It comprises 90 credits of advanced studies (incl. a Master’s thesis of 30 credits) and 30 credits of other studies.
The programme includes two study tracks: Elementary Particle Physics and Cosmology and Astrophysical Sciences. You can find more information about the study tracks and their course packages below.
The preliminary syllabus for the next academic year will be published
The Master’s Programme in Particle Physics and Astrophysical Sciences includes two study tracks:
The study track in elementary particle physics and cosmology focuses on experimental or theoretical particle physics or cosmology. The theories that form our current understanding of these issues must be continuously re-evaluated in the light of new experimental results. In addition to analytical computational skills, this requires thorough mastery of numerical analysis methods. In experimental particle physics, the main challenges pertain to the management and processing of continuously amassing data.
The study track in astrophysical sciences focuses on observational or theoretical astronomy or space physics. Our understanding of space, ranging from Earth’s near space all the way to universal structures, is being continuously redefined because of improved experimental equipment located both in space and on the Earth’s surface. Several probes are also carrying out direct measurements of planets, moons and interplanetary plasma in our solar system. Another key discipline is theoretical astrophysics which, with the help of increasingly efficient supercomputers, enables us to create in-depth models of various phenomena in the universe in general and the field of space physics in particular. Finally, plasma physics is an important tool in both space physics and astronomical research.
The courses typically include lectures, exercises, group work and research literature and end in examinations and/or final assignments. In addition, some studies can be completed as book examinations.
Here you can see the study period of courses that are offered by the Master's programme in Particle Physics and Astrophysical Sciences, course codes start with "PAP". Please note that changes can be possible! You can also include courses of other programmes in your degree. You can find study periods of each course by reading the course description.
| Course name | Credits | 2026-27 | 2027-28 |
| Computational light scattering | 5 cr | I | not offered |
| Introduction to Particle Physics I | 5 cr | I | I |
| Plasma Physics | 5 cr | I | I |
| Cosmology II | 5 cr | II | II |
| Interstellar Matter | 5 cr | II | not offered |
| Introduction to Particle Physics II | 5 cr | II | II |
| Space and Astrophysical Plasma Turbulence | 5 cr | II | not offered |
| Space Applications of Plasma Physics | 5 cr | II | II |
| Advanced Course in Observational Astronomy I | 5 cr | I-II | I-II |
| Galaxy formation and evolution | 5 cr | I-II | not offered |
| Laboratory course on instrumentation | 5 cr | I-II | I-II |
| Open problems in modern astrophysics | 5 cr | I-II | I-II |
| Special Course in Observational Astronomy | 5 cr | I-II | I-II |
| Statistical Methods | 5 cr | I-II | I-II |
| Variable Stars | 5 cr | I-II | not offered |
| Galaxy Survey Cosmology | 5 cr | III | not offered |
| General relativity I | 5 cr | III | III |
| Solar Physics | 5 cr | III | not offered |
| Computing Methods in High Energy Physics | 5 cr | III-IV | III-IV |
| Galactic dynamics | 5 cr | III-IV | not offered |
| High Energy Astrophysics | 5 cr | III-IV | not offered |
| Particle Physics Experiments | 5 cr | III-IV | not offered |
| Simulation of experimental particle physics detectors | 5 cr | III-IV | III-IV |
| Statistical Inverse Methods | 5 cr | III-IV | III-IV |
| Seminar in Particle Physics and Astrophysical Sciences | 5 cr | I-IV | I-IV |
| Astrophysical light scattering problems | 5 cr | IV | not offered |
| General relativity II | 5 cr | IV | IV |
| Gravitational Lensing | 5 cr | IV | not offered |
| Numerical Space Physics | 5 cr | IV | not offered |
| Path Integral Quantization of Gauge Field Theories | 5 cr | IV | not offered |
| Advanced Course in Observational Astronomy II | 5 cr | not offered | IV |
| Advanced Space Plasma Physics | 10 cr | not offered | III-IV |
| Gaseous radiation detectors and scintillators | 5 cr | not offered | I-II |
| Introduction to light scattering | 5 cr | not offered | IV |
| Introduction to the Physics of Neutrinos | 5 cr | not offered | IV |
| Particle Physics Phenomenology | 5 cr | not offered | III-IV |
| Radiative Transfer | 5 cr | not offered | I |
| Semiconductor radiation detectors | 5 cr | not offered | III-IV |
| Small Bodies in the Solar System | 5 cr | not offered | I-II |
| Stellar magnetic activity | 5 cr | not offered | III-IV |
| Theories beyond the standard model | 5 cr | not offered | I-II |
| Time Series Analysis in Astronomy | 5 cr | not offered | I-II |
5-10 cr
Select either
Complete at least 45 cr of the following courses:
You can select courses of Astrophysical Sciences Study Track as agreed with your Academic supervisor.
Other studies can include study modules or individual courses from other programmes as agreed in personal study plan. Also practical training and language studies can be included.
You need to include at least 90 cr of advanced studies in your degree.
Complete at least two of these three courses:
Select a minimum of 40 cr of advanced level courses in order to have minimum of 90 cr of advanced level courses in total. You can include particle physics and cosmology studies and max 15 cr of Data Science studies to the 40 cr required.
Thematic courses with varying contents in particle physics and astrophysical sciences:
You can select courses of Particle Physics and Cosmology study track and include them in the 40 cr of alternative advanced studies. See the course list on this same page.
Other studies can include study modules or individual courses from other programmes as agreed in personal study plan. Also practical training and language studies can be included.