Astronomer

You'll need a degree and postgraduate qualification to work as an astronomer. Your degree will usually need to be a first or upper second-class.

Relevant subjects include:

• maths
• physics
• astrophysics
• geophysics
• astronomy
• space science

You can also do an extended 4-year degree to get a postgraduate qualification like a master of physics. These courses include more independent research and can lead directly onto a PhD.

Many employers will expect you to have completed, or be working towards, a PhD in your specialist area of interest.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

Further information

You'll find more advice on careers in astronomy from the Royal Astronomical Society and SpaceCareers.uk.

You'll need:

• maths knowledge
• knowledge of physics
• analytical thinking skills
• science skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• concentration skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

In observational astronomy, your duties might include:

• collecting and analysing data from satellites and spacecraft
• exploring space using radio and optical telescopes
• designing new instruments and maintaining existing equipment
• developing software to interpret images and data captured by satellites

In theoretical astronomy, your duties may include:

• creating computer models to test theories about processes happening in space
• analysing the results of past observations to make new predictions
• making observations and developing theories
• analysing data to help build our understanding of events in the universe

You could work in an observatory, in a laboratory or at a university.