Master of Science (Astronomy)
The Master of Science (Astronomy) covers the fundamental concepts and ‘big questions’ of modern astronomy. It equips students with an overall understanding of modern astronomy, rather than training as a professional astronomer.
Information sessions
Find out how you can meet us in your home country or in Australia. Every international student application is considered for a scholarship
Whether you’re living in Australia or overseas, you’re automatically considered for a scholarship of up to 20% off your course fees. Please check our updated entry requirements.
Duration
18 Month/s
Intakes
Online (Study Period 1, Study Period 3) - View application and start dates
Fees
A$25200 (annual for 2024)*
The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Master of Science (Astronomy) is an online course and is part of a nested suite of programs, which includes the Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy) and a Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy), with different entry and exit points depending upon previous academic studies. It comprises 12 units of study completed fully online, including opportunities for major project work.
The Master of Science (Astronomy) qualifies individuals who apply an advanced body of knowledge in a range of contexts related to contemporary astronomy. The course provides individuals with the requisite academic knowledge, science communication and independent research project skills across an extensive range of astronomy and astronomy-related fields for professional practice or scholarship, and as a pathway for further learning.
Note: This course is available to local students and off-shore international students who are studying in a country other than Australia; this course is not available to on-shore international students on a 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.
Course structure
To qualify for the award of Master of Science (Astronomy) students must complete
- 12 core units of study (150 credit points).
The Master of Science (Astronomy) consists of a total of 12 units (150 credit points total).
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Master of Science (Astronomy) is 75 credit points (normally six units)
Units of study
Core units
Complete 12 units of study (150 credit points)
AST80003 Cosmology and the Large Scale Structure of the Universe *
AST80004 Exploring Stars and the Milky Way
AST80004 Exploring Stars and the Milky Way
AST80005 Exploring the Solar System
AST80006 Galaxies and their Place in the Universe
AST80011 Major Project: Computational Astrophysics *
AST80006 Galaxies and their Place in the Universe
AST80011 Major Project: Computational Astrophysics *
* Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
Note: These units are offered in the following study periods:
Study Period 1 - AST80001, AST80002, AST80003, AST80004, AST80006 and AST80011
Study Period 3 - AST80005, AST80006, AST80013, AST80015, AST80016, AST80017 and AST80018
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities and course aims and objectives.
Career opportunities
Many graduates use this qualification to begin or enhance opportunities in teaching, working in observatories, science centres and museums, and science/astronomy education, public outreach and communication positions.
Aims and objectives
At the successful completion of this course, students will be able t
- Interpret, analyse and evaluate credible resources to argue information, knowledge and critique on astronomy topics
- Judge and apply problem solving methodologies to synthesise solutions that assess information and technical skills in astronomy
- Apply and appraise communication skills to demonstrate an understanding of recent developments in astronomy
- Demonstrate and appraise skills and knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to astronomy
- Manage own time and work independently to design and construct a substantial research project work in astronomy
- Demonstrate communication and technical skills, either individually or working as an effective member in a team to interpret and discriminate complex ideas in astronomy to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Pathways and scholarships
- Scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and English language requirements.
Course fees
A$25200 (annual for 2024)*
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)
• 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)
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
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
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 equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
How to apply
Australian citizens, permanent residents of Australia and international students who are studying in a country other than Australia are able to study this program. Australian international student visa holders are not eligible to study this program as it is delivered entirely online.
Find out more about how to apply.
Find out more about how to apply.
Find out more
Submit an online enquiry
Tel: +61 3 9214 8444 (outside Australia)
Tel: +61 3 9214 8444 (outside Australia)
Free call: 1300 794 628 (within Australia)