Programme description

Are you planning to begin the second-cycle degree studies but cannot decide between theoretical physics and astronomy? Astrophysics and Cosmology is then for you. This programme is for people fascinated by astronomy who would like to understand the basics of theoretical physics: the general theory of relativity, the standard model of elementary particles, quantum field theory, statistical physics, and condensed matter physics. Main classes include ones that usually are on the peripherals of the mainstream of theoretical physics, such as hydrodynamics, cosmology, the structure of stars (including neutron stars), and orbital mechanics of rigid bodies. Weekly astrophysics seminar allows us to keep up with the constant development of astrophysics and current astronomical discoveries. In the second year, it becomes a M.A. seminar. It integrates researchers, students, and people passionate about astrophysics.

👉  Read more about this study programme

Information regarding Faculty

The Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Applied Computer Science is one of the most modern such units in Poland. It has the A+ scientific category awarded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and is a part of the Krakow Scientific Consortium named after Marian Smoluchowski with the KNOW (2013–2017) status. Programmes conducted at the Faculty lead in rankings prepared by the Education Foundation “Perspektywy,” also talented Faculty students participate in the prestigious Diamond Grant programme.

The Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Applied Computer Science premises are located on the Campus of the 600th Anniversary of the JU Revival. Students acquire practical knowledge in laboratories supplied with modern equipment, such as research and measurement equipment and specialized software, which is important due to further research work and participation in scientific projects, as well as careers in other professions. The Faculty cooperates with many companies by conducting joint classes, research projects, and master's thesis works.

👉  Virtual walk through the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Applied Computer Science

Rankings, distinctions, accreditations

• Scientific category A+ in the main discipline of Physical Sciences awarded to the Jagiellonian University in Kraków by the decision of the Minister of Education and Science

Curriculum overview

In the programme curriculum, you may find information about the subjects you will attend while studying this programme. The programme indicates which subjects are scheduled for each semester of the studies, which are mandatory, which belong to the group of elective subjects (so-called optional subjects), which of them end with an exam, and which do not. Each subject in such a programme curriculum has its syllabus, which is a description of what students learn within the scope of that subject.

Student’s life

Time spent at the university is not all about education and class participation; it is also an excellent opportunity to develop hobbies and interests. Many research societies and student organizations work at the Jagiellonian University, including faculty- and university-wide ones. These societies allow students to spend their free time actively, gain knowledge, develop their talents, participate in engaging, unconventional projects, go on research and team-building trips, participate in conferences and meet fellow students outside the lecture halls. There are many student associations at the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Applied Computer Science, young scientists can apply for the Frank Wilczek Prize funded by the Faculty and the Kosciuszko Foundation.

Students interested in the international dimension of studying can participate in a wide variety of exchange programmes such as Erasmus+, Utrecht Network, exchange programmes within Bilateral Agreements or European university Una Europa, or participate in a domestic mobility programme called MOST.

More than just studies

• Frank Wilczek Prize—for outstanding young researchers
• Student Government of the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Applied Computer Science

Admission to studies

Admission to study programmes at the Jagiellonian University is conducted electronically in the Online Application System: irk.uj.edu.pl. If you have any questions related to admission, please contact the Admissions Office directly or visit the websites: welcome.uj.edu.pl and irk.uj.edu.pl.

Detailed information about admission to this study programme, including information on the method of calculating the result, qualification criteria, fees, deadlines, and a list of required documents are available on the Online Application System (IRK): irk.uj.edu.pl

Transfer from other university or study programme

Transfer from another university, including a foreign one, or change of study programme within the University is possible with the dean's consent after completing the first year of studies and fulfilling additional requirements established by the Faculty Council. For inquiries regarding transfer, please contact the unit responsible for the specific study programme directly.

Graduates

A graduate of Astrophysics and Cosmology has a broad general knowledge in the scope of physics and astrophysics, as well as specialized knowledge from the chosen specialization, in-depth knowledge regarding various matters concerning space, and can use this knowledge in practice. A graduate is ready to work:

• in institutions working on physics, astrophysics, and meteorology
• in satellite observations teams and scientific groups engaged in international research projects
• in educational institutions, space, research and development, and in the scientific sector
• in all sectors of the market economy, where they apply statistical data processing, digital image processing, computer modelling of continuous mediums, and analytical thinking.

Graduates can cooperate with scientific centres in Poland and abroad, and they can also develop their qualifications independently. Teaching section classes are an additional option, the completion of which allows working as a school teacher after graduation.

Further education possibilities

• Second-cycle programmes
• Doctoral School, f.e. Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences
• Post diploma programmes

Contact

The study programme is conducted at the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Applied Computer Science located in the Campus of the 600th Anniversary of the JU Revival, so-called the Third Campus, in Kraków’s district – Ruczaj. For more information, please contact:

wydzial.fais@uj.edu.pl

ul. Łojasiewicza 11
30-348 Kraków, Poland
Phone: (+48) 12 664 48 90

fais.uj.edu.pl

Other programmes that may interest you

• Astronomy (Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Applied Computer Science) – programme in Polish
• Physics (Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Applied Computer Science) – programme in Polish
• Studies in the Mathematics and Natural Sciences (Centre for Interdisiciplinary Studies in the Mathematics and Natural Sciences) – programme in Polish