Course details

Summary

Astronomy and astrophysics are concerned with the study of the nature and distribution of matter and radiation throughout all time and space in the Universe. Astronomers have always been keen to harness the latest technological advances in their quest for ever more precise and revealing observations. As a consequence, astronomy in recent years has been one of the most rapidly expanding of all physical sciences and many exciting and unexpected discoveries continue to be made.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science offers those with some background in science the opportunity to undertake more advanced and in-depth study in a subject. The diploma is primarily coursework-based, but some courses allow for independent project work or research.

Qualification structure and duration

The PGDipSc is made up of four full-year courses or eight single-semester courses selected from a range of options. Normally the diploma must be completed in one year of full-time study, unless approval is granted for part-time enrolment from the Dean of Science.

Further study

This qualification is an ideal pathway into more advanced study. UC offers a number of scientific master's programmes as well as a Doctor of Philosophy.

Career opportunities

Students majoring in Astronomy acquire a wide range of skills, from the use of spectroscopic and photometric detector systems (and the analysis of the data obtained), through electronics and optics, to computer skills for analysis and interpretation of data. This produces a graduate who is well equipped to undertake employment not only in astronomy, but in any number of fields which require practical experience or which involve analysis of real data.

Studying Physics and Astronomy equips graduates with skills in problem solving, abstract thinking, evaluating, communicating and decision making. It develops high levels of curiosity, inventiveness, and mathematical and computer competencies.

Graduates may follow traditional paths and work either as scientists, technicians, research assistants, engineers, astronomers, patent agents, technical authors or even managers at an observatory or in an institute. However, many Astronomy graduates move into other fields, particularly computing and information technology, management, and science communication or media work. With some additional study graduates can become meteorologists, geophysicists, material technologists or medical physicists.

Entry criteria

Bachelor of Science or other bachelor's degree and approved undergraduate science courses. The precise prerequisites vary for each subject, but are normally good grades in 300-level courses.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 575 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum B+ grade; CAE or CPE score of 176 with a minimum of 169 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 64 and no PTE communicative skills score below 58.