Master of Astronomy

Information valid for students commencing in 2012.

Award Requirements

Course pre-requisites	Completion of an undergraduate degree in physical science or a related discipline, from this or another University; or Completion of the Graduate Diploma of Astronomy; or Other qualifications recognised by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Science and Engineering as equivalent to the above. Entry requirements for this course are consistent with the Pathways to Qualifications in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF level 9) Guidelines for Master degrees.
Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements	Students of non English speaking backgrounds must have an adequate English language capacity assessed under the Australian International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The IELTS score required for admission to this course can be found in Schedule I of the JCU Admissions policy.
Additional selection requirements	Nil
Special admission requirements	Nil

Credit points	36 credit points as per course structure
Additional course rules	Nil
Additional completion requirements	Nil
Learning outcomes	Characteristics of learning outcomes for this course are consistent with those outlined in the Master degree Guideline in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF level 9).

AS5011:06 Modern Astrophysics

AS5012:06 Astronomy Instrumentation

AS5021:06 The Solar System

AS5022:06 Galactic Astronomy and Cosmology

AS5042:06 Pilot Research Project

Select 6 credit points from specified AS level 5 subjects

AS5031:06 Special Astronomy Topic A

AS5032:03 Special Astronomy Topic B

AS5033:03 Special Astronomy Topic C

AS5041:06 Astronomy Literature Review

AS5051:06 Scientific and Technological Developments in Astronomy

COURSE AVAILABLE AT	NOTES
Townsville

Expected time to complete	1 and a half years full-time or equivalent part-time
Maximum time to complete	6 years
Maximum leave of absence	2 years

Course progression requisites	Nil
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s)	No
Special assessment requirements	Nil
Accreditation requirements	Nil
Maximum allowed Pass Conceded (PC) grade	Nil
Supplementary exam for final subject	Not applicable

Eligibility	Candidates may apply for advanced standing for previous tertiary study in accordance with the Advanced Standing for Previous Studies and Recognised Prior Learning policy associated procedures.
Maximum allowed	12 credit points, unless part of an approved articulation process
Currency	Advanced standing will be granted only for studies completed in the 10 years prior to the commencement of this course.
Expiry	Advanced standing gained for any subject shall be cancelled 16 years after the date of the examination upon which the advanced standing is based if, by then, the candidate has not completed the course of study prescribed for the degree.
Other restrictions	Candidates who are granted advanced standing for the Graduate Diploma of Astronomy will be required to surrender that award prior to graduating with the Master of Astronomy.

Inclusion of majors on testamur	Not applicable - this course does not have majors
Exit with lesser award	Candidates who exit the course prior to completion may be eligible for the award of Graduate Certificate of Astronomy or Graduate Diploma of Astronomy, depending on the number of credit points completed.
Course articulation	Not applicable