Astronomy Courses & Education for first-timers.University Certificates
Single-module certificates for broader study and skills.Advanced Study
Routes to a full BSc(Hons) Degree in Astronomy.
Advanced Degrees in Astronomy & Astronomy Studies
Students who have completed some modules as free-standing University Certificates may like to take their astronomy studies further to a degree in astronomy. The StudyAstronomy programme offers a range of awards from the Certificate of Higher Education in Astronomy to a full 18-module BSc (hons) in Astronomy.
All of these awards require you to have studied certain pre-requisite modules first before taking a degree in astronomy. The CertHE, DipHE and BSc are all flexible in duration and allow you to choose modules from UCLan or partner institutes (by a system of accreditation of prior learning).
BSc (Hons) Astronomy Degree Course - VSASTR513
This is our flagship programme and is the UK's only BSc (Hons) Astronomy degree course specifically designed for distance learning education and studies. It consists of a total of 18 modules at Levels 1, 2 and 3.
Students are eligible to enrol when they have succesfully completed relevant courses at University level such as University Certificates or the CertHE in Astronomy. Alternatively, students with appropriate A Levels may also apply for direct entry to the course.
APL is accepted towards the BSc up to a maximum of 240 credits (12 modules) of which only 20 credits can be at level 3.
Level 3 modules are only available to students who have enrolled on the BSc (Hons) in Astronomy Degree Course.
The BSc(Hons) in Astronomy is recognised by the Institute of Physics (IOP) and all graduates automatically meet requirements for Associate Membership of the Institute. It is endorsed by the Royal Astronomical Society. Students on the course are eligible for free IOP digital student membership.
Certificate of Higher Education in Astronomy Course - VSASTR511
On this award you will study 6 modules (120 credits) at Level 1. It is equivalent to the first year of a full time astronomy degree programme. You can choose 6 from the 8 UCLan Level 1 modules or accredit up to 80 credits of prior learning from our partner institutes. AA1051 (Introduction to Astronomy) or its equivalent is core to the CertHE. You need to have completed at least 40 credits before enrolling for the CertHE. You can incorporate any University Certificates already awarded in prior education and studies.
Diploma of HE in Astronomy Course - VSASTR512
For the DipHE you will study 12 modules at Levels 1 and 2. You will be eligible to enrol when you have completed a total of 6 modules, such as by having completed the CertHE in Astronomy Course.
Any of your University Certificates or Advanced Certificates can be incorporated into the DipHE. Relevant prior study with other Universities is accepted towards the DipHE, up to a maximum of 160 credits (8 modules).