Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy)
PostgraduateSWI-AST-GCE2025
Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Explore our solar system and our place in the universe
Focus on a conceptual approach to astronomy and the 'big questions' without needing a mathematical background. Graduates find opportunities working in observatories, science centres and museums, science and astronomy education and public outreach.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 16 Feb 2025,
- 18 May 2025,
- 17 Aug 2025,
- 16 Nov 2025
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 4
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy)
About this degree
At the successful completion of this degree, students will be able to:
- identify, interpret and analyse credible resources to present information, knowledge and critique on astronomy topics
- apply problem solving methodologies to synthesise solutions that demonstrate information and technical skills in astronomy
- apply communication skills to demonstrate an understanding of recent developments in astronomy
- demonstrate skills and knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to astronomy
- manage own time and work independently to investigate and communicate research in astronomy
- demonstrate communication and technical skills, either individually or working as an effective member in a team to interpret complex ideas in astronomy to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
The Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy) cover 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.
The introductory level subjects require no background mathematical knowledge and instead focus on a conceptual approach to astronomy. However, some of the more advanced-level subjects have prerequisites and assume knowledge of introductory tertiary level mathematics and physics.
Recommended study pattern
There is no specific recommended study sequence however, some subjects have prerequisites that need to be met. Students without university level mathematics and physics may apply for the Graduate Certificate in Science, as subjects in this award do not have any prerequisites.
Please note: You cannot re-enrol into Swinburne subjects that you have already passed.
Taking time off from study (Absent Without Leave and Leave of Absence): Visit Taking Time off from Study to learn how to apply for an approved leave of absence and minimise the risk of having to reapply for degree admission.
Award requirements
To qualify for a Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy), a student must complete 4 subjects (50 credit points) as follows:
- 3 astronomy core subjects (37.5 credit points)
- 1 elective subject from a list of 2 (12.5 credit points)
Please note: You cannot re-enrol into Swinburne subjects that you have already passed.
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $12,882
The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
Swinburne University of Technology leads the way with innovative and new ways of teaching, learning and thinking. It offers a wide range of study options, from pre-apprenticeships, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhDs, including online degrees with Open Universities Australia. Swinburne is known for career-oriented education and encouraging lifelong learning.
Learn more about Swinburne.
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- QS Ranking 2024:
- 19
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 14
Entry requirements
This is a restricted degree. Subject enrolment is only available to students admitted into this degree.
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.
Applicants with relevant astronomy or astronomy-related experience (minimum of three years) will be considered for entry.
English language requirements: (International students only)
IELTS (Academic Module): Overall 6.0 with no individual band below 5.5; or Swinburne English Language Centre: EAP 4 Upper Intermediate level with overall 70% and all skills 65% or above; or TOEFL iBT: minimum score 75 (No individual band less than 17); or equivalent measures available at Swinburne Entry Requirements.
Please note: This course is not available to international students who will be studying in Australia on a student visa (subclass 500).
Swinburne University RPL Higher Education policy applies and will be granted subject to approval of the degree coordinator.
For information on how to apply for credit please visit Swinburne Credit for Prior Study or Experience.
Career opportunities
The Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy) qualifies individuals who apply a body of knowledge in a range of contexts related to contemporary astronomy. The degree provides individuals with the requisite academic knowledge and science communication skills across a range of astronomy and astronomy-related fields for professional or highly skilled work, and as a pathway for further learning.
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.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
Other Natural and Physical Science Professionals | $93K to $120K | N/A^ |
Physicists (including Astronomers) | $93K to $120K | Up 0.01% |
^ There is no data available
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
How does studying through Open Universities Australia work?
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
How do I know if I‘m eligible to apply for a course?
Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Contact us to find out more.
When is my cut-off date for enrolment?
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.