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Postgraduate

Master of Science (Astrophysics)

Domestic students International students
Master of Science (Astrophysics) (MSCN)
Entry requirements
View full details
Study mode
  • External
Campus
  • -
Duration
  • 2 year(s) (or part-time equivalent)
Start
  • Jan, May
Intakes
Note: Specialisation only available to external students and therefore not suitable for international students who wish to study on-campus.

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Overview

  • The Master of Science (Astrophysics) enables professional development in astrophysics and astronomical and space sciences through coursework and research.
  • Gain discipline knowledge and research project experience and widely useful scientific, numerical and critical analysis skills. 
  • This degree combines coursework and research giving you the opportunity to further develop your skills with four units of research. Designed for those already in an educational or science communication career, you will undertake a professional development component in science, as well as gain a specialist foundation relevant for further research.
  • Advance your research skills and develop a research thesis through a project in your chosen disciplinary application area.
  • You will have access to UniSQ's remote-access facilities, including the Mt Kent Observatory, a facility for astronomical research and education operated by UniSQ, in partnership with the University of Louisville in Kentucky, USA, and Automated Patrol Telescopes Australia Pty Ltd, in addition to a High-Performance Computing cluster.
  • Astronomy at UniSQ is a significant part of a physical sciences research cluster that has consistently rated as world class in Excellence in Research in Australia (ERA) assessments.
  • Students enrolled in the Master of Science (Astrophysics) can apply to exit their studies early with a Graduate Certificate of Science after completion of four units of study.
Thinking of studying in 2024? UniSQ will be delivering flexible new ways of teaching, with different calendar offerings, making the balance of study and life easier. Read more in our new academic calendar FAQs.

Career outcomes

  • As the global space industry supports a range of jobs beyond specialised space scientists and engineers, this degree accommodates those from a range of backgrounds seeking knowledge and skills relevant to international and emerging Australian space industry opportunities.
  • This degree provides professional development for a scientist working for industry or government, technician working in a laboratory or in the field, practicing teacher or provider of scientific or technical services. 

Entry requirements 

  • 3-year Bachelor degree from an Australian university or equivalent. 
    • or
  • equivalent professional work experience, as determined through the Credit and Exemption procedure.

English language requirements

You are required to satisfy the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a University-approved English language program.

Recognition of prior learning or work experience

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of courses that you need to study to finish your program.

Pathways

UniSQ offers a number of bachelor degrees for you to study to help you meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Degree structure

To complete this degree students must complete 16 units.

Courses to be studied Units
Core courses 2
Specialisation courses  8
Student selection courses 2
Research courses 4
Total 16

Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for courses to be studied and recommended enrolment patterns.

Other specialisations

Fees and scholarships

Your actual fees may vary depending on the courses you select. We review our fees annually so these may be subject to change.

Approximate annual costs1 for your first year of study (8 units) in this degree are:

Study mode Cost
Commonwealth supported AUD 8380
Domestic full fee paying AUD 29280

1 These are indicative annual fees for 2024. 

Student services and amenities fees

You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.

Loan to help you pay your fees

You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP allows you to defer your fees until your income reaches a certain level. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP.

You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Centrelink.

Scholarships

At UniSQ, we offer a range of scholarships to support your success at university. Find a scholarship that works for you.

How to apply

Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.

Note: The Master of Science Astronomy major is only available via external study. It is not offered on-campus.
Apply direct to UniSQ

Intakes

You can select to start your study in Trimester 1 or 2.

Study period  Application closing date Orientation  Study period start date Finish date
Trimester 1, 2024  Monday 22 January Monday 15 January Monday 22 January Friday 26 April 
Trimester 2, 2024 Monday 13 May Monday 6 May Monday 13 May  Friday 16 August

More information on applying key dates is available.

Further information

Discover further information on applying to study at UniSQ that is relevant to you.

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Begin your study journey today with the university rated 5/5 stars for graduates starting salaries* and start the degree that’s right for you.

*Good Universities Guide 2024

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