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Courses
Courses
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About University of Galway
About University of Galway
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Colleges & Schools
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Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at University of Galway
We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at University of Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
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Master
MSc in Astronomical Instrumentation and Technology
Why should you consider this masters program now?
We are living in a golden age of astronomy. From galaxies formed at the beginning of time, to black holes at the center of galaxies and planets around distant stars, modern observatories and instruments have opened a window that lets us peer at the universe in unprecedented detail.
Modern astronomical observatories use sophisticated suites of instruments, and rely on cutting edge optics, electronics and computing hardware and software. There is an increasing demand for scientists and engineers having an understanding of these technologies. This Masters provides advanced courses, which together with an instrumentation-related research thesis will train you to a high level in this exciting area. This will enhance your prospects of obtaining funding for doctoral research or to be employed in any of these key technologies. If you want to do astronomical research or work in high tech optical or space science industries, this Masters program will prepare you for it.
Why do a masters in astronomical instrumentation in Galway?
The Centre for Astronomy in Galway employs some of the leading experts for astronomical instrumentation in the country. The University of Galway via the Centre for Astronomy is a partner in designing and building the first generation of instruments for the European Southern Observatory's Extremely Large Telescope (ELT). This telescope, with a main mirror diameter of 39 m, will be the largest optical telescope ever constructed. Experts at the Centre for Astronomy are involved in designing the Multiconjugate adaptive Optics Relay For ELT Observations MORFEO, which allows to cancel atmospheric effects which would otherwise blur the images of this new massive telescope. Once completed the ELT will be able to make images of possibly habitable planets around nearby stars and maybe even the first real image of an Earth twin. Come to Galway and be part of the exciting future of astronomical technology and research.
Learn More About the Course
Course Content
The course is made up of 3 specialized taught modules (20 ECTS), several optional modules (10 ECTS) and a Master thesis project (60 ECTS) under the guidance of one of the subject experts from the Centre for Astronomy. The taught modules are carefully selected to give a good overview over modern astronomical research and instrument development:
PH5126 - Advanced Astronomical and Space Instrumentation
PH5123 - Astroinformatics
PH5127 - Modern Observational Facilities will introduce you to the worlds leading astronomical observatories, such as the ESO Very Large Telescope, the Atacama Large Millimeter Array or the James Webb Space Telescope. In this course you will learn how to make your scientific ideas become reality as we learn how to shape them into the form of experiments, test their feasibility with simulation software and finally write a competitive proposal for observation time.
Applications and Selections
Your first important step if you are interested in our Master program is to contact a staff member from the Centre for Astronomy to discuss possible topics for your research project. To get an idea what kind of work we are involved in check out our research pages.
Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System. Candidates are required to provide full CV and personal statement and the names of two academic references. As a prerequisite we require a finished undergraduate degree (BSc) in Physics or closely related disciplines. Typically the final mark should be not lower than a 2.1 in the Irish system (or equivalent for international students).
