Are you completing your qualification in the field of science? Our courses combine a theoretical background into astronomical techniques, instrumentation and data analysis in the areas of astronomy, space science and astrophysics.The UCT Faculty of Science is, by various measures, the best in South Africa, it has the largest number of scientists who have been rated through a rigorous process of international evaluation and within this group it has the largest number who are acknowledged to be world leaders in their fields, holding an “A” rating. Get a taste of what it’s like to study a course for a semester at a renowned department such as this one. Join the Semester Study Abroad Programme today! Choose from a variety of bachelor and master’s courses, across a wide range of disciplines for international credit transfer.

With the goal of understanding the physical processes that govern the universe, its constituents, and their origins and evolution, astronomy uses the apparatus and methodology of physics to gather and interpret data. Theoretical work and technology development round out astrophysics. Note, the terms "astronomy" and "astrophysics" are used interchangeably. The astrophysics option is designed to give the student an understanding of the basic facts and concepts of astronomy today, to stimulate the student's interest in research, and to provide a basis for graduate work in astronomy or astrophysics. Student will gain as broad a background as possible in related fields of science and engineering.

The Astrophysics master’s program at the Graduate Center offers students of all backgrounds an exciting route to doctoral study in astronomy and physics and to STEM careers. From the microscopic structures of meteorites to the largest clusters of galaxies, the study of astrophysics spans a gigantic range of scales and addresses vast topics such as the origins of the universe and the origins of life.

A minor program in astronomy is also available for students who wish to enlarge their potential for a career choice or who may be eager to learn more about astrophysics than an introductory course can provide. With this broad background, the student is well prepared in many fields of endeavor, including planetarium and museum work, teaching astronomy at colleges and universities, secondary education, science writing, or in many professions in which the ability to learn is critical.

The University of Denver's minor in astrophysics is for students interested in pursuing graduate work and careers in astronomy, as well as for students interested in learning more about the topic. Subjects include stars, planets and galaxies, and the program will give you a background in both the theoretical science behind astronomy and the methods used in the field.

Our exploration of the phenomena of the extraterrestrial universe is conducted through the lens of physics. We are committed to providing each of our majors a solid foundation in the basic principles of both astronomy and physics, an understanding of their most recent developments, and the tools and inspiration to pursue learning in both. Student research is a vital part of the major. Extraordinary teachers and mentors, our faculty also work at the cutting edge of modern astronomy and cosmology, creating exceptional research opportunities for majors. Some of those opportunities are based on campus, within the College’s well-equipped William J. Strawbridge Observatory; others take students across the country to observatories such as the one at Kitt Peak in Arizona.

Smith Astronomy is a part of the Five College Astronomy Department. The consortium offers a rich curriculum in astronomy and astrophysics, taught by astronomers from Smith, Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Massachusetts.