Advances in astronomy are leading to new and profound discoveries of the world and universe around us. Studying astronomy at Swinburne lets you to see far beyond the telescope.

Through our astronomy courses you’ll learn the practical applications of astrophysics, from GPS technology to medical imaging, to understanding the very foundations of our universe. 

The science we learn in astronomy courses classes have practical applications, from GPS technology to medical imaging, to the very foundation of our universe. The sky's the limit.

At Swinburne, we offer astronomy and astrophysics degrees that will teach you astronomy at a beginner’s level, right through to understanding the cornerstones of space science, and provide you with the research and investigative skills to forge a successful career in this exciting field.

You’ll have access to equipment that is second to none. Our Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing is the largest astronomical research group in Victoria. We were also the first Australian university to have an agreement with the WM Keck Observatory in Hawaii, guaranteeing access to the world’s largest optical and infrared telescopes for up to 20 nights per year. 

Our astronomers have stellar international networks and connections that span the globe, so when you study our astrophysics courses, you’ll graduate with the combined experience of generations before you.

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Choosing uni?

Don't be put off by the whole VTAC process - it really is easier than it looks (thanks to our VTAC-TICAL Toolkit.) Inside it, you'll find 'power tools' like our Plan of VTAC web session with the experts - which we recorded recently - the ATAR calculator plus the opportunity to chat one-one-one with a course expert. 

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  • Large telescope being moved to point at the moon in a cloudy sky

    RESEARCH

    The underground hunt for the universe's dark side

    Researchers Jeremy Mould and Alan Duffy, pictured inside the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory, have joined an international hunt for dark matter. Understanding the nature of these particles would give scientists insights into one of astronomy’s biggest mysteries.

    Find out more (The underground hunt for the universe's dark side)

The Swinburne Advantage

An undergraduate degree must be about more than just knowledge – it’s also job readiness, professional experience and access to further opportunities. 

We partner with leading Australian and global organisations to offer students authentic workplace experiences. Our degrees can include placements, internships, industry-linked projects, study tours and more. This is your chance to work on real-life projects, solve day-to-day challenges in your field and gain the professional skills that put knowledge into practice. You’ll build invaluable skills and confidence, knowing you have what it takes to land a job by graduation or even before. 

Find out more about the Swinburne Advantage
  • Female student smiling to camera on Swinburne campus

    STUDENT STORY

    Studying the stars

    Grace moved all the way from Far North Queensland to study the stars, but she says coming to Swinburne was an easy choice. “It’s one of the best universities in Australia for astrophysics. They’ve got access to the Keck and Parkes telescopes and Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia.”

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