Master of Science (Astronomy)
Overview
The Master of Science (Astronomy) is suited to students who have an advanced knowledge of contemporary astronomy. The course provides individuals with the necessary academic knowledge, science communication, and research skills across astronomy and its related fields.
After graduating, students may work in a range of astronomy related fields for professional practice or gain a scholarship in this area.
You're invited to our 2025 Study Expo
Join us this January to meet academics, browse courses, get application help, explore our Hawthorn campus and find out all you need to know about starting in Semester 1.
Upgrade your skills
- Assessing astronomical knowledge
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Communication skills
- Conducting research projects
Stretch your career further
Students can enhance their career opportunities by gaining additional leadership and management skills – an important asset in a today’s complex and changing business environment. The below examples demonstrate the types of roles graduates can attain.
- Astronomy Education Officer
- Pathway to further learning
- Astronomy Outreach Manager
- Astronomy Communication Manager
Strong industry connections and co-creation
- Government agencies (NASA, BOM, ATNF, AAO)
- Melbourne Planetarium
- Leading secondary/tertiary organisation
- CSIRO
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Why Swinburne?
The median income for PG graduates five years out is $89K
Top 200 universities worldwide for Physics and Astronomy
QS World University Rankings by Subject 202390.8% of PG graduates found employment within 4 months of completing their course
Top 20% for PG teaching quality in Australia
Qualifications
Standard Entry
- A recognised Bachelor degree (AQF level 7 or 8 or equivalent) in a cognate discipline aligned to astronomy and/or astronomy-related fields, within:
- mathematical sciences
- physics and astronomy
- earth sciences
- computer science
- information systems
- aerospace engineering and technology
- radiology
- optical science
- radiography
- other cognate disciplines assessed to be appropriate; or
- successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy) or the Graduate Diploma of Science
(Astronomy)
*Applicants who have a recognised bachelor degree not aligned to astronomy and/or astronomy-related fields, application can be made to enter the Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy). Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy), students may apply to enter the Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy) or Master of Science (Astronomy).
Non-Standard Entry
Completion or partial completion of an approved postgraduate qualification (including Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Masters). Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply.
Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit.
The University may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements
Standard Entry
- A recognised Bachelor degree (AQF level 7 or 8 or equivalent) in a cognate discipline aligned to astronomy and/or astronomy-related fields, within:
- mathematical sciences
- physics and astronomy
- earth sciences
- computer science
- information systems
- aerospace engineering and technology
- radiology
- optical science
- radiography
- other cognate disciplines assessed to be appropriate; or
- successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy) or the Graduate Diploma of Science
(Astronomy)
*Applicants who have a recognised bachelor degree not aligned to astronomy and/or astronomy-related fields, application can be made to enter the Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy). Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy), students may apply to enter the Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy) or Master of Science (Astronomy).
Non-Standard Entry
Completion or partial completion of an approved postgraduate qualification (including Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Masters). Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply.
Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit.
The University may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 70%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
-
Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy)
How credit points work
To qualify for the award of Master of Science (Astronomy) students must complete
- 12 core units of study (150 credit points).
Your units
Graduate Certificate
Completing 4 core units entitles you to the graduate certificate.
| 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
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
AST80001 |
Graduate Diploma
Completing an additional 4 core units entitles you to the graduate diploma.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Astrophotography and CCD Imaging
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
AST80002 |
|
Planetary Science
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
AST80015 |
|
Studies in Space Exploration
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
AST80017 |
|
Professional Tools for Astronomical Observation
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
AST80018 |
Masters degree
Completing an additional 4 core units entitles you to the masters.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Cosmology and the Large Scale Structure of the Universe
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
AST80003 |
|
Major Project - Computational Astrophysics
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
AST80011 |
|
Major Project - Observational Astronomy
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
AST80013 |
|
Stellar Astrophysics
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
AST80016 |
Want to learn more about this course?
Learn more about the Master of Science (Astronomy) in the course handbook.
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$25,760
Total fee* ($AUD)
$38,640
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$25,760.00
Fees are estimates only
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
How do I pay my fees?
FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Finances
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for FEE-HELP
You’re eligible for a FEE-HELP loan if you are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, or UniLink or OUA course at Swinburne, and you:
- are an Australian citizen doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
- hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens
- are undertaking bridging study for overseas trained professionals and will be living in Australia for the duration of this study
- have not exceeded the new combined Help Loan limit.
The HELP limit is the maximum amount you can borrow from the government in your lifetime towards your education costs. It is fixed and cannot be topped up.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
The fee shown in the capped amount for 2025.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online!
Please note: This online course is not available to on-shore international students holding a student visa.