Uni course

hello guys,
so i wanna study astronomy but idk what to apply for uni. its kinda complicated someone tell me what i should pick to get started if i wanna get a career in astronomy

Reply 1

Scotland Yard

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

Original post by sdotttt123

hello guys,
so i wanna study astronomy but idk what to apply for uni. its kinda complicated someone tell me what i should pick to get started if i wanna get a career in astronomy

Physics and/or astrophysics is what you're looking for, I think :smile:

Reply 2

McGinger

Have a look at degree courses like :
Physics with Astronomy BSc Hons | University of Nottingham
Physics with Astrophysics BSc (Hons) (bath.ac.uk)
Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics - BSc (Hons) - Undergraduate courses - University of Kent

Reply 3

MindMax2000

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by sdotttt123

hello guys,
so i wanna study astronomy but idk what to apply for uni. its kinda complicated someone tell me what i should pick to get started if i wanna get a career in astronomy

Complicated how?

Basic entry requirements are Physics and Maths A Levels. Further Maths is highly desired.
If you don't have A Levels, you would need an IB specialised in maths and physics. BTECs, Access, etc. usually won't cut it, but do check the entry requirements of the individual degree to verify.

As other posters have mentioned, you're looking at an astrophysics/astronomy degree, or at the very least a degree in physics (ideally specialising in astrophysics) and then a PhD in astrophysics/astronomy. You might be asked to do a master's, and if you do you would ideally want one in astrophysics/astronomy.

See the following for further information:
https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/job-sectors/science/job-profile/astronomer
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/astronomer
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/astronomer

If you specifically want a career with NASA (or ESA for the European equivalent; for the others see: https://wagnerhigh.libguides.com/c.php?g=1133136&p=8298873), then that's very different.

If you want to become an aeronautical engineer, then I recommend a degree in mechanical or electrical engineering as opposed to aerospace engineering. You can enter the profession with a degree in physics though.
Studying up to master's level is recommended for this line of work, with a strong preference for a master's in a relevant type of engineering.
Required A Levels or IB subjects are the same as those for astrophysics/astronomy.

See the following:
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/aerospace-engineer
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/aerospace-engineer
https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/job-sectors/engineering-design/job-profile/aerospace-engineer

See the following for information related to space in general:
https://ras.ac.uk/education-and-careers/careers
https://aas.org/careers/career-in-astronomy
https://www.iau.org/public/themes/careers/
https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/space-astronomy-jobs-what-study
https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/how-become-astronomer
https://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/career-planning/i-want-to-work-in/physics

The jobs in astronomy are ridiculously competitive, so you would need to be really good and aim really high.