The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master program in Astrophysics and Space Science-MASS

In order for a student application for the MASS Programme to be taken into consideration, the candidate must comply with the minimum requirements with regard to administrative prerequisites, academic prerequisites and language prerequisites.

Administrative prerequisites

1. Compliance with the application calendar and deadlines;

2. Submission of a complete set of required application documents in English language versions (certified English translation if required).

Academic prerequisites

1. To hold

• Either a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, Mathematics, Computing Science, Space Engineering or related fields;

• Or another recognized degree from accredited higher education institutions that certifies an equivalent amount of learning in the same fields, quantified as 3 years of university studies corresponding to at least 180 credits in the European Credit Transfer System, and that allows access to second-cycle programmes at the Master level in the higher education system within which the degree was obtained.

• Or to be expected to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in the above-mentioned fields at latest
  • by the end of June of the starting year of the Masters Course, for applicants who need to apply for a visa to study in Italy, or
  • by the end of July of the starting year of the Masters Course, for applicants who are exempt from a visa application to study in Italy.

2. To possess an academic transcript of records that demonstrates the fulfilment of the following minimum requirements concerning the acquired knowledge in Mathematics and Physics:

• Mathematical Knowledge: Linear Algebra, Mathematical Analysis in one or several variables, Linear operators;

• Physics Knowledge: Basic knowledge of classic and modern Physics, Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism; Elements of Quantum Mechanics, Special Relativity and Nuclear Physics; basic knowledge of geometrical and wave Optics.

• Skills in lab. activities, experimental physics data analysis, and programming.

Language prerequisites

Supply one of the following proofs of English proficiency:

• Cambridge C1 Advanced First (formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced, CAE) or higher level Cambridge certificates;

• “International English Language Testing System” (IELTS) Academic test, minimum overall band score “Band 7” and not more than 2 years old;

• Internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with minimum score 95 points and not more than 2 years old;

• TOEFL Essentials with minimum overall band score 10 and not more than 2 years old;

• Pearson PTE Academic Test with minimum score 76;

• UNIcert level “III”;

• C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR);

Native English speakers and applicants who have carried out their previous university studies entirely in English, as certified by their university of origin, are exempted from providing such a proof.

A number of Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) scholarships are funded by the European Union in the framework of the 2021 – 2027 Erasmus+ programme (on average 15 EMJM scholarships per course edition). Not more than 10% of the available scholarships can be awarded to students with the same nationality, except for the case of nationals of targeted regions of the world, for which some additional scholarships are available (NDICI and IPA funds from the EU).

An EMJM (or equivalently an NDICI or an IPA) scholarship covers:

1. the participation costs and tuition fees;
2. a comprehensive insurance package for the entire period of participation in the programme;
3. a monthly allowance of 1,400 € paid directly to the student for the whole duration of the participation in the Master course (up to a maximum of 24 months). This is intended to cover travel and subsistence costs.