The Master in Astronomy follows the Inter-university Master in Astronomy, that functioned between 1994 and 1999, and involved several european universities. This master provides an advanced scientific formation in Astronomy for future researchers in Astronomy and Astrophysics, and is recommended to those holding degrees in astronomy, physics, mathematics, and similar areas, who wish to follow a research career in Astronomy.

In the Master in Astronomy there are several foreign lecturers involved, and often one can find students from abroad. It is also possible for the research project conducing to the Dissertation to be prepared in european research institutions in Astronomy. In this manner, it is possible to develop from an initial stage of the formation of future researchers in Astronomy an appreciation for the mobility an international spirit of cooperation that is essential to modern Astronomy.

The Centro de Astrofísica da Universidade do Porto is responsible for the travel and accommodation arrangements of the foreign lecturers involved in the Master in Astronomy, and has served as host institution of several master students during the development stage of their dissertation projects.