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MSc in Astrophysics is a postgraduate program for the duration of 2 years where students learn both theoretical and observational aspects of astrophysics.
This course mainly focuses on building the research skills in Astrophysics along with various other modules such as Stars and Nebula, Gravitational Dynamics, and Accretion Physics which are optional. The students are trained with both fundamental as well as transferable skills.
MSc Astrophysics students learn data analysis, scientific writing, science outreach and presentation, programming, etc. They are introduced to a wide range of physics subjects, math courses, quantum mechanics, and university laboratory work.
Admission to this course is based on the entrance exam of different colleges. The candidate seeking admission must have passed graduation with the science stream. The average fee for this course ranges from INR 5000 to 5 Lacs.
After pursuing a Master of Science in Astrophysics and successfully completing this course a student has various job opportunities in both the public and private sectors. After completion of this course, students can opt for M.Phil./PH.D. in Astrophysics if they wish to go further for higher studies.
They get various job options in various renowned and reputed institutions or companies. These graduates are hired as Research Scientist, Lecturer, Astrophysicist, etc. The average salary of such graduates ranges between INR 3 Lacs to 10 Lacs.
| Course Level | Postgraduate |
| Full-Form | Master of Science |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Examination type | Semester system |
| Eligibility | Pass with 50% aggregate in bachelor’s degree |
| Admission Process | Entrance exam |
| Course Fee | INR 5,000 to 5 Lacs |
| Average Salary | INR 3 to 10 Lacs |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Nainital Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), etc. |
| Job Positions | Academic Research Editor, Administrative Assistant, Research Scientists, Lecturer, etc. |
Read more: Jobs after MSc Course
What is it about MSc Astrophysics?
MSc Astrophysics deploys the methods and objectives of physics to study astronomical objects and nature. The study includes the research conducted on the sun, moon, galaxy, extrasolar planets, interstellar medium, and cosmic microwave background.
- MSc Astrophysics will teach you to read the emissions from objects that are examined in different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.
- Students learn the properties that are included in the process of examination that includes luminosity, chemical composition, and density. Sometimes, you will also learn to read the temperature in high volatile surroundings.
- Astrophysics is quite a vast subject that includes the application of concepts, methods, and procedures across several disciplines of the subject of physics. This includes classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, nuclear, and particle physics.
- Students also learn the ability to define and formulating key strategies to understand various complex researches. They adapt to integrate developments of technology into your basic research work.
Why choose the Master of Science in Astrophysics?
- The course of M.Sc. in Astrophysics gives a thorough insight into astronomy and its aspects.
- In this course, gradual training is done in order to develop a critical research-oriented attitude.
- Through this course, the candidates learn to have the ability to integrate technological developments even in basic research.
- As this course will make you study the properties of dark matter, black holes, and many other celestial bodies, it becomes interesting for the students to read this subject.
- This course also gives an insight into astronomy and the contribution of science to it.
What is the Admission Process of M.Sc Astrophysics?
MSc Astrophysics admission is mainly dependent on the marks of the entrance exam. The admission process varies in different colleges. There are few simple steps to follow in order to take admission in such colleges:
- The candidates must have met all the eligibility criteria.
- The candidates should fill out the admission form.
- The admission of the candidates mainly depends on the marks of the entrance exam so they must give an entrance exam.
- The selected candidates on the basis of their marks must be ready for their personal interview or counseling session.
- After the selections are done the candidates must submit the admission fees to confirm their seat.
What is the Eligibility for M.Sc. Astrophysics?
To become eligible for this course, here are criteria that the candidates must meet:
- Pass higher secondary or an equivalent course from a recognized examination board in the science stream.
- Have an aggregate of 50% in a bachelor’s degree of science.
M.Sc. Astrophysics Entrance Exam
Most of the colleges are conducting their own entrance exam that students have to attend and pass with a good score to take up the course. The entrance exams vary from colleges to colleges and universities. Therefore, students who want to take up this course will have to search for the colleges offering this course and have to appear for the entrance exam that the colleges conduct.
| Entrance Exams | Registration | Exam Dates |
|---|---|---|
| CUET PG | April 2023 | June 1 – 10, 2023 |
| BITSAT | February 2023 | June 2023 |
| NEST | February 2023 | June 2023 |
| IIT JAM | September 07 – October 11, 2023 | February 12, 2023 |
| DUET | April 2023 | July 2023 |
| TISS NET | December 14 – January 15, 2023 | January 28 – February 28, 2023 |
Checkout: Osmania University Admissions
How to Prepare for an entrance exam?
Here are certain tips and tricks that will help you to write the entrance exams properly and score good marks:
- Step 1: A candidate needs to gather all the information about the course first like application, syllabus, exam dates, eligibility, etc.
- Step 2: They must have a bachelor’s degree in science with an aggregate of 50%.
- Step 3: The candidates must practice English and General Aptitude.
- Step 4: A candidate must know the exam pattern and solve the previous year’s question paper.
- Step 5: Giving mock tests to get a better idea of the examination is also very important.
How to get admission in a good college offering MSc Astrophysics?
Hare some points that will help you understand how you can take up admission in this course across all the colleges:
- Check the available colleges offering this course and make a list according to your priority.
- Fill-up the application forms and check them thoroughly before submission.
- You must meet all the eligibility criteria and also give an entrance exam.
- Keep track of the submission dates and counseling sessions date.
- Prepare for your counseling session as your admission depends on your overall performance.
- Pay your admission fee fully and on time in order to confirm your admission and seat.
What is the Syllabus of M.Sc. Astrophysics
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Analog Electronics | Digital electronics |
| Positional Astronomy | Celestial and Fluid Mechanics |
| Classical Mechanics | Quantum Mechanics |
| Applied Mathematics | Space Physics |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Stellar Atmosphere | Stellar Structure & Evolution |
| Advanced Electronics | Lasers and Applications |
| Astronomical Techniques | Plasma Physics |
| Electromagnetic waves & Radiating Systems | Galactic system & cosmology |
What are the Colleges offering MSc Astrophysics course in India?
| College Name | City | Admission Process | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osmania University | Hyderabad | Entrance exam based | INR 2,245 |
| Andhra University | Vishakhapatnam | Entrance exam based | INR 20,000 |
| Andhra University, College of Science and Technology | Vishakhapatnam | Entrance exam based | INR 10,000 |
| Punjabi University | Patiala | Entrance exam based | INR 10,210 |
| NIIT Rourkela | Odisha | Entrance exam based | INR 2,25,210 |
M.Sc. Astrophysics College Comparison
Here is a college comparison for M.Sc. in Astrophysics:
| Parameters | Osmania University | Andhra University | Punjabi University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | OU is one of the reputed colleges across the country. Built-in 1918, this university is located in Hyderabad, Telangana. It provides part and full-time courses. | AU is one of the recognized universities in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, this institute provides BE., B.Tech, and M.Sc. courses to the students across the country. | PU, Established in the year 1961, this university provides a great opportunity for the students to grow and work in amazing environments. There are about nine colleges that are affiliated with this university. |
| Average Course Fees | INR 2,260 to INR 50,000 | INR 12,200 to INR 3.45 Lacs | INR 13,300 to INR 2.84 Lacs |
| Average Salary Offered | INR 2,50,000 to INR 10,00,000 | INR 3 Lacs to 13 Lacs | INR 2,78,000 to 7,60,000 |
| Recruiting Companies | Optum, Infosys, Gemini, Cognizant | TCS, Infosys, Mahindra, DRDO, NSTL | TCS, SAPLabs, Cognizant, NIIT Technologies |
M.Sc. Astrophysics Course Comparison
Here is a basic comparison between courses MSc Astrophysics and MSc Astronomy that will help you identify its differences:
| Parameters | M.Sc. Astrophysics | M.Sc. Astronomy |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
| Eligibility | Graduation | Graduation |
| Average Course Fees | INR 5K to 5 Lacs | INR 5K to 2 Lacs |
| Average Salary | INR 3 Lacs to 10 Lacs | INR 2 Lacs to 12 Lacs |
| Job Profiles | Lecturer, Astronomer, Science Teacher | Lecturer, Space Scientist |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital Indian Institute of Astrophysics, National Centre for Radio Astrophysics | Association of Bangalore Amateur Astronomers, College of Science, |
| Top Institutes | Osmania University, Andhra University, Punjabi University | Osmania University, Indian Institute of Science, Madurai Kamaraj University |
MSc Astrophysics provides various career options after pursuing this course in both the public and private sectors. The students are often hired as Research Scientists, Science Teacher, Scientists, Research Trainee, Academic Research Editor, Astrophysicist, Lecturer, etc.
Below given are Job profiles with descriptions for MSc Astrophysics graduates.
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Astronomer | The job of an astronomer is an amalgamation of physics and astronomy. Astronomer is scientists who research astronomical objects such as stars, planets, moons, comets, and galaxies. | INR 6 Lacs |
| Science Teacher | The main job of a science teacher is to prepare presentations and in-depth papers. They carry out public speaking with a foundation of physics academically. | INR 5 Lacs |
| Lecturer | Lecturers in the field of Astrophysics work as a professor in college or universities, they share their knowledge and experience gained throughout their studies with their students. | INR 7 Lacs |
| Observational Astronomer | Observational astronomers design and carry out observing programs with a telescope or spacecraft to answer a question or test the predictions of theories in the galaxy. | INR 5 lacs |
| Theoretical Astronomers | These astronomers focus their studies on a specific question or field outside the scope of Earth. | INR 4 lacs |
M.Sc. Astrophysics Future Scope
- There is a huge requirement for young scientists in the vast field of astronomy and astrophysics.
- Astrophysicists are likely to gain greater independence in their work and at the same time larger research budgets.
- Astrophysicists who are in university positions are also likely to gain tenure as they gain experience.
- These physicists can move onto managerial position ad can spend a large part of their time preparing budgets and schedules but in order to gain that position, they might need to have PhD degree and some years of proper experience.
MSc Astrophysics FAQS
Ques. What is the duration of the course?
Ques. What are the eligibility criteria that you need to meet before joining this course?
Ans: You must complete your graduation to join this course.
Ques. Name the type of examination that is held in this course.
Ans: Semester-based exam.
Ques. What is the admission process to join this course?
Ans: Candidates have to attend the entrance exam conducted by the colleges themselves and have to attend a personal interview conducted by the management of the colleges to take admission in this course.
Ques. What is the average course fee of the colleges?
Ans: INR 5,000 to INR 5,00,000
Ques. What is the average salary that you can earn after completing this course?
Ans: INR 3,00,000 to INR 10,00,000 per annum
Ques. Name some top recruiting companies that hire students in this field.
Ans: Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore Indian Space Research Organization, and National Centre for Radio Astrophysics
Ques. Name some top institutes that provide this course.
Ans: Osmania University, Andhra University, College of Science and Technology, and Punjabi University are some of the top institutes.
Ques. Name some job profiles that you can apply to after completing this course.
Ans: You can apply for an Astrophysicist, Research Trainee, Lecturer, Physics Educator, Sales Coordinator, Scientist, and many more job profiles you can apply for after completing this course.
Ques. Name some academic options that you can opt for after completing the course.
Ans: After completing the course, you can proceed to pursue M.Phil and Ph.D. in Astronomy or similar to this field. You can also study abroad and pursue research-related courses in this specific field.
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