Course Levels
Level 100
Introductory course, builds upon the level of the final pre-university education examination.
Characteristics: teaching based on material in textbook or syllabus, pedagogically structured, with
practice material and mock examinations; supervised workgroups; emphasis on study material and
examples in lectures.
Level 200
Course of an introductory nature, no specific prior knowledge but experience of independent
study expected.
Characteristics: textbooks or other study material of a more or less introductory nature; lectures, e.g. in
the form of capita selecta; independent study of the material is expected.
Level 300
Advanced course (entry requirement level 100 or 200).
Characteristics: textbooks that have not necessarily been written for educational purposes; independent
study of the examination material; in examinations independent application of the study material to
new problems.
Level 400
Specialised course (entry requirement level 200 or 300).
Characteristics: alongside a textbook, use of specialist literature (scientific articles); assessment in the
form of limited research, a lecture or a written paper. Courses at this level can, to a certain extent, also
be on the master’s curriculum.
Level 500
Course with an academic focus (entry requirement: the student has been admitted to a
master’s programme; preparatory course at level 300 or 400 has been followed).
Characteristics: study of advanced specialised scientific literature intended for researchers; focus of the
examination is solving a problem in a lecture and/or paper or own research, following independent
critical assessment of the material.
Level 600
Very specialised course (entry requirement level 400 or 500)
Characteristics: current scientific articles; latest scientific developments; independent contribution
(dissertation research) dealing with an as yet unsolved problem, with verbal presentation.
The classification is based on the Framework Document Leiden Register of Study Programmes.
Career Orientation
Career preparation at Leiden University
In addition to offering you a solid university education, Leiden University aims to prepare you as well as possible for the labour market, and in doing so contribute to the development of your employability. In this way, it will become easier for you to make the transition to the labour market, to remain employable in a dynamic labour market, in a (career) job that suits your own personal values, preferences and development.
'Employability' consists of the following aspects that you will develop within your study programme, among others:
1. Discipline-specific knowledge and skills
Knowledge and skills specific to your study programme.
2. Transferable skills
These are skills that are relevant to every student and that you can use in all kinds of jobs irrespective of your study programme, for example: researching, analysing, project-based working, generating solutions, digital skills, collaborating, oral communication, written communication, presenting, societal awareness, independent learning, resilience.
3. Self-reflection
This concerns self-reflection in the context of your (study) career, including reflecting on the choices you make as a student during your studies, what can you do with your knowledge and skills on the labour market?
In addition, reflecting on your own profile and your personal and professional development. Who are you, what can you do well, what do you find interesting, what suits you, what do you find important, what do you want to do?
4. Practical experience
Gaining practical experience through internships, work placements, projects, practical (social) assignments, which are integrated into an elective, minor or graduation assignment.
5. Labour market orientation
Gaining insight into the labour market, fields of work, jobs and career paths through, for example, guest speakers and alumni experiences from the work field, career events within the study programme, the use of the alumni mentor network, interviewing people from the work field, and shadowing/visiting companies in the context of a particular subject.
Career preparation in the Astronomy curriculum
In addition to academic skills, the Master Astronomy program emphasizes incorporation of practical skills and real-world knowledge into the curriculum to enhance students' readiness and competitiveness in the job market. Over the course of the two-year program, you will develop a Career Orientation Portfolio to help you clarify your future goals and reflect on key questions such as "What are my strengths?", "What is important to me in a job?", and "What should I focus on to achieve my career objectives?"
Career Orientation Portfolio
The portfolio consists of two reflection assignments, on which you will receive personal feedback from the Science Career Service. Furthermore, you are required to attend at least two career orientation activities per year. Afterwards you will be asked to write a short evaluation of the event in order to reflect on what you have taken away from it.
First year MSc Astronomy – My competencies
In the first year of the MSc Astronomy program, you will attend a mandatory Career Orientation lecture that emphasizes the importance of understanding and reflecting on your competencies. Competencies refer to your skills, knowledge, and abilities that are essential for your professional and academic development. By carrying out a competency assessment, you will gain insight into your strengths and areas for growth, helping you to align your career goals and enhance your readiness for the job market.
Deadlines for the competency -assignment + Career Events reports can be found on the Master Astronomy Page.
Second year MSc Astronomy – My work values
In the second year of the MSc Astronomy program, you will participate in a mandatory session on Career Orientation focused on exploring and reflecting on your work values. Work values are the principles and priorities that guide your career choices and job satisfaction. Through this session, you will assess what aspects of a job are most important to you, such as work-life balance, job security, and opportunities for growth. This reflection will help you better understand your career aspirations and align them with your future professional opportunities.
Deadlines for Work-value-assignment + Career Events reports can be found on the Master Astronomy Page.
Activities to prepare for the labour market co-curricular or outside the curriculum
Every year, various activities take place, within, alongside and outside of your study programme, which contribute to your preparation for the labour market, especially where it concerns orientation towards the work field/the labour market, (career) skills and self-reflection. These may be information meetings on decision moments within your programme, but also career workshops and events organised by your own programme, the faculty Career Service or your study association.
There are also many other career events that you can attend, for example:
Career Information Meeting Astronomy (CIMAS), including talks from alumni in industry and academia and various workshops.
Workshops form the Science Career Service
Career lectures from the Science Career Service
The Science Career Event (Bèta-banenmarkt)
De Leidsche Flesch career events
Scientific conferences
Career Service, LU Career Zone and career workshops calendar
Faculty Career Service
The Career Service of your faculty offers information and advice on study (re)orientation and master's choice, (study) career planning, orientation on the labour market and job applications.
Leiden University Career Zone
Leiden University Career Zone is the website for students and alumni of Leiden University to support their (study) career. You can find advice, information, (career) tests and tools in the area of (study) career planning, career possibilities with your study, job market orientation, job applications, the Alumni Mentor network, job portal, workshops and events and career services.
Workshops and events
On the course calendar you will find an overview of career and application workshops, organised by the Career services.
