Master's in Space Sciences and Astronomy

When “Buzz” Aldrin stepped out of the lunar module on July 21, 1969, his first task was to set up the Bernese Solar Wind Composition experiment (SWC) by planting it on the moon, even before the American flag. This was the first great highlight in the history of Bernese space exploration. The specialized Master’s Program in Space Sciences and Astronomy reflects this Bernese heritage and empowers students to join this adventure through an in-depth interdisciplinary scientific education in space research, planetary sciences, habitability and astronomy.

This new Master’s program, offered jointly by the Center for Space and Habitability (CSH), the Space Research and Planetary Sciences division (WP) and the Astronomical Institute (AIUB) of the University of Bern for the first time in Autumn 2026, expands on the existing Physics and Astronomy programs with a deepened focus on interdisciplinarity in space research. We offer students with a broad range of interests a program that fosters interdisciplinary research, embraces a diversity of scientific, educational and cultural backgrounds, and aims to stimulate scientific curiosity and meaningful research.

The Master of Space Sciences and Astronomy brings together dedicated individuals with a variety of expertise and backgrounds, ranging from physics and astronomy to geology and geophysics, as well as climatology, chemistry and biology. The program offers students an extensive education in key research topics such as astronomy and astrophysics, space sciences, planetary sciences and habitability.

The CSH is part of a vibrant Bernese and Swiss research environment, and interdisciplinarity is at the heart of the Master’s program and the scientific culture of our Center. Thanks to our collaborative network, the courses of this program go beyond the Physics Institute, with eligible courses offered at other institutes of the University of Bern as well as external centers and universities, such as the ETH Zürich. With this new specialized Master’s program, we invite students to expand their existing scientific horizon, combine knowledge from different disciplines and apply their skills to new scientific approaches.

Basic information
Degree: Master of Science in Space Sciences and Astronomy, University of Bern
Number of credits: 120 ECTS credits
Degree programs:

Mono 120 ECTS credits
Duration: 4 semesters
Languages: English 
Beginning studies: Fall or spring semester

Details of program

Built on the joint expertise of several research institutes and centers in Bern with worldwide recognition—including the CSH, the Space Research and Planetary Sciences Division at the Physics Institute, the Astronomical Institute, and more—and external institutions such as ETH Zürich, this program offers a valuable specialization to the existing Physics and Astronomy study programs.

The program focuses on the following key research topics: i) Astronomy and Astrophysics (planets, stars and galaxies; cosmology; space weather; geodesy; celestial mechanics), ii) Space Sciences (space- and ground-based instrumentation; measurement techniques; data analysis and interpretation; modeling techniques), iii) Planetary Sciences (planet formation and evolution; solar system and exoplanets; lab experiments), and iv) Habitability (conditions for life to emerge; building blocks of life as we know it; origin and development of extra- and terrestrial life).

Upon successful completion of the program, students are able to:

  • Describe and critically evaluate theories, observations, experiments, and methods in space sciences and astronomy, establishing the necessary connections between them to answer specific scientific questions.
  • Evaluate and critically assess data sets, uncertainties, precision, and accuracy using statistical tools.
  • Develop numerical methods in program codes for simulation purposes.
  • Apply known methods to new problems.
  • Summarize, classify, and critically evaluate peer-reviewed publications.
  • Write scientific publications, present them orally, and answer critical questions.

Scheme of program

The Master’s in Space Sciences and Astronomy is a mono study program worth 120 ECTS credits. The program is comprised of 90 compulsory ECTS credits (with 60 ECTS reserved for the Master’s Thesis module) and 30 elective ECTS credits. The courses of the program are held in English.

The common program duration is four semesters (two years) of full-time study, starting in the Autumn or Spring semester.

We suggest a completion of the Compulsory Courses in the first two semesters and recommend completing the majority of the Elective Courses in this time frame as well. The registration for the Master's Thesis typically occurs in the 3rd semester, although preparations may already begin in the 2nd semester (i.e. topic proposal). Submission of the Master's Thesis typically happens after 12 months, followed by a final exam.

Requirements

Individual academic requirements

The following academic qualifications are required for admission to the master’s degree program in Space Sciences and Astronomy (mono):

a)

Bachelor's degree from a Swiss university

  • comprising at least 30 ECTS credits in Physics and/or Astronomy and
  • at least 50 ECTS credits in a branch of studies in the natural sciences or engineering sciences
b)

Bachlor's degree from a recognized foreign university with an equivalent qualification*

* Admission requirements of up to 60 ECTS credits, which must be fulfilled in order to complete the master’s degree program, may be required. The ECTS credits will be individually defined and listed separately in the diploma supplement as extracurricular attainments. 

Language requirements

The language of tuition in the MSc in Space Sciences and Astronomy is English. Students are expected to have an advanced level of English (at least CEFR level C1) to participate successfully in the study program. They must be able to comprehend written English, actively participate in discussions, and produce texts in English. The Master’s thesis is written in English.

Language certificate Minimum score
TOEFL iBT (Score 0-120) 95
TOEFL iBT (Score 1-6) 5
IELTS academic test 7
Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)  

An Exemption from the English test is possible for students who completed their previous studies within a language community (country or territory) where English is the majority spoken language; see list of countries the checklist. 

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.

Application and admission

Current UniBE students

Apply for a change to the M Sc in Space Sciences and Astronomy, University of Bern, by self-service as part of the re-registration for the next semester.
Renewal of semester registration → Self-service
Recognition of academic achievements
Procedure and timing of the renewal of semester registration

Application with a Swiss degree

Online application
Assessment
Steps from application to registration

Application with an international degree

Online application
CHECKLIST - documents for your application / important information
Steps from application to registration

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.

Degree

Once you have met the specific requirements for the degree, you can apply for your degree to the Dean's Office. You will find more information on the graduation process here.

After your master's

With a growing space sector in Switzerland as well as worldwide, skilled professionals with expertise in space sciences and astronomy are increasingly sought after. This specialized Master's degree enables students to analyze data collected through space missions and instrumentation and to contribute to proposals for future space activities. Supported both by researchers and engineers, this program further trains students to navigate the interdisciplinary field of instrument science, at the interface between science, engineering, and operations.

In astronomy and astrophysics, graduates can pursue careers in academic research, observatory operations, and the development and exploitation of ground- and space-based facilities. Typical roles include astronomical instrumentaion and optical engineering, telescope and instrument control systems, and hardware and software development. Beyond research infrastructures, the strong quantitative, computational, and problem-solving skills acquired during the program open pathways toward teaching and science communication, as well as data-science-oriented careers in industry, finance, consulting, and technology sectors, where expertise in large-scale data analysis, modelling, and machine learning is highly sought after.

A portfolio of courses focusing on transferable skills (statistical methods, presentation skills, project management, etc) further prepares students both for academic and non-academic careers.

Students interested in a continued academic career can find information on pursuing a Doctorate at the University of Bern’s Portal for Junior Academics. Current available PhD positions at the Center for Space and Habitability (CSH) can be found here.