Master of Science in Space Sciences and Astronomy

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

6 Semesters

90 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-time Day (by Research)

This programme of study is also offered on a full-time basis. Please consult the Registrar's website for more information pertaining to courses offered by the University.

Space science is the study of natural phenomena beyond Earth bound experiments. The primary topics of the course are astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology. Astronomy is principally the study of making observations of space. Given the large amount of data available to astronomers, the processing techniques must be very novel to handle all this in a timely fashion. This has led to many industrial applications in finance, gaming, and many other industries. The Programme offers the possibility to tackle some of the major problems plaguing space science ranging from designing new radio astronomy antennas to be implemented in radio astronomy project to how alternative theories of gravity would modify cosmological dynamics. These problems require different skillsets, which range from theoretical subjects to more programming-based topics, such as modelling large scale structure growth and so on. Depending on the project, the skill set acquired in this course has applicability in industry.

Space science is the study of natural phenomena beyond Earth bound experiments. This ranges from optimizing the design of telescopes to understanding the inner workings of gravitational waves from binary black holes. The primary topics of the course are astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology. Astronomy is principally the study of making observations of space. Given the large amount of data available to astronomers, the processing techniques must be very novel to handle all this in a timely fashion. This has led to many industrial applications in finance, gaming, and many other industries. Astrophysics aims to broaden our understanding of the various objects present in the Universe. These range from the average star such as our Sun, to black holes where the extremes of gravity can produce the most violent events ever observed. Finally, cosmology concerns itself with a larger view of the Universe where the goal is to understand the history of the Universe from the big bang to the present. This means understanding the role of dark energy and exploring the different competing theories of gravity.

The Master's Programme will offer you the possibility to tackle some of the major problems plaguing space science ranging from designing new radio astronomy antennas to be implemented in new and upcoming radio astronomy project to how alternative theories of gravity would modify cosmological dynamics. These problems require different skillsets, which range from theoretical subjects to more programming based topics, such as modelling large scale structure growth and so on. Depending on the project, the skill set acquired in this course has applicability in industry.

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Information for International applicants

Applicants must be in possession of:

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

the degree of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physics or Computational Physics or Statistics, with at least Second Class (Honours) or
the degree of Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), with at least Second Class (Honours) or
the degree of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in ICT, with at least Second Class (Honours) or
a Bachelor degree with at least a Second Class (Honours) in a discipline related to the proposed area of study or
a qualification deemed by Senate, on the recommendation of the Board, to be comparable to the qualifications listed in paragraphs (a) to (d).

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You can submit your application online. The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta.

You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage. Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements.

The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the accommodation website.

Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt, and our team will be more than happy to help.

After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.

Students are required to write a dissertation, to which 80 ECTS credits are assigned, based on research work of an advanced or original nature performed by students during the Course. The students will also undertake a number of study-units to a total of 10 ECTS credits.

The dissertation shall be offered in areas of study in which the Institute can offer expert guidance and supervision. The areas offered are subject to the availability of resources as determined by the Institute.


Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

SSA5025	Introduction to Astronomy and Cosmology	5 ECTS
SSA5040*	Project Seminar	5 ECTS
SSA5045*	Dissertation	80 ECTS
* Work on the Dissertation and Project Seminar is expected to start in Semester 2 of academic year 2025-26 and continue up to the end of Semester 1 of academic year 2027-28.

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2021 and by the Bye-Laws for the degree of Master of Science in Astrophysics - M.Sc. - under the auspices of the Institute of Space Science and Astronomy.

Upon completion of this Masters' programme, you are expected to have attained the following knowledge and skills:

Necessary mathematical skills to work with advanced geometry.
Knowledge of the underlying physical laws that govern different space science regimes.
The ability to complete a number of scientific computing problems such as numerical techniques and so on.
Code various universe models and compare and contrast these models with available data.
Analyse and evaluate information that is relevant to research problems related to astronomy, astrophysics and/or cosmology.
Evaluate strengths and limitations of your research and propose further studies.

Non EU Applicants:

Total Tuition Fees: Eur 13,400
Yr 1: Eur 6,700 - Yr 2: Eur 6,700 - Yr 3: NIL

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Primarily, this programme serves as a feeder course if you are intending to further your studies to PhD level in cosmology or astrophysics in general. However, there are a number of other opportunities available once you successfully graduate. These vary wide and are dependent on the particular nature of the problem you choose to tackle.