Venues

Gilmorehill Campus

Content

Year 1: You will survey the observable universe on all scales, from planets through stars and galaxies to
cosmology, and gain a basic understanding of the core theoretical and observational principles of modern astronomy. Typical topics include: dynamical and positional astronomy, observational astronomy, the solar system, the stars, compact objects, and galaxies and cosmology.

Year 2: You will study key aspects of astronomy and astrophysics in greater depth and undergo further training in the use of astronomical instrumentation and software. Typical topics include: theoretical astrophysics, observational astrophysics, stars and their spectra, and relativity and cosmology.

Years 3, 4 and 5: If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) Astronomy can only be taken as a Joint Honours degree with either physics or mathematics. In Honours your studies will include modern observational methods and you will undertake project work using advanced astronomical instrumentation and data analysis techniques.

Your core courses will be supplemented by options enabling you to follow your particular areas of interest.

All courses include training in transferable skills such as teamwork, presentation and technical writing.

In the final year, all students work on an independent research project embedded in one of our active research groups.

There is an opportunity to take an MSci degree, which explores astronomy topics in greater depth and includes an individually supervised project working at the cutting edge of international research.

Entry Requirements

2026 entry requirements
Standard entry: 5 Highers at AAAAA (by end S6 with min BBBB after S5) including Maths and Physics at AA (AB may be considered).

Widening access entry: 4 Highers at AABB or BBBB (by end S6) including Maths and Physics. Completion of pre-entry programme is necessary.