Interested? See
Cert

Astronomy

Duration
1 year
Start
September 2025
Delivery
Online learning

Our online astronomy course is a beginner-friendly introduction to the wonders of the universe, with no prior knowledge required. You can explore the stars and planets without needing a telescope to complete your studies.

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Modules

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

Course content

Introduction

Astronomy as an observational science, fundamental naked-eye observations, time, seasons, coordinates, optical telescopes, the electromagnetic spectrum, modern observing platforms.

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View the course facilities

Alston Observatory is our purpose-built teaching observatory, including a teaching room with planetarium, an optics lab and dark rooms. We offer an optional weekend course at Alston Observatory to students on the Introduction to Astronomy / Introduction to Cosmology courses including opportunities to talk to the staff formally about the course materials, and to informally discuss astronomy in general with our staff and other students.

Entry Requirements

To study the Certificate in Astronomy students are normally required to have GCSE grade C in Mathematics and English or equivalent high school qualification.

Fees and funding

2024/25
UK
Online part-time£1,050 per 20 credits
International
Online part-time£1,050 per 20 credits
2025/26
UK
Online part-time£1,100 per 20 credits
International
Online part-time£1,100 per 20 credits
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This course is delivered by the School of Engineering and Computing

For information on possible changes to course information, see our essential and important course information

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at the University of Central Lancashire on our student contract page