This degree is no longer offered. You may be interested in other courses in Astronomy
Master of Science (Astrophysics)
PostgraduateUSQ-AST-MAS2025
Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 2 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 16
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Master of Science (Astrophysics)
About this degree
On completion of the program, graduates should be able to:
- Integrate an advanced understanding of a complex body of expert knowledge in a discipline of science.
- Apply established research theories and principles associated with scholarship and/or professional practice within a relevant science discipline.
- Critically analyse, reflect on, and synthesise complex expert information, problems, concepts and theories applicable to a relevant science discipline.
- Interpret and transmit expert knowledge, skills and ideas, both individually and collaboratively, to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Display autonomy, responsibility, adaptability and ethical practice in decision-making and engage in lifelong learning through critical reflection in a range of professional and cultural contexts.
- 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. This program 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. 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.
Recommended study pattern
Year 1
STA6200 Statistics for Quantitative Researchers
PHY5000 Concepts in Physics or Elective
PHY5001 Concepts in Astronomy or Elective
SCI6103 Research Fundamentals & Ethics
PHY6001 Observational Astrophysics
PHY6002 Stellar Astrophysics
Year 2
PHY6003 Planetary Systems
MSC6001 Research Project I
MSC6002 Research Project II
PHY6004 Galactic Astrophysics and Cosmology
Award requirements
Completion of 16 units as outlined in the Recommended Study Pattern section.Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$8,380
Indicative total fee $16,760
The amounts shown here are 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.
As Australia’s #1 university for graduate starting salary (Good Universities Guide, 2022), University of Southern Queensland is the right place to make real progress. Regardless of your education history, your age or your aspirations, at UniSQ you’ll be inspired by quality learning experiences matched with top resources and research. Having delivered distance and online learning for over 40+ years, UniSQ supports you to learn at your own pace—exactly how it suits you.
Learn more about USQ.
Explore USQ courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 24
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 24
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. Proof of meeting the English Language Proficiency requirements is also required.
- Exemptions/credit will be assessed based on the UniSQ Credit and Exemption Procedure. Claims for credit for previous study should be submitted prior to or at the time of enrolment. Each claim will be assessed on individual merit in line with UniSQ policy.
Career opportunities
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, practising teacher or provider of scientific or technical services.
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