrumentation.

Programme-specific practical opportunities include:

Astronomical observations: Students conduct their own observations using the department’s telescopes and learn how to process, analyse and interpret the resulting astronomical data. Lund Observatory confirms that its telescopes are used primarily for university teaching.
Python programming: The compulsory Programming Concepts with Python course introduces students to computational problem-solving. These skills support later work involving simulations, mathematical models, statistics and large scientific datasets.
Laboratory and experimental work: Students learn to plan, conduct and analyse experiments, use advanced experimental equipment and interpret measurement results through the programme’s physics and astronomy training.
Scientific simulations and modelling: Students explore computational models used to understand processes such as galaxy formation and exoplanet development. Lund’s astrophysics research environment includes the VINTERGATAN cosmological galaxy-formation simulation as an example of advanced computational astronomy developed at the university.
Research-linked bachelor’s project: In the final project, students work with a supervisor to investigate an observational, theoretical or technical astrophysics problem. Projects are preferably connected to current research within the Division of Astrophysics, and students present their methods and findings both orally and in writing.
Research environment: Students study alongside researchers working in areas such as exoplanets, stars, galactic dynamics and space instrumentation. Lund Observatory has played a significant role in the European Space Agency’s Gaia mission, including mission planning, data analysis, validation and scientific use.
Group and project work: The programme includes collaborative projects and structured group study, helping students develop teamwork, communication and shared scientific problem-solving skills.
Physics and Astronomy Library: Students have access to a specialist library offering astronomy and physics books, journals, databases, digital resources, quiet study areas and guidance in information searching, reference management and scientific publishing. Physics students also have 24-hour library access using their university card.
Planetarium and outreach: Lund Observatory operates a planetarium where astronomers and astronomy students contribute to shows and lectures. This can help interested students practise explaining complex scientific ideas to non-specialist audiences.
Internship opportunities: A compulsory internship is not listed within the programme curriculum. However, Lund students can search for internships through the university’s Career Hub and explore international traineeships supported through Erasmus+.

Official Lund Observatory research and facilities information

Physics and Astronomy Library

Progression & Future Opportunities

Most graduates continue to a master’s programme because advanced research positions in astronomy generally require postgraduate study. However, the programme’s strong training in programming, mathematical modelling, statistics, calculations and data management also prepares graduates for technical and analytical careers beyond astronomy.

Typical career pathways include astronomer or astrophysics researcher, scientific programmer, data analyst, and computational or modelling specialist in the information and communications technology sector:

University career support: Lund University’s free Career Hub gives students access to jobs, internships and career events in Sweden and elsewhere in Europe. Students also receive access to GoinGlobal, which provides information about international job markets, workplace cultures and overseas career opportunities.
Research and international connections: Lund Observatory participates in international astronomical and space-science collaborations, including ESA’s Gaia mission and the development of future observational instruments and space missions. This gives students exposure to the type of international research environment in which professional astronomers work.
Research careers: After further study, graduates may pursue research and teaching roles at universities or research organisations such as the European Southern Observatory, which Lund identifies as one possible professional environment for astronomers.
Industry opportunities: Graduates may also enter ICT, programming, modelling, statistics or data-management roles. Their ability to work with complex calculations, computer simulations and scientific datasets can be valuable in technology-driven organisations outside traditional astronomy.
Entrepreneurship support: Students interested in creating a technology business or scientific project can access support through university initiatives such as VentureLab, Spark Lund and the Sten K. Johnson Centre for Entrepreneurship.
Employment and salary information: Lund University does not publish a programme-specific employment rate or graduate salary figure for this bachelor’s programme. Career outcomes depend heavily on whether the graduate enters industry directly or continues to master’s and doctoral-level study.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates leave with a Bachelor of Science degree and practical skills in physics, mathematics, Python programming, modelling, research, scientific writing and data interpretation. These skills support both postgraduate education and analytical employment across science and technology.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can apply for Lund University’s two-year Master’s Programme in Astrophysics, which combines advanced coursework with an extensive research project. The master’s programme offers areas such as planetary systems, extragalactic astronomy, dynamical astronomy, stellar structure and statistical tools; students who complete an appropriate master’s degree can then apply for a four-year PhD programme in Astronomy and Astrophysics at Lund or another institution.