Study with us

All teachers in our courses are active researchers. This means that the content of the courses always includes up-to-date knowledge. The department conducts distinguished research in both theoretical and observational astronomy. The researchers at the department have access to the world’s largest telescopes, both terrestrial and space-based, and the objects studied can be as close as the sun or as far away as the most distant galaxies. Modern astronomy relies strongly on computers which are used to develop models, simulate complicated events, and analyze data from telescopes. When you study astronomy with us you will learn both the underlying theory and the way research is done in practice. Most of our courses include laboratory sessions. In order to understand and use data in the most effective way it is important to know how telescopes work. Among our most appreciated courses are those in astronomical observations – using our own telescope in AlbaNova and telescopes in other parts of the world.

Studying astronomy provides you with knowledge and skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis and visualization, and the ability to work in groups. After graduation you can work with research and development in the public or private sector including everything from healthcare imaging to satellites. Knowledge in analyzing, modelling, and visualizing data has in recent years led astronomers to become sought after in areas such as data science and machine learning.

We aim to have close contact between students and teachers. Therefore, we have small student groups in nearly all the courses both at Bachelor’s and Master’s level. This makes it easy to ask questions and enables you to quickly get to know your fellow students.

The modern Stockholm Observatory, now the Department of Astronomy at Stockholm University, dates its ancestry to the first observatory in Stockholm, which was inaugurated in 1753. Since 1973, we are a department within the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University. Today, we are located in modern premises at AlbaNova University Centre, the Stockholm Centre for Physics, Astronomy and Biotechnology. AlbaNova is located near Stockholm city centre, at Roslagstull, within walking distance of both Stockholm University’s other buildings and the Royal Institute of Technology.