Bachelor of Science (Space Sc and Astrophysics)

Entry Requirements

Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject.

English Language Requirements

IELTS: Overall 6.5 (Reading 6, Listening 6, Speaking 6, Writing 6); TOEFL: Internet-based: Total score of 79 with a minimum of 21 in Writing, 18 in Speaking and 13 in Reading and Listening; TOEFL Paper-based: Total score of 577 with a minimum of 4.5 in the Test of Written English (TWE); Pearsons: Overall 58 (Reading 50, Listening 50, Speaking 50, Writing 50); Cambridge: Overall 176 (Reading 169, Listening 169, Speaking 169, Writing 169).

Course Details

The final frontier

Want to delve into the depths of our solar system? Explore the universe’s most distant galaxies?

This is the number one degree in South Australia for Astronomical and Space Sciences research.* You will have access to world-leading researchers, including Nobel Prize winners and the recipient of the 2020 Prime Minister's Award for Science.

What will you do?

Our Bachelor of Science (Space Science and Astrophysics) places a strong emphasis on maths and physics. You will: work with, and learn from international researchers whose ground-breaking and award-winning discoveries are changing the way we understand our universe; develop problem-solving skills critical to modern careers in physics, high-tech and space industries, and big data science; have the opportunity to take part in project work with established scientists; discover the fundamental processes which define our universe and our planet; unravel the mysteries of space through core training in astronomy and space science; supplement learning with other science, geoscience, and maths programs; You’ll also have opportunities to take part in project work with established scientists.

Where could it take you?

You might research star formation with a national space agency or be a planetarium director. You could forecast geomagnetic storms at the Bureau of Meteorology. Perhaps you’ll work in an observatory, publish a book or host the next award-winning space documentary.

Career Readiness

You’ll be set to gain employment in space and astrophysical research, physics, and high-tech research and development in: defence agencies; government (Bureau of Meteorology); national space agencies; research institutes; universities.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth; Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving; Teamwork and communication skills; Professionalism and leadership readiness; Intercultural and ethical competency; Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency; Digital capabilities; Self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

Industry Placement

Throughout your degree, you can also apply for summer scholarships at the University and other institutions around Australia, where you can undertake a 6-week research project alongside professional astronomers and astrophysicists.

The practical component of the second year subject Space Science and Astrophysics II is all project work. You’ll work in small groups to explore a particular aspect of astrophysics research. Typically that can involve making optical observations with telescopes at the University observatory, or using data from satellite and ground-based observatories to understand the environments around extreme astronomical objects like pulsars and supernovae.

Potential careers

Atmospheric Chemist, Astronomer, Physicist, Aerospace Scientist, Defense Industry Scientist, Remote Sensing and GIS, Research Associates, Research Scientist, Environmental Scientist, Science Communicators, Science Educators, Scientific Data Analyst, Scientific Officer, Geophysics, Satellite Project Scientist, Space and Astrophysical Research, Space Scientist, Astrophysicist