This is distance learning in every sense – exploring the galaxy from your home. Its a chance to indulge in your passion for astronomy and cosmology, taking your studies at your pace.

This online astronomy course offers an opportunity to delve into astronomy in your own time. You'll develop your understanding right from the start, all the way up to honours level.

Along the way, youll develop the full range of scientific skills through experimental and observational work. You'll also learn library research skills and report writing. All your learning materials are online and you'll complete assessments at home. You will also complete group projects with your fellow distance learners.

The course offers a flexible approach, where you can build up modules over the years if you choose. Youll have the chance to achieve a different qualification with each level you reach. Youll need to complete 18 modules including a dissertation project to achieve a BSc (Hons). You can finish earlier with other awards, like a Certificate of Higher Education.

While our BSc (Hons) Astronomy lets you explore your passions, it also offers the scientific skills and advanced understanding. This will enhance your career and open new possibilities such as postgraduate study.

Since we launched this programme, weve supported many students through to becoming full graduates. While many studied the subject as a personal interest, it also helped to enhance their professional prospects. Whatever the length and mode of your studies – an astronomy qualification can pave the way to a range of careers options. From working in education or an observatory to science communication and public outreach.

For many of our graduates, this course has been a foundation to build upon with further study at postgraduate level. One of our graduates went on to achieve a masters degree before working on a PhD in astronomy in South Africa.