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Postgraduate

Master of Science (Astrophysics)

Master of Science (Astrophysics) (MSCN)
CRICOS: 078596M

Entry requirements
Study mode
  • External
Campus
  • -
Duration
  • 2 year(s) (or part-time equivalent)
Start
  • Feb, May
Note: Specialisation only available to external students and therefore not suitable for international students who wish to study on-campus.

Overview

  • The Master of Science (Astrophysics) 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. 
  • This degree combines coursework and research giving you the opportunity to further develop your skills with four units of research. Designed for those already in an educational or science communication career, you will undertake a professional development component in science, as well as gain a specialist foundation relevant for further research.
  • Advance your research skills and develop a research thesis through a project in your chosen disciplinary application area.
  • 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, in addition to a High-Performance Computing cluster.
  • 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.
  • Students enrolled in the Master of Science (Astrophysics) can apply to exit their studies early with a Graduate Certificate of Science after completion of four units of study.

Career outcomes

  • 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, practicing teacher or provider of scientific or technical services. 

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.

English language requirements

You are required to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires a minimum of IELTS 6.5 with a minimum 6.0 in each subscore. UniSQ also accepts other English language proficiency tests.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can apply to study with our English language partner, the Union Institute of Language (UIL).

Recognition of prior learning or work experience

If you have previously studied in your home country, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning to reduce the number of courses that you need to study to finish your program.

Pathways

UniSQ offers a number of bachelor degrees for you to study to help you meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Degree structure

To complete this degree students must complete 16 units.

Courses to be studied Units
Core courses 2
Specialisation courses  8
Student selection courses 2
Research courses 4
Total 16

Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for courses to be studied and recommended enrolment patterns.

Fees and scholarships

Your actual fees may vary depending on the courses you select. We review our fees annually so these may be subject to change.

Approximate annual costs1 for international students' first year of study (8 units) in this degree:

Study Mode Cost
External/Online

You are responsible for the full cost of your course and are charged a tuition fee.

AUD 38720
On-campus

You are responsible for the full cost of your course and are charged a tuition fee.

AUD 38720

1 These are indicative annual fees for 2025. 

Student services and amenities fees

You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.

Scholarships

At UniSQ, we offer a range of scholarships to support your success at university. Find a scholarship that works for you.

How to apply

Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.

CRICOS: 078596M

Note: The Astrophysics specialisation is available by external study only. Therefore, this specialisation is not available to international students who wish to study on-campus. 

Intakes

You can select to start your study in Trimester 1 or 2.

Study period  Orientation  Study period start date Finish date
Trimester 1, 2025  Monday 3 February  Monday 10 February  Friday 9 May
Trimester 2, 2025 Monday 19 May Monday 26 May  Friday 22 August
Two men collaborating at a computer workstation in an office environment.

Got questions?

 

Begin your study journey today with the university rated 5/5 stars for graduates starting salaries* and start the degree that’s right for you.

*Good Universities Guide 2025

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