EVERYTHING You Need to Know About Studying Astronomy & Planetary Science (incl. Survey)

You'd be forgiven for thinking astronomers are a rare breed, spending their lives fiddling with a telescope and coming up with far-fetched ideas that lead to stardom and fortune. But there's more to studying astronomy than meets the telescope lens.

Today's professional astronomers do very little stargazing, in fact. Most of them spend years and years manipulating instruments, observing cosmic events remotely, and interpreting large amounts of data. Tinkering with that fascinating time machine that is a telescope or contributing to space missions are rare perks.

What is Astronomy?

Astronomy is the complex study of everything that makes up our universe beyond the Earth's atmosphere, including celestial bodies, cosmic phenomena, and the forces that make the world work. It's not to be confused with astrology - the practice of interpreting 2D spatial layouts in our galaxy – but try not to take it personally if people sometimes can't tell the difference.

Astronomy is based on a compilation of findings from various fields of science, including chemistry, physics, biology, geology, statistics, and maths. It involves working with scientists from all these fields to collect, store, and analyse data using high-tech gadgetry.

The rate at which discoveries are made in this field is mind-boggling, so future astronomers have their work cut out for them trying to make their mark. Astronomy isn't a growth industry, and not nearly enough goes towards funding astronomical projects. However, studying astronomy can open the doors to fame and cool jobs across the world, in exciting work environments and with casual dress codes.

If you don't mind traveling often, spending most of your time in front of a computer, and burning the midnight oil for moderate pay, then a career in astronomy and planetary science may very well be for you.

How Do You Become an Astronomer and Planetary Scientist?

Becoming a fully-fledged astronomer can be as easy as getting a bachelor's degree and working as an observer, telescope operator, or software developer in this field.

Some entry-level teaching positions are also available to people with only their first degree, if they also have a teaching certificate. But most practicing astronomers who want to carry out research, run telescopes, and publish papers, go on to study for their master's degree and PhD. This involves studying for up to 7 years, and then carrying out research for another 2-3 years to contribute to their field and gain recognition. Virtually all up-and-coming astronomy professors have a PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Space Sciences.

Where Do You Study Astronomy?

In this very competitive field, up-and-coming astronomers need to prove that they have a thorough grasp of the workings of the universe. Choosing the right university can enhance employability, especially for late bloomers.

Of the 130 or so universities in the UK, around 30 currently offer undergraduate or postgraduate courses in Astronomy and Planetary Science. Some, like the University of Cambridge, have a department dedicated to Astrophysics, but most have an Astronomy and/or Astrophysics research group within the Physics department.

Current league tables display universities ranked based on their research facilities and reputation. Here's a list of the top universities and the degrees they offer in Astronomy and Astrophysics:

• University of Cambridge: M.Phil in Astronomy/MASt in Astrophysics
• University of Oxford: DPhil in Astrophysics, 3-year BA Physics, 4-year MPhys (Master of Physics), 4-year MPhysPhil,
• Durham University: Physics and Astronomy MPhys
• University of St. Andrews: Physics and Astronomy (Gateway/International Gateway BSc/MPhys)
• Imperial College London: Earth and Planetary Science BSc/MSci (Hons)
• University of Birmingham: Physics and Astrophysics BSc/MSci (Hons) (w/wo International Study)
• University of Manchester: Earth and Planetary Sciences with Year Abroad/in Industry MEarthSci
• University of Lancaster: Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology BSc (Hons)/MPhys
• University College London: Astrophysics BSc/MSci (Hons)
• University of Bristol: Physics with Astrophysics BSc/MSci (Hons)
• University of Edinburgh: Astrophysics BSc(Hons)/MPhys
• University of Glasgow: Astronomy and Physics/Maths BSc/MSci (Hons)
• University of Exeter: Physics with Astrophysics BSc(Hons)/MPhys
• University of York: Physics with Astrophysics (with year Abroad/ in Industry) BSc/MPhys (Hons)
• University of Leeds: Physics with Astrophysics BSc/MPhys (Full-time/Sandwich)
• University of Southampton, Physics with Astronomy MPhys
• King's College London: Physics with Astrophysics and Cosmology BSc/MSci (Hons)
• University of Surrey: Physics with Astronomy/Nuclear Astrophysics BSc (Hons)/MPhys and Electronic Engineering with Space Systems BEng/MEng (Hons), w/wo foundation year
• University of Sussex: Physics and Astronomy (with a foundation year) BSc (Hons), Astronomy/Cosmology/Particle Physics/Quantum Technology MSc, Astronomy PhD
• Cardiff University: Physics with Astronomy BSc/MPhys (w/wo Professional Placement)
• University of Kent: Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a year Abroad BSc/ MPhys with a year abroad or in industry
• University of Nottingham: BSc and MSci in Physics with Astronomy

For those who are only interested in a bachelor's degree, or would like to study closer to home, here is a list of the top universities that only offer undergraduate courses in Astronomy:

• University of Dundee: Physics/Mathematics with Astrophysics BSc (Hons)
• University of Liverpool: Physics with Astronomy BSc (Hons)
• Birkbeck, University of London: Planetary Science with Astronomy BSc (Hons)

Distance Learning and Online Courses in Astronomy

The University of Central Lancashire is currently offering a BSc (Hons) in Astronomy. The courses are provided via distance learning by the Jeremiah Horrocks Institute through the studyastronomy.com website.

The Liverpool John Moores University also offers an Astrophysics MSc and an Observational Astrophysics MSc via the astronomy.ac.uk website.

The Open University, UK's biggest undergrad university, offers a Certificate in Astronomy and Planetary Science and a BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences (Astronomy and Planetary Science). It boasts online courses, flexible hours, and a generous timeline for completion. Students have a range of on-site and on-line resources at their disposal, including remote access to the university's observatory on Mount Teide in Tenerife.

Various universities from the UK and across the globe also offer free or inexpensive introductory courses in a variety of astronomy-related topics on MOOC platforms. Futurelearn, owned by the Open University, is a gateway to entry-level courses. A selection of courses come with exams, certificates, and course credit.

Upon completing these Astronomy and Planetary Science modules, students can request a statement of participation:

• In the Night Sky
• Moons
• The Discovery of the Higgs Boson

Coursera is another example of online course platform, but with many more participating universities. Founded by Stanford professors, it has a much wider variety of courses, specializations, and degrees.

These courses are entirely online, and the assignments are often peer-reviewed.

Here is a selection of Astronomy and Planetary Science courses available on Coursera:

• Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity
• Astronomy: Exploring Space and Time
• From the Big Bang to Dark Energy
• Data-Driven Astronomy
• Origens da Vida no Contexto Cósmico
• Archeoastronomy
• Spacecraft Dynamics and Control Specialization
• Origins – Formation of the Universe, Solar System, Earth, and Life
• Confronting The Big Questions: Highlights of Modern Astronomy
• Astro 101: Black Holes
• The Evolving Universe
• Imagining Other Earths
• The Science of the Solar System
• Analysing the Universe
• Astronomy: Exploring Space and Time

How Hard Is It to Study Astronomy and Planetary Science?

You don't need to be a genius to study astronomy, but you do need to take studying seriously. If you commit to astronomy, you'll devote upwards of 7 years to studying it at postgraduate level.

So, before you apply to study astronomy in the UK, you should make sure that you have good communication skills, both written and oral, decent IT skills, fluency in English, and a good work ethic.

Some courses come with massive textbooks, work placement, and even an entire year of study abroad, so good time management skills and family support are essential.

General Requirements for Undergraduate Studies in Astronomy

Universities set their own entry requirements, including sometimes admissions tests and interviews, but it's mostly a matter of qualifications. The National Careers Service recommends that you pass at least:

• 5 GCSEs (or equivalent), including English, maths and a science
• 3 A levels (or equivalent), maths and physics included
• IELTS, TOEFL, or C1 language certificate for non-UK nationals

Entry requirements are far more lenient for those interested in distance learning. That's because they usually already have a degree, they've studied a variety of other modules prior to these courses, or they're studying for their personal development.

There's no entry requirement per se for those who apply to study at the Open University, for instance. UCLan offers Entry Point courses, and Liverpool John Moores has a variety of Short Courses on offer with no prior science qualification necessary. But you need to have a good grasp of mathematics, physics, and IT to be able to pass even entry-level courses.

How Long Does It Take to Study Astronomy and Planetary Science?

The typical route to fully fledged professional astronomy includes three degrees: BSc, MSc, and PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, geophysics, or space sciences. In the UK, your first degree, the BSc (Bachelor of Science), is called an undergraduate degree. The next two, master's degree and PhD, are called postgraduate degrees.

Undergraduate astronomy courses usually take 3 years to complete. Sandwich degrees, which include a year of work placement locally or abroad, usually extend study time by a year. With distance learning, the timeline for getting a BSc degree is 3 to 6 years, but with an extended time limit (16 years at the Open University).

Postgraduate degrees in astronomy take 4 to 6 years to complete (with full-time study). You can spend 2 years on an MPhil research master's degree, or one year on an integrated MSc master's degree. Then your final research degree, the PhD, will take another 3 to 4 years.

That's at least 7 years of studying and working 40 hours a week, on top of keeping up with the latest literature, going to conferences, and publishing at least one paper per year during your research program. So, it's never too late or too early to start studying astronomy.

Study Route and Courses for Astronomy and Planetary Science Degrees

Most astronomy courses start by consolidating your knowledge with introductory science modules that explore the laws that govern life on Earth. Classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics are the basis of your entry-level courses. Then you move on to waves, optics, quantum physics, and relativity.

Gradually, you'll be focusing on our galaxy, applying and extrapolating existing laws to various celestial bodies and worlds, where applicable. Courses touch on issues like the origins, development, and expansion of our universe, and delve into concepts like the spacetime model, cosmic inflation, string theory, and much more.

When it comes to research work, PhD programs currently tend to focus on particle physics, nanoscale physics, molecular physics, nonlinear dynamics, nuclear physics, positron imaging, aeronautics, and aerospace engineering. But astronomy's such a dynamic field, that there's no telling what your research project or your dissertation could be focusing on seven years from now.

Depending on the qualification you're studying toward, some universities may allow you to switch to a similar one in your first year of study. But most astronomy degrees will include these course subjects or module topics:

• IT
• Maths
• Statistics
• Physics in Space
• Planetary Science & The Solar System
• Cosmology
• Astronomy
• Geophysics
• Astrophysics
• Electromagnetism
• Fluid Dynamics
• Interstellar Medium
• Space Optics
• Quantum Physics

Tips for Studying Astronomy

When it comes to studying astronomy, you need to put in long hours. There's no way around it. Sign up for a few free MOOCs on astronomy before you take things further and apply to university.

To make it easier, you should do some light reading on the topics you're about to study. Try some of the highest rated pocket book titles on astronomy, like the 'Very Short Introduction' series.

Take every opportunity you can to familiarize yourself with the topics you'll be studying, including astronomy documentaries and official ESA and NASA guides.

In the UK, you only have three school terms per session (or year) at university, so you should do your best not to skip class. Procrastinating is not an option, because there's so much information coming your way that you simply can't catch up. Rely on tried-and-tested note-taking techniques like labels and diagrams, and sync your study schedule with your personal calendar, so you never miss an assignment.

During seminars and conferences, use devices like a trusty voice recorder with built-in USB to save you precious time reviewing your notes.

In between terms, brush up on your coding with Python, Perl, IDL, C++, MATLAB, and Mathematica. Or look at the various writing tools, interactive tools (Stellarium, AIDA), and simulation software packages (like Orbit-Vis and MRAMS) available out there to budding astronomers. For your research project, you may find NASA's software packages page and ESA's Earth Science Tools page to be of some help.

If you thrive in a collaborative setting, join an astronomy club or become a member of a reputable astronomical society. With some master's degrees, membership of the Royal Astronomical Society and/or Science Council is compulsory.

After You Graduate

Overview of Astronomy and Planetary Science Professions

Now that you've done the legwork, it's time to put those grey cells to good use. Post-graduates tend to apply for positions in aerospace or the computer industry. Some try their luck at observatories, museums, planetariums, and space agencies. Others write books, tutor, or try a post-graduate fellowship.

Most sources will tell you that you should choose between research and observational astronomy as soon as you finish studying. But keep in mind that permanent research or teaching positions are rare, and competition is fierce. With so many universities teaching astronomy in the UK, it's no wonder the job market is saturated.

Still, studying astronomy prepares you for a wide variety of career opportunities. Even though most astronomer job offers are for short-term research projects with low pay, you shouldn't lose hope if you're not an exact match. Depending on your speciality, you may be a suitable candidate for an astronaut, biochemist, biotechnologist, data analyst, physicist, or laboratory technician position.

Virtually any job requiring logical thinking, computer literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills could enhance your career prospects. You can apply these skills to consultancy, finance, computer programming, engineering, as well as administrative and managerial positions.

What Can You Do with an Astronomy and Planetary Science Degree?

Astronomers have a bright future ahead of them, not least because private spaceflight looks promising. Though competition for permanent positions in astronomy is fierce, this may change as commercial flight takes on a new meaning.

With experience and perseverance, graduates can build their careers in aerospace and aeronautics or satellite R&D. Other areas where an astronomy degree comes in handy are systems analysis, software engineering, teaching, scientific journalism, business management, telecommunications, and finance.

Which? University claims 90% of graduates work or continue their studies in the UK 6 months after they get their degree. Depending on where you choose to live and work, though, as an astronomy graduate you may be happy to know that your profession's local unemployment rate can be as low as 0%.

What Does an Astronomer's Day Look Like?

According to the National Careers Service, your typical astronomer works for about 40 hours per week, but the schedule is irregular. Even though astronomers sometimes work from home, they may need to sacrifice their evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.

As an observational astronomer, your typical day may involve analysing data, monitoring telescopes, researching databases, writing papers, and reading journal articles. Your job involves long hours, and you need to be very flexible if you're observing unpredictable cosmic events or you attend conferences and lectures often.

One of the perks of this job is that you'd be visiting observatories from the four corners of the world, travelling frequently and reporting your findings. Another is that you'd be working with high-tech computers, satellites, spacecraft, space probes, spectroscopes, and radio and optical telescopes.

Typical daily duties for an observational astronomer include:

• collecting data from satellites, telescopes, and space craft;
• developing and teaching the software that interprets this data;
• developing instruments and maintaining equipment;
• keeping detailed logs, writing reports, and maintaining databases;
• analysing data, developing theories, testing them, and making predictions.

Theoretical astronomers have slightly different daily routines. Their work focuses mainly on:

• creating computer models to develop and support their theories;
• coming up with new predictions based on analysing new findings in the field;
• testing theories - their own and others';
• putting pen to paper to help inform their peers and all those interested in astronomy.

Ultimately, though, all astronomers need to keep up with the developments in their field. So, they attend meetings and conferences regularly, write reports and papers, present their findings, and sometimes speak at various events. Some do all this while also working in laboratories, museums, planetariums, universities, and observatories.

How Much Does an Astronomer and Planetary Scientist Earn?

The average UK salary for an astronomer is somewhere in the region of £45,000. Most astronomers are full-time employees, but about 1 in 20 works part-time, so this figure doesn’t apply to everyone. As you progress and gain credentials from professional bodies like the Royal Astronomical Society, the Institute of Physics, or the Science & Technology Facilities Council, you’ll establish your reputation and earn more.

Entry-level astronomer salaries are quite meagre, though – usually below £20,000. Most students work through their first degree and by the time they are post-graduates their salaries rise to £60,000 per year and grow with experience. PhD degrees in Astronomy can open doors to better paid positions. Post-doctoral research programs typically last several years and offer salaries that go up to £80,000.

Full-time positions in research and education are far and few between and working as a post-doctoral research assistant on a temporary project won't be very rewarding, financially. Salaries in aeronautics, engineering, and telecommunications can be far higher, though, so most post-graduates turn toward lucrative positions in the private sector, where salaries at tech companies can go well above £80,000 per year.