Masters in Astrophysics

Click here to find out how to apply to the Master’s Program in Astrophysics. (in Spanish)

The Institute of Physics and Astronomy opened its Master’s Program in Astrophysics in the year 2011.

• Timetable: diurnal.
• Duration: 4 semesters/78 crédits SCT.
• Vacancies: 6

Chile has a world-class infrastructure of telescopes and instrumentation. The need to train human resources to use those telescopes and develop high level astronomical research is the primary driver of our Masters Program in Astrophysics. Postgraduate studies are also an integral and fundamental part of the training process of academics and scientists who aim to achieve excellency in their professional work. All this is part of the Mission included in the Development Plan of the Faculty for Sciences of the Universidad de Valparaíso.

Aims of the Postgraduate Program

The Program aims to strengthen the basic skills of those students with degrees in physics and astronomy (or related sciences) in specialized areas of astrophysics, with the purpose of advancing top level scientific research in astronomy and related disciplines. The Program is taught by an excellent academic group, characterized by high scientific productivity and strategic alliances with national and international institutions.

Student Profile

The prospective student must have a Bachelor of Sciences degree with courses in astronomy or physics (or an academic degree or professional title that can be considered equivalent in level, content and duration). They must demonstrate that their previous studies are suitable for the aims and requirements of the Program. Those applying must likewise demonstrate an adequate knowledge of the English language.

Academic Personnel

The Institute of Physics and Astronomy is composed of academics with a PhD degree in astronomy, astrophysics or physics, who are actively engaged in top level research in their area of expertise. Many of our academics are members of the Valparaíso Astrophysics Centre (Centro de Astrofisica de Valparaíso) which is the first Center of its kind in the Region de Valparaíso of Chile. Our academics are in charge of teaching the students of the Master’s in Astrophysics Program.

Professional Profile

Having completed their studies, the student will receive his/her degree of a Master’s in Astrophysics and will have acquired fundamental knowledge in contemporary physics and advanced astronomy. The graduate will be able to interact with other investigators through his/her professional scientific work in current areas of research and, in the future, make full scientific use of the existing astronomical infrastructure in Chile. These include observational astrophysicists working in scientific projects that make direct use of the telescopes, as well as theoretical astrophysicists whose work is the physical-mathematical modelling of the observed phenomena.

Employment opportunities

The Program provides the skills necessary for the student to successfully join the national and international professional astrophysical community, or many other scientifically-inclined organizations. Thus possible future employers include universities, higher studies institutions, astronomical observatories, research centers, scientific instrumentation developers, software developers, many state or private companies, consultants or scientific/astronomical tourism enterprises.

More information:

• Degree program (in Spanish)
• Regulations of the Master’s Program (in Spanish)
• Regulations of the Master’s Program from 2021 (current, in Spanish)

Additional Information

Malla curricular
Reglamento Programa Magíster
Reglamento Prog. Magister 2021