About

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.

View Master of Science (Astronomy) course handbook

Get a copy of our course guide

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Requirements

Entry Requirements

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 Requirements

PTEMin 58
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

English Program 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 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.

Book your Pearson Test of English

Career

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

Fee Information

How to Apply

To apply online, you will need these supporting documents

Certified copies of your previous academic results.
Certified English language proficiency test results (IELTS, PTE or TOEFL).
Letters from your school or employer.
If you do not meet the Year 12 design prerequisite a portfolio will need to be submitted for assessment (except for the Swinburne Foundation Year (Design)).
A Statement of Activity if there is a gap in study (for example, if you graduated secondary education in 2017 and are applying for one of our courses in 2019, we will require a written statement of what you have been doing in 2018).

If you are applying for credit, you must include course outlines and translated (English) copies (if required) from your previous or current course.