Undergraduate study

Undergraduate 

Astronomy BSc/MSci

Astronomy is the study of the physical universe, from the Earth and the solar system to galaxies at the edge of the cosmos.

Astronomy lectures are complemented by our observatory, planetarium and telescope facilities. You will learn about the latest developments in astrophysics from research leaders.

  • September start
  • Session dates
  • This programme can only be taken as joint honours

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Programme structure

Year 1

You will survey the observable universe on all scales, from planets through stars and galaxies to
cosmology, and gain a basic understanding of the core theoretical and observational principles of modern astronomy. Typical topics include: dynamical and positional astronomy, observational astronomy, the solar system, the stars, compact objects, and galaxies and cosmology.

Year 2

You will study key aspects of astronomy and astrophysics in greater depth and undergo further training in the use of astronomical instrumentation and software. Typical topics include: theoretical astrophysics, observational astrophysics, stars and their spectra, and relativity and cosmology.

You will study Mathematics in years 1 and 2 and for joint degrees with Physics, you will also study Physics in years 1 and 2.

Years 3, 4 and 5

If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) Astronomy can only be taken as a Joint Honours degree with either physics or mathematics. In Honours your studies will include modern observational methods and you will undertake project work using advanced astronomical instrumentation and data analysis techniques.

Your core courses will be supplemented by options enabling you to follow your particular areas of interest.

All courses include training in transferable skills such as teamwork, presentation and technical writing.

In the final year, all students work on an independent research project embedded in one of our active research groups.

There is an opportunity to take an MSci degree, which explores astronomy topics in greater depth and includes an individually supervised project working at the cutting edge of international research.

Course details

Year 1

Core courses

You will survey the observable universe on all scales: from planets through stars and galaxies to cosmology; and gain a basic understanding of the core theoretical and observational principles of modern astronomy. Typical topics include: dynamical and positional astronomy, observational astronomy, the solar system, the stars, compact objects, and galaxies and cosmology.

Year 2

Core courses

You will study key aspects of astronomy and astrophysics in greater depth and undergo further training in the use of astronomical instrumentation and software. Typical topics include: theoretical astrophysics, observational astrophysics, stars and their spectra, and relativity and cosmology.

You will also study other subjects in years 1 and 2: see .

Year 3

Core courses

Courses that run on odd-numbered years:

Courses that run on even-numbered years:

Year 4 

Core courses (BSc)

Core courses (MSci)

Courses that run on odd-numbered years:

Courses that run on even-numbered years:

Year 5

Core courses (MSci)

Courses that run on odd-numbered years:

Courses that run on even-numbered years:

If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) Astronomy can only be taken as a Joint Honours degree with either Physics or Mathematics. In Honours your studies will include modern observational methods and you will undertake project work using advanced astronomical instrumentation and data analysis techniques. Your core courses will be supplemented by options enabling you to follow your particular areas of interest. All courses include training in transferable skills such as teamwork, presentation and technical writing.

There is an opportunity to take an MSci degree, which explores astronomy topics in greater depth and includes an individually supervised project working at the cutting edge of international research.


Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.

Our international links

Our staff have strong international links across a wide range of research fields. Many of our staff play leading roles in major international research projects, such as NASA’s solar orbiter mission and the worldwide collaboration searching for gravitational waves. You will have the opportunity to undertake part of your degree abroad.

Entry requirements

for entry in 2027

Admissions guidance

English language

For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

English language requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)

  • 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
  • IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

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Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme

TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)

Tests taken up to 20 January 2026

  • 90 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.

Tests taken from 21 January 2026

  • 92 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 22; Listening 20; Speaking 23; Writing 21
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

  • 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

  • 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Oxford ELLT

  • 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

LanguageCert Academic SELT

  • 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Password Skills Plus

  • 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Trinity College Tests

  • Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

  • Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

School Qualifications

  • IGCSE English First Language, grade C
  • IGCSE English Second Language, grade A
  • A Level English, grade C
  • International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
  • International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
  • SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
  • SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C

International School Qualifications

  • Brunei: O-Level English Language 1120 grade B and above
  • Denmark: Studentereksamen English at 7
  • European Baccalaureate: English as Language 1 pass, if taken as Language 2 grade 7, if taken as Language 3 grade 7.5
  • Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen English grade C or 4
  • France: International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) / Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) grade 12
  • Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone: West African Examination Council (WAEC) / Senior Secondary School Certificate English grade C6
  • Germany: German Abitur English Grade 11
  • Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
  • India: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) / All India School Certificate (ISC) English at 80%
  • Kenya: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) English grade B
  • Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) grade 7
  • Norway: Vitnemal English grade 4 or above
  • Singapore: Cambridge International O Level English Language (1128 Singapore only) at Grace C; Singapore Integrated Programme Secondary 4 English Language at grade B
  • South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Independent Exam Board (IEB) Grade 4 (English as Home Language) OR Grade 4 (English as First Additional Language)
  • Sweden: Avgangsbetyg / Fullständigt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan English grade VG
  • Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at English at Ordinary Level grade C

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Alternatives to English Language qualification

  • Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
    • students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
  • Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
    • students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

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Pre-sessional courses

We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:

  • direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
  • essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
  • flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.

For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:

We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:

  • Heriot Watt
  • Kingston Upon Thames
  • Middlesex University
  • Manchester University
  • Reading University
  • Edinburgh University
  • St Andrews University
  • UCL
  • Durham

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FAQs

What do I do if...

my language qualifications are below the requirements?

The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.

my language qualifications are not listed here?

Please contact External Relations

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:


Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

Further information about English language: English for Academic Study


Careers and future opportunities

Graduate destinations

The following are examples of roles that graduates are in 15 months after completing their programme:

  • Data Analyst
  • Data Engineer
  • Graduate Data Scientist
  • Graduate Systems Engineer
  • Instrumentation & Control Engineer
  • Laser System Engineer
  • Research Science Communicator
  • Teacher
  • Software Developer.

Example job titles are taken from responses received through the HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. Graduates surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.

Job prospects

Graduate Outcomes data shows that:

  • 93.3% of students are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating 
  • 75.4% of those in work are in graduate-level employment  
  • The average professional salary after 15 months is £29,161.

This university-level data is from HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. It relates to graduates who completed their programme in 2023–24 and were surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.

Skills development

As well as building subject specific knowledge and skills throughout your degree, you’ll also develop transferable skills by:

  • Analysing astrophysical phenomena independently, applying physics and mathematical modelling to interpret observations and theory.
  • Critically evaluating astronomical evidence by comparing datasets, methods and research findings across multiple subfields.
  • Communicating astronomical concepts effectively through written reports, presentations and visual materials for scientific and public audiences.
  • Applying computational, statistical and programming tools to reduce, interpret and model astronomical data.
  • Conducting observational or laboratory investigations, assessing uncertainties and drawing meaningful scientific conclusions.

Careers & employability support

Our Careers, Employability & Opportunity team are here to support you at every stage of your career journey. They’ll provide you with opportunities to explore your options, connect with employers in the UK and abroad, build your confidence and develop in demand skills.

You’ll have access to a wide range of support and resources that are designed to help you plan and prepare for your future including: masterclasses, 1:1 career coaching, a dedicated jobs board, employer events and much more.

Accreditation

Degrees and UCAS codes

Astronomy can only be taken as a Joint Honours degree with either Physics or Mathematics. 

When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:

BSc (Hons)

Astronomy/Mathematics: FGM1 (4 years)
KIS
Apply to FGM1
Astronomy/Physics: FF53 (4 years)
KIS
Apply to FF53

MSci

Astronomy/Mathematics: FG5D (5 years)
KIS
Apply to FG5D
Astronomy/Physics: FF5H (5 years)
KIS
Apply to FF5H

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.

Scholarships

The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.

The scholarships shown are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database


How to apply

Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). 

SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.

International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.

Application deadlines

  • 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
  • 13 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
  • 30 June: international students.

We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.

It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.

ATAS: Academic Technology Approval Scheme

Please note that this programmes in this subject at Masters level require ATAS. If yours is not one of the exempt nationalities,  then you will need to apply for an ATAS certificate before commencing your programme of study and applying for your visa or extension of stay.

Please apply as early as possible as the process can take a number of months to complete.

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) was introduced on 1 November 2007. It is used to help stop the spread of knowledge and skills that could be used in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery. This is in common with other governments around the world.

The ATAS is designed to ensure that people who are applying to study certain sensitive subjects in the UK do not have links to WMD programmes.


Apply via UCAS

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