Entry Points
Our astronomy certificates are Entry Point Courses that assume no prior knowledge of the subject and are therefore an ideal place to begin your studies and astronomy education. Each is a free-standing Certificate at HE Level 4 (Year 1 undergraduate level) allowing you to develop your fascination with your chosen subject. The Entry Point courses available are listed below. Certificate in Astronomy and Certificate in Cosmology are normally running every year, whereas the Certificate in Sun, Earth and Climate and Certificate in Astrobiology run alternate years, see the Module Availability for more details.
When returning to astronomy education, we normally advise studying only one module in the first year of your astronomy course.
We judge each application on its merits to ensure that students can benefit from our courses. You will require GCSE Grade C in maths and English or equivalent to study these astronomy courses. The courses take a quantitative scientific approach and you will be using maths to solve problems from the outset.
All these courses are delivered electronically online and provide detailed course notes, self-test exercises and assessments. We provide study and tutorial support via email, telephone and a dedicated astronomy course website.
Certificate in Astronomy
Course Code: 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.
Certificate in Cosmology
Course Code: 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.
Certificate in Sun, Earth and Climate
Course Code: 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.
Certificate in Astrobiology
Course Code: VSABIO501
Astrobiology is one of the newest and most dynamic scientific disciplines, and this Certificate is your chance to gain an understanding of the ongoing discoveries in the subject. 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. The course is supplemented with online discussion of breaking news.