Program Overview

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Introduction to the Astronomy Program

The Astronomy program at Jagiellonian University is designed to provide students with a profound knowledge of various areas of general astronomy and observational astrophysics. The program also offers in-depth knowledge in the basic areas of mathematics, physics, and computer science.

Program Description

The Astronomy program allows students to mathematically describe physical and astrophysical phenomena/processes and provides an abstract understanding of problems from the area of astronomy. The program is offered in Polish, and students are required to have a sufficient level of Polish language proficiency.

Available Programs

• First-cycle program:
  • Study mode: full-time
  • Language of instruction: Polish
  • Profile: general academic
  • Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
  • Title: Licencjat (equivalent of Bachelor's degree)
  • Discipline: Astronomy
• Second-cycle program:
  • Study mode: full-time
  • Language of instruction: Polish
  • Profile: general academic
  • Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
  • Title: Magister (equivalent of Master’s degree)
  • Discipline: Astronomy

Faculty Information

The Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Applied Computer Science is one of the most modern units in Poland, with an A+ scientific category awarded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The faculty is part of the Krakow Scientific Consortium named after Marian Smoluchowski with the KNOW (2013–2017) status.

Rankings and Distinctions

• Positive evaluation of the study program rating awarded by the Polish Accreditation Committee (PKA)
• 2nd place between 2019 and 2025 in the Ranking of Study Programs prepared by the ‘Perspektywy’ Education Foundation
• Scientific category A in the discipline of Astronomy awarded to the Jagiellonian University in Kraków by the decision of the Minister of Education and Science

Curriculum Overview

The program curriculum includes information about the subjects students will attend, which are scheduled for each semester of the studies. The curriculum indicates which subjects are mandatory, which belong to the group of elective subjects, which end with an exam, and which do not.

Student 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.

Admission to Studies

Admission to study programs at the Jagiellonian University is conducted electronically in the Online Application System. Detailed information about admission to this study program, including information on the method of calculating the result, qualification criteria, fees, deadlines, and a list of required documents, is available on the Online Application System.

Graduates

A graduate of Astronomy has a chance to work in observatories, astrophysical and meteorological institutes, satellite observations teams, and scientific groups engaged in international research programs in Poland and abroad. Students acquire practical knowledge in laboratories equipped with modern equipment, such as research and measurement equipment and specialized software.

Further Education Possibilities

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

Offer for Schools

The Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Applied Computer Science offers various events, including laboratory classes, workshops in physics, and evenings with stars organized at the Astronomical Observatory. More information about the events is available on the Faculty's website.