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.
University Certificate Courses in Astronomy & Cosmology
Applications now closed for 2009 start.
Each University Certificate comprises a single module (20 credits at level 1), and is designed to require approximately 200 hours of study. Each University Certificate concentrates on a particular subject; some explore an aspect of Astronomy to some depth, while others allow students to develop particular skills and abilities.
Many of these Certificates are entry points, requiring no prior subject knowledge and so require only Maths GCSE Grade C (English for the History Certificate) or equivalent. Others are intended to develop skills and knowledge, and so have pre-requisites which means you need to study other specified module(s) first.
All the Certificate modules are also available as part of the larger awards under Advanced Study.
University Certificate in Astronomy Course - VSASTR501
Most students start here! The astronomy course provides an introduction to astronomy, assuming no prior knowledge of the subject. It contains some observational and practical exercises, but you do not need access to a telescope to complete your astronomy studies.
University Certificate in Cosmology Course - VSCOSM501
Gain an informed view of concepts in cosmology with this cosmology course, without recourse to complex mathematics in your study. Learn about the beginning of the Universe including the creation of extremely small elementary particles and the processes that led to the formation of the very large structures seen today.
University Certificate in History of Astronomy Course - VSHIAS501
Via an analysis of key astronomers and their discoveries in the period from ancient Greece until 1900, this History of Astronomy Course promotes your understanding of the nature of historical study, and the nature and dynamics of scientific discovery in its cultural context, to help further your astronomy education.
University Certificate in IT for Astronomy Course - VSASIT501
If you want to learn about the use of computers with an emphasis on their applications in astronomy, this Certificate in IT for Astronomy Course is for you. Your studies will be based around the use of commonly available office and web applications, this course provides training and education in specific skills useful for further study, and more widely in the modern world.
University Certificate in Sun, Earth and Climate Course - VSASUN501
In this course you will be introduced to the Sun and the Earth as complex systems, and how they interact to produce the environment we live in. Alongside detailed course notes your studies will include a mixture of theoretical and observational approaches with data-based and observational exercises.
University Certificate in Physics for Astronomy Course - VSASPY501
If you want to go on to Level 2 study in astronomy, or simply want to extend your education and knowledge of physics, this Physics for Astronomy Course is for you. By concentrating on the aspects of physics most important for astronomy, alongside the appropriate mathematical tools, you are able to cover the relevant parts of the A Level syllabus and take your studies further to first year undergraduate level.
University Certificate in Astrobiology Course - VSABIO501
Astrobiology is one of the newest and most dynamic scientific disciplines, and this is your chance to gain an understanding of the ongoing discoveries with our Astrobiology Course at an established Astrobiology University. With explorations ranging from molecular biology to the search for extra-solar planets all having an impact, the multi-disciplinary course takes a novel approach to the subject of Astrobiology, and the course is supplemented with online discussion of relevant breaking news to enhance your studies.