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The Master of Astronomy Degree
What is the Master of Astronomy?
The Master of Astronomy is a fully Internet-delivered course-work Masters program in astronomy, astrophysics, the history of astronomy and astronomy-related areas.
This is a professional degree from an accredited university (see below).
Full-time or Part-time Study
The Master of Astronomy is designed to be taken as a part-time program, however students can take the program as full-time students if they so wish. The part-time program is shown in the diagram below. Full-time students would do two subjects per semester and would thus complete the degree in half the time.
Computer Requirements
To study for the Master of Astronomy degree students will need a computer and Internet connection. It is the intention of the Centre for Astronomy to keep the computing requirements of the student to a basic level. If you can read this website, then you can undertake this degree program.
Entry Standard Required
The entry requirement for the Master of Astronomy is a Bachelor-level degree. Preference will be given to students who have a degree in the physical, mathematical or computational sciences, but graduates with degrees in other subjects will also be considered. It is also possible for potential students to apply with alternative backgrounds – contact us for our consideration.
More details of entry standards required for all JCU Centre for Astronomy Internet programs are available at the Entry Standard Requirements page.
Fees for International Students
The fees for this program will be set for each intake of students. Payment of fees is required each semester.
In part-time mode, a student enrols in one subject per semester, i.e. 2 subjects per year. The fees are $ 2,550 Australian Dollars (AUD) per subject. There are six semesters for the degree. Exchange rates change continually; so please check here for the current conversion site . The total cost of the Master of Astronomy is therefore AUD 15,300.
Fees for Australian (Domestic) Students
Due to a change in Government regulations, as from semester 1, 2008, Australian Domestic students may be able to undertake the Master of Astronomy utilising the Australian HECS (Higher Education Contribution Scheme). Details will be made available to students upon application.
The NEST of Astronomy Programs
The path to the Master of Astronomy allows you to opt out at two valuable exit points. These are:
Transfer to the Doctor of Astronomy and the PhD Program
Acceptance into the Doctorate of Astronomy program will be considered by the Centre for Astronomy once you have graduated with the Master of Astronomy degree.
Graduation with the Master of Astronomy also allows transfer to a research PhD during the Doctorate program. This transfer will again be subject to a high level of achievement in the Doctorate, and students should request transfer in the mid-period of the Doctorate program.
Course Structure
The Master of Astronomy is a part-time degree taken one subject per semester for 6 semesters. There are two semesters per year in the Australian academic calendar.
However, it is possible to do this program full-time if you wish. The full-time program is two subjects per semester, and it is completed in 3 semesters.
Subjects for the Master of Astronomy
The Masters of Astronomy consists of 6 subjects, taken one per semester by part-time students. Each subject is equivalent to 6 credit points.
The normal flow of study is for students to complete the four course-work subjects (Modern Astrophysics, Astronomy Instrumentation, The Solar System and Galactic Astronomy and Cosmology) before moving to the research part of the degree. The order in which these subjects are undertaken will depend on whether you join the program in the first or second semester.
There is a branch point in the fifth subject. Here students can opt for an astrophysics orientated degree by taking the Astronomy Literature Review, and follow it in the sixth subject with Pilot Research Project. In this case, the student will have completed one third of their degree in astrophysics research and this degree will allow students to apply for entry into the Doctor of Astronomy degree program specialising in astrophysics research.
Alternatively, students can opt for a degree with an emphasis in the history of astronomy by choosing the subject Scientific and Technological Developments in Astronomy as their fifth subject, and then complete their degree with the Pilot Research Project. In this case, the Pilot Research Project will be orientated towards research in astronomical history, and the student will have completed one third of their degree in astronomy history research. Again this degree will allow students to apply for entry into the Doctor of Astronomy degree program specialising in the history of astronomy.
Subject Options Available from 2007
From 2007 only the following subjects will be offered in each Semester.
Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
AS5011 |
AS5011 |
AS5021 |
AS5012 |
AS5041/AS5051 |
AS5022 |
AS5042 |
AS5042 |
Subject Summary
- Modern Astrophysics
- Astronomy Instrumentation
- The Solar System
- Galactic Astronomy and Cosmology
- Astronomy Literature Review or Scientific and Technological Developments in Astronomy
- Pilot Research Project
Other Information about the Master of Astronomy and the James Cook University.
How Do I Apply for this Program:
