Bachelor of Advanced Science with a specialisation in Astronomy and Astrophysics

The Bachelor of Advanced Science with a Major in Astronomy provides the opportunity for close interaction with academics from three of Macquarie University’s major concentrations of research excellence: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Lasers and Photonics, and Quantum Information Science.

You will benefit from our close links with the Australian Astronomical Observatory and CSIRO’s Division of Astronomy and Space Science, which are both located near campus. You will have the opportunity to use optical and radio telescopes at the University’s observatory; participate in research; and gain practical experience working in our leading research laboratories. A summer vacation scholarship and a third year research project are included.

Key Features

• Advanced Science has one of the highest ATAR cut-offs for a science program in Australia.
• Student numbers are restricted, allowing personal attention including an academic mentor throughout the degree and direct contact with researchers.
• Opportunity to take part in research and gain practical experience working in research laboratories within the
• University as part of your degree.
• Students are offered a scholarship for a vacation research internship with staff in the appropriate discipline, normally during the summer vacation between their second and third years.
• Special advanced units form part of the degree that are not available to other students.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Advanced Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics will satisfy the accreditation criteria set out by the Australian Institute of Physics.

Suitable For

Gifted and talented students in the area of astronomy and astrophysics.

Professions

• Astronomical research and instrumentation
• Business and finance
• Computing and modelling
• Industrial research
• Patent attorney
• Remote sensing
• Scientific research
• Teaching (with a Bachelor of Education)

What You’ll Study

Part of what makes Macquarie future focused is that we allow you the freedom to explore your interests across a range of areas, rather than lock you in to a single, narrow field. So follow your passions and tailor your course to your needs and interests.

Units

Units are what we call subjects. Most full-time students take four units – each worth a fixed number of credit points – per session.

Entry Requirements

For students from overseas, Macquarie uses an international selection rank to determine the minimum eligibility requirement for each undergraduate course. This rank has been converted into equivalent scores for various recognised international high school qualifications and university entrance examinations, including global qualifications like the International Baccalaureate (IB) and GCE A-Levels.

Assumed Knowledge

HSC Mathematics (Band 4) or its equivalent is a subject prerequisite for Astronomy and Astrophysics units. Higher levels of mathematics and physics are strongly recommended.

English Language Requirements

All applicants for undergraduate coursework studies at Macquarie University are required to provide evidence of proficiency in English.

You may satisfy the English language requirements if you have completed:

• senior secondary studies equivalent to the NSW HSC
• one year of Australian or comparable tertiary study in a country of qualification

Alternative entry

At Macquarie, we are all about success. With our International Academic Entry Program, we recognise your individual strengths, interests, and personal circumstances. If you have not achieved the overall score required for your program, but demonstrate particular strength in relevant subjects, we may consider you for alternative entry.

Course Fees

International fee-paying
AUD $34,800
Indicative annual fee
Fee per credit point AUD $1,450.00

The indicative annual fee displayed is based on completing a standard full time study load. Fees may increase each year. For courses longer than one year in duration, you will pay the fee that is current for the year that you enrol in the unit.