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Astronomer

Alternative titles for this job include Astrophysicist, astrobiologist, planetary scientist

Astronomers study the origin and structure of the universe, including its planets, stars, galaxies and black holes.

Average salary (a year)

£31,000 Starter

to

£65,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 irregular

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through a university course.

University

You'll need a degree and postgraduate qualification to work as an astronomer. You'll usually need to have achieved a first class honours or 2:1 in your degree.

Relevant subjects include:

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

You can also do an extended 4-year degree to get a postgraduate master's qualification. These courses include more independent research and can lead on to 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

More Information

Career tips

You can join an amateur astronomy group and attend astronomy summer schools to share your interest in space, make connections and get hands-on observation experience.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in astronomy from the Royal Astronomical Society and SpaceCareers.uk.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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
  • persistence and determination
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an observational astronomer, you could:

  • collect and analyse data from satellites and spacecraft
  • explore space using radio, infrared and optical telescopes
  • design new satellites and instruments for space exploration
  • develop software to interpret images and data captured by satellites and telescopes

As a theoretical astronomer, you could:

  • create computer models to simulate space phenomena
  • develop theories to explain cosmic processes, like planetary and star formation
  • work with observational data to test, refine and verify predictions
  • analyse past data to understand how the universe has developed over time

In both roles, you would:

  • use artificial intelligence systems to sift through large collections of images and data
  • work closely with space engineers, software developers and data analysts
  • publish articles on research findings and present them at conferences
  • examine activity on Earth from space, such as volcanic eruptions, global weather patterns and sea level changes

Working environment

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

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You'll usually start as a post-doctoral researcher before moving on to permanent posts that can lead to becoming a university professor.

You can transfer your science skills across lots of careers and sectors, for example:

  • aerospace research and development
  • satellite engineering
  • systems analysis
  • software engineering
  • teaching and lecturing
  • science communication
  • finance

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an astronomer right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Physics

  • Provider: EPSOM AND EWELL HIGH SCHOOL
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Epsom

Physics

  • Provider: LIVERPOOL COLLEGE
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Liverpool
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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