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.
Duration
1.5 years full-time or 3 years part-time
Intakes
Online (Study Period 1, Study Period 3) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Online
2024 Start Dates
Study Period 1 -
26 February 2024
Study Period 3 -
26 August 2024
2023 Start Dates
Study Period 3 -
28 August 2023
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.
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
- Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Fees are estimates for students commencing in 2023 only: Tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2023 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.
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.
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