Introduction to Astronomy
Explore your fascination with the solar system and study the stars.
Start with an introductory level subject and there’s no need to worry about complex maths. Then you can delve into cosmology, astrobiology, planetary science, astrophotography and stellar astrophysics.
Explore astronomy courses
Discover astronomy courses
Online astronomy degrees
Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy)
PostgraduateSWI-AST-GCE
Explore our solar system and our place in the universe
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
Need help before enrolments close?
Our student advisors are here to guide you with expert advice on:
- Enrolling and planning your studies
- Finding a study option that suits your needs
- Understanding your funding options
Get unbiased advice at no cost, before 25 May
Let me pick a time
Find a time that suits you for a free 1:1 consultation with a student advisor.
Call me anytime
A student advisor will call you, usually within 30 minutes during business hours.
Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us
Student reviews
We support thousands of students on their study journey every year
Our advisors are here to help with your study goals from enrolment to completion 7 days a week.
Astronomy study FAQs
How do I enrol?
Unlike when you study through a traditional university, you can enrol you in most of the undergraduate subjects available through our website instantly. Enrol in the subjects you’re interested in, and as soon as your study materials arrive, you can start learning online.
As you start completing your subjects, you’ll eventually need to apply to your uni to formally enter your degree. Enrolling in subjects is a great way of becoming eligible and applying successfully. Check out the Registering in this degree section on the degree page you're interested in for more information.
Postgraduate subjects are different. Most of them are restricted, meaning you’ll have to apply for entry and be accepted before you can start studying online. You’ll find information about the application process on the postgraduate degree page that you’re interested in.
Enrolling is easy. You can enrol online or over the phone with a student advisor.
How do I know if I’m eligible to apply for a course?
Before starting an enrolment, it’s important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you’re eligible to apply. If you don’t quite meet the requirements, we may be able to help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study.
Chat with us to find out more.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
- You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree, we’ll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there. - 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
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
Why study astronomy online?
Studying online means that you can engage with astronomy as a passion or as a career progression.
Astronomy highlights
- Engage with one of the oldest of the natural sciences
- Enter an exciting field in which Australia is a global leader.
- Explore historical, social and cultural contexts.
Astronomy specialisations
- Science communication.
- Research and evaluation.
- Scientific discovery and theory formation.
Student stories and study advice
8 subjects you’ve never heard about (but should have)
Break away from the well-trodden path and find a course as unique as you are. From uncovering your inner palaeontologist, to studying the intricacies of Japanese culture, these eight subjects offer something a little different.
Regional high-schooler takes online uni subjects to jump-start her future
In a small South Australian town miles from any university campus, lives a 17-year old high schooler with a passion for science, a compound microscope, and a dream of working in a lab and discovering something interesting one day.
8 exciting new degrees you can study online in 2025
Hundreds of new degrees have just been added to our website by leading universities. While it’s impossible to choose a favourite, these are the highlights we recommend checking out. Some of these topics have never been available through OUA—until now!
What are the best jobs for introverts?
Looking for a career where you can spend a lot of time alone, focusing on what you're good at? These roles will let your quiet, reflective qualities shine.We’re here to guide you to the right uni course
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation helping every Australian to access thousands of university courses.
Over 532,578+ students have enrolled in university through us since 1993.
How we can help you
Studying through Open Universities Australia means we take care of the guesswork and administration of university study, so you can focus on learning.
You don't need a strong academic history to go to uni
We make it possible for everyone to start university through single subjects, regardless of ATAR or study experience. These subjects are covered by government loans, and can be used to upskill or gain entry into a qualification.
You have the flexibility to start at multiple points during the year
We’re not restricted by a traditional academic calendar, so you can enrol when it suits your life. You also have total control over how you study. You can scale up (or down) your study load and even pause your course if you need to.
You can rely on us as an unbiased destination for online tertiary education
As a not for profit, we have your best interests at heart. Our advisors are here 7 days a week to guide and support you. It’s our priority to get you qualified with the university of your choice.
Enrol in courses from 26 of Australia's leading universities
