Who can apply? 

Our summer internship programme is designed for students who are considering pursuing a future PhD in astronomy. While many applicants will have an academic background in astrophysics or a related field, we also welcome motivated candidates who have followed a broader or interdisciplinary path but are keen to explore astronomy more deeply.

The internships are targeted at students: 

• who are students at any UK University. 

• who will have completed

  • three years of study in their four-year integrated masters (England, Northern Ireland, Wales) or 

  • four years of study in their five-year integrated masters (Scotland). 

Duration

The programme typically has 6 interns funded full-time by the Institute of Astronomy for the full 8-week period:

Monday 06 July 2026 – Friday 28 August 2026

FAQ

Eligibility 

I am currently doing a Master's by research in Astrophysics at a UK University. Are there any opportunities, such as summer placements or internships, available to gain experience before applying for PhD positions? 

The Summer Internship Programme is primarily aimed at students enrolled in integrated Master’s programmes at UK universities. If you are on a research Master’s, you may wish to explore alternative research collaborations or contact supervisors directly for project opportunities. 

I am a 1st-year Physics Master's student at UK University (2-year programme). Am I eligible for this programme during my break before the second year? 

Yes, if you will have completed three years of study in a four-year integrated Master’s (England, Northern Ireland, Wales) or four years in a five-year integrated Master’s (Scotland) by the start of the internship, you are eligible. For two-year standalone Master’s programmes, eligibility may be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

I am a third-year Physics and Astrophysics student who switched from an integrated Master’s to a BSc and will start a separate Master’s course. Am I eligible? 

As you have a confirmed place on a Master’s course, your application may be considered. 

I am only doing a 3-year undergraduate course with no integrated Master’s. Would my application still be considered? 

Unfortunately, the programme targets students on the trajectory to do a PhD, typically those enrolled in integrated Master’s programmes. Students on a standalone 3-year BSc are not eligible. 

I am a first-year undergraduate at a UK University. Am I eligible? 

No, the programme is targeted at students who will have completed three years of study in a four-year integrated Master’s (England, Northern Ireland, Wales) or four years in a five-year integrated Master’s (Scotland). 

I am a third-year BSc Astrophysics student at UK University. Is the programme available for bachelor students? 

No, the programme is for students at UK universities who will have completed three years of study in their four-year integrated Master’s (England, Northern Ireland, Wales). 

I am currently in the final year of a three-year BSc at UK University but intend to do a postgraduate taught Master’s. Am I eligible? 

Yes, you are eligible to apply. 

Are applications from post-baccalaureates considered? 

This is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the programme coordinator for clarification. 

International Applicants 

I am an international student studying at a non-UK University. Am I eligible to apply?   

Unfortunately, the Summer Internship Programme is open to students registered at UK universities.  

Application Process 

Should my statement of interest refer to a general field (e.g., cosmology) or a specific topic? 

A list of example projects from previous years is available on the Programme Structure webpage. 

Example Projects 2026 will be available in mid- February.  When they're listed, if your area of interest is not currently represented in the list of example projects, then it would be advisable to write a more general statement of interest.  

Will a list of research projects be released before the application deadline? 

Example Projects 2026 will be available on the Programme Structure webpage in mid-February.  When they're listed, if your area of interest is not currently represented in the list of example projects, then it would be advisable to write a more general statement of interest.

Please consult the IoA research website for the full list of topics explored at the Institute https://www.ast.cam.ac.uk/research-themes .  If you are selected for the programme, we will circulate the list of available projects well before the internship starts. 

I’m a current Part III/MASt student at the Institute of Astronomy. My supervisor suggested continuing my Research Project over the summer. Should I apply for the IoA summer internship programme, or is there a separate process? 

There is a separate application process for current students, which takes place in mid-April. 

Please contact the Summer Internship Programme Coordinator summer.interns@ast.cam.ac.uk.