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Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy)
PostgraduateSWI-AST-GDI2019
Course information for 2019 intake
A conceptual approach to astronomy and the 'big questions'
Learn to be able to identify, interpret and analyse credible resources to present information to different user groups and make critique on astronomy topics. Graduates find opportunities in education, working in museums and science outreach
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Total subjects
- 8
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy)
About this degree
At the successful completion of this degree, students will be able to:
- apply interpret and analyse credible resources to present information, knowledge and critique on astronomy topics
- apply problem solving methodologies to synthesise solutions that demonstrate information and technical skills in astronomy
- apply communication skills to demonstrate an understanding of recent developments in astronomy
- demonstrate skills and knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to astronomy
- manage own time and work independently to investigate and communicate research in astronomy
- demonstrate communication and technical skills, either individually or working as an effective member in a team to interpret complex ideas in astronomy to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
These postgraduate degrees in Science (Astronomy) cover the fundamental concepts and ‘big questions’ of modern astronomy. It equips students with an overall understanding of modern astronomy, rather than training as a professional astronomer.
The introductory-level subjects require no background mathematical knowledge and instead focus on a conceptual approach to astronomy. However, some of the more advanced-level subjects have prerequisites and assume knowledge of introductory tertiary level mathematics and physics.
Recommended study pattern
Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy) students must complete 6 core subjects and 2 electives from the list below.
There is no specific recommended study sequence however, some subjects have prerequisites that need to be met.
Several elective subjects in the Graduate Diploma and Master of Science have prerequisites of university level 1 mathematics and physics. Students without university level mathematics and physics may apply for the Graduate Certificate in Science, as subjects in this award do not have any prerequisites.
Students without university level mathematics and physics who wish to complete the advanced subjects must complete MAS120 Applied Mathematics and SCI16 Introduction to Physics (or their equivalent) as non-award subjects before beginning the graduate diploma and master's subjects.
Please note: You cannot re-enrol into Swinburne subjects that you have already passed.
Taking time off from study (Absent Without Leave and Leave of Absence):
How to apply for an approved leave of absence and minimise the risk of having to reapply for degree admission: https://www.swinburne.edu.au/current-students/manage-course/enrolment-timetable/time-off/
Award requirements
To qualify for the award of Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy) students must complete 8 subjects (100 credit points) as follows:
- 6 core subjects (75 credit points); and
- 2 prescribed elective subjects (25 credit points)
Please note: You cannot re-enrol into Swinburne subjects that you have already passed.
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
Transition arrangements are changes that occur when courses are updated or phased out. This happens regularly as part of continuous improvement. It may affect you if you are currently enrolled in this course, or if you plan to use credit from previous study towards it.
If you were admitted before 2017 into the Master, Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy) you can find out which subjects you need to complete by downloading the transition plan applicable your course and admission year from Swinburne’s OUA course transition webpage.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $20,680
The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
Swinburne University of Technology leads the way with innovative and new ways of teaching, learning and thinking. It offers a wide range of study options, from pre-apprenticeships, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhDs, including online degrees with Open Universities Australia. Swinburne is known for career-oriented education and encouraging lifelong learning.
Learn more about Swinburne.
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- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 19
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 17
Entry requirements
This is a restricted degree. Subject enrolment is only available to students admitted into this degree.
This program is available to students who have a recognised tertiary qualification* in a cognate discipline aligned to astronomy and/or astronomy-related fields (including natural and physical sciences, information technology, engineering and related technologies, related scientific fields in health – e.g. optical science or radiography) (or approved equivalent).
*Bachelors degree, Level 7 in Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) or equivalent. The AQF specification for the volume of learning of a bachelor degree is typically 3-4 years.
English language requirements (International students only):
IELTS (Academic Module): Overall 6.0 with no individual band below 5.5; or Swinburne English Language Centre: EAP 4 Upper Intermediate level with overall 70% and all skills 65% or above; or TOEFL iBT: minimum score 75 (No individual band less than 17); or equivalent measures available at http://www.swinburne.edu.au/study/international/apply/entry-requirements/
Swinburne University RPL Higher Education policy applies and will be granted subject to approval of the degree coordinator.
For information on how to apply for credit please refer to Swinburne’s website at http://www.swinburne.edu.au/open-universities-australia/advanced-standing-rpl.html
Career opportunities
The Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy) qualifies individuals who apply a body of knowledge in a range of contexts related to contemporary astronomy. The degree provides individuals with the requisite academic knowledge and science communication skills across a broad range of astronomy and astronomy-related fields for professional or highly skilled work, and as a pathway for further learning.
Many graduates use this qualification to begin or enhance opportunities in teaching, working in observatories, science centres and museums, and science/astronomy education, public outreach and communication positions. It should be noted that postgraduate degreework in astronomy are not professional qualifications.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
| Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
| Other Natural and Physical Science Professionals | $93K to $120K | N/A^ |
| Physicists (including Astronomers) | $93K to $120K | Up 0.01% |
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
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We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
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Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
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You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
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How do I enrol?
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When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
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