General Information

Overview

The Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy) is an online course suited to students who have a broad-ranging knowledge of contemporary astronomy. The course provides individuals with the necessary academic knowledge and science communication skills across astronomy and its related fields. Upon graduating, students may seek advanced employment opportunities in teaching, working in observatories, science centres, and museums. 

Study structure

Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy) requires students to complete units of study to the value of 50 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure 

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure.

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Exploring Stars and the Milky Way
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		AST80004
Exploring the Solar System
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		AST80005
Galaxies and their Place in the Universe
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		AST80006
Astrobiology and the Origins of Life
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		AST80001
Studies in Space Exploration
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		AST80017

Aims and objectives

At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • identify, interpret and analyse credible resources to present information, knowledge and critique on astronomy topics

  • apply problem solving methodologies to synthesise solutions that demonstrate information and technical skills in astronomy

  • apply communication skills to demonstrate an understanding of recent developments in astronomy 

  • demonstrate skills and knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to astronomy

  • manage own time and work independently to investigate and communicate research in astronomy

  • demonstrate communication and technical skills, either individually or working as an effective member in a team to interpret complex ideas in astronomy to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Career opportunities

At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • identify, interpret and analyse credible resources to present information, knowledge and critique on astronomy topics
  • apply problem solving methodologies to synthesise solutions that demonstrate information and technical skills in astronomy
  • apply communication skills to demonstrate an understanding of recent developments in astronomy
  • demonstrate skills and knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to astronomy
  • manage own time and work independently to investigate and communicate research in astronomy
  • demonstrate communication and technical skills, either individually or working as an effective member in a team to interpret complex ideas in astronomy to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Admission criteria

Information about Swinburne's general admission criteria can be found at Admissions at Swinburne - Higher Education webpage.

Interested in the Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy)?

From state-of-the-art facilities to opportunities to engage with industry – this course is designed with your future in mind. Let's get started.

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