ECTS
120 credits
Duration
2 years
Training Structure
College of Sciences
Language(s) of Instruction
French
Overview
This program allows students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in physics to specialize in astrophysics over the course of two years, with the goal of subsequently pursuing a doctoral degree.
This program offers a comprehensive and innovative education in astrophysics, in the form of a joint program between the Master’s in Physics at Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University and the Master’s in Fundamental Physics and Applications at the University of Montpellier.
The first year is specific to each master’s program and provides advanced knowledge in fundamental physics as well as an introduction to specialization in astrophysics. The second year is common to both campuses and is entirely dedicated to astrophysics.
2017–2020 (4 years): 60% success rate (Lyon and Montpellier graduating classes)
Success Rate
Objectives
This program is primarily designed to prepare students for a Ph.D. program, leading to careers in astrophysics and cosmology research. It is also possible to enter the business world with a master’s degree.
The curriculum covers a wide range of theoretical and observational aspects of modern astrophysics, as well as instrumentation and numerical simulations. Part of the coursework is conducted in the form of projects.
Expertise and Skills
By the end of the master’s program, you will have acquired in-depth knowledge of:
- in astrophysics: from cosmology to the formation of planetary systems, stellar physics, the evolution of galaxies, the interstellar medium,
- essential concepts and instrumental and observational methods in astrophysics,
- key concepts and methods for image processing and data analysis,
- key concepts and methods of modeling and numerical simulation in astrophysics.
You will be able to apply this knowledge to address research questions in the field.
You will gain the skills needed to manage a research project, from defining objectives to writing a scientific report.
You will have developed your ability to work as part of a team.
Organization
Knowledge Assessment
https://mcc.umontpellier.fr/ lists all course units (CUs) and their assessment methods.
Special Features
Classes are held via videoconference, as students are spread across two locations (Lyon and Montpellier).
A Week in the Field (Haute-Provence Observatory)
Internships, supervised projects
Internship | Required |
|---|
Orientation Week and Project at the Observatoire de Haute-Provence (OHP)
Group Research Project
Digital Project Under the Guidance of a Researcher
4-month internship in a research laboratory in France or abroad
Program
The program is organized over two years:
- The first year is the same as that of the CCP track (M1 Astro-CCP), which, in addition to a solid foundation in physics, offers an introduction to specialization in astrophysics, cosmology, and particle physics.
-The second year is a joint program with Claude Bernard University in Lyon. Courses are taught either via videoconference (courses shared with the Master’s in Physics at Claude Bernard University–Lyon 1) or on campus (with some courses also shared with the M2 CCP track).
The fourth semester is devoted to the long-term end-of-program internship (4 months).
The academic year is divided into two semesters. Each semester is worth 30 ECTS credits and must be completed independently. There is no carryover of credits between semesters.
Select a program
M2 - Astrophysics
Formation of Stars and Planetary Systems
6 credits36hEnglish M2 Thesis
2 credits21hRadiation Transfer and Stellar Atmospheres
3 credits18hObservational Astrophysics Workshop 2
4 credits30hObservational Cosmology
3 credits18hInterstellar Medium
3 credits18hGalaxy Formation and Evolution
6 credits36hStellar Structure and Evolution
3 credits18h
M2 Astronomy Internship
21 creditsAstrophysical Instrumentation
6 credits36hAstrophysics Digital Project
3 credits
Admission
Registration Procedures
Applications can be submitted through the following platforms:
French and European students:
For the M2 program, students must submit their application through the e-candidat portal:https://candidature.umontpellier.fr/candidature
International students from outside the EU: Follow the “Études en France” procedure:https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/etudesenfrance/dyn/public/authentification/login.html
Target Audience
Holders of a bachelor's degree in fundamental physics, or equivalent
Hosting Erasmus and Campus France students.
Mandatory Prerequisites
Bachelor's Degree in Fundamental Physics
Recommended Prerequisites
A very strong foundation in physics and mathematics
And then
Continuing Education
Doctorate
Continuing Your Education Abroad
Yes
Transition Programs and Reorientation
Other tracks in the Master's in Fundamental Physics and Applications, Master's in Education.
Employment Placement
Between 2017 (when the program was established) and 2020, of the total number of students (23) who earned the Master’s degree in Astrophysics from Lyon-Montpellier, 12 went on to pursue a Ph.D.
The others have enrolled in another master's program or found a job; four are looking for a thesis topic (Class of 2020)