This is distance learning in every sense – exploring the galaxy from your home. It’s a chance to indulge in your passion for astronomy and cosmology, taking your studies at your pace.
Why study with us
- 1stin the UK for academic supportNational Student Survey (Physics and Astronomy) (compared with unis in the Guardian University Guide)
2023 - 6thin the UK for overall positivityNational Student Survey (Physics and Astronomy) (compared with unis in the Guardian University Guide)
2023
- You’ll have the chance to achieve a different qualification with each level you reach. If you complete a dissertation project after six or more years, you can achieve your BSc (Hons) degree.
- This is the first and only distance-learning single subject Astronomy degree available from a UK university.
- Study at your own pace – choosing how many modules to study each year. At first, you can even test the waters with individual modules.
What you'll do
- The course concentrates on the astronomical principles, avoiding complicated mathematics where it can.
- You’ll have the chance to work with observations from our new £200,000 telescope for your dissertation.
- You’ll study astronomy, cosmology, astrobiology and our Milky Way and galaxies beyond, drawing on the expertise of our staff with research interests in solar and stellar astrophysics, and galactic and extragalactic astronomy.
Module overview
Course delivery
This is a distance learning course which is taught entirely online with no face-to-face teaching.
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.
Visit us this autumn
Discover our facilities, explore campus and talk to academic staff and students about the courses you want to study at one of our autumn Open Days.
Book an Open DayInstitute of Physics (IOP)
The BSc (Hons) in Astronomy is recognised by the Institute of Physics (IOP) and all graduates are eligible for Membership of the Institute. Students on the course are eligible for IOP digital student membership.
Future careers
While our BSc (Hons) Astronomy lets you explore your passions, it also offers the scientific skills and advanced understanding to enhance careers and open new possibilities such as postgraduate study.
Fees and funding
Scholarships and bursaries
We have a wide range of bursaries, scholarships and funds available to help support you whilst studying with us.
Select your country to see eligibility information and how to apply by selecting more info on the cards below.
Care Leaver Bursary
Our Care Leaver Bursary is for students who need extra support because they have been in care or are estranged from their parents.
Find out more about Care Leaver BursaryEstranged student support
Estranged Student Support Bursary is for students who need extra support because they are estranged from their parents.
Find out more about Estranged student supportCare-experienced and Estranged Student Graduation Bursary
A bursary to support students who are care-leavers or estranged from their family, to transition to employment of post-graduate study.
Find out more about Care-experienced and Estranged Student Graduation Bursary
This course is based in 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