Astrophysics Courses

Do the stars twinkling at night seems alluring to you? Are you a fan of the movie, Interstellar? Then astrophysics may just be perfect for you. Astrophysics is a subfield of astronomy and can be defined as the study of planets, galaxies, stars along with how they came into existence, their deaths and everything in between. It applies the principles of physics and chemistry to the origination, life and evolution of the heavenly bodies and collects possible data to help form several theories justifying our current understanding of the structure of the universe. For the students who harbour a keen interest in the diverse aspects of the solar system and beyond, there are several astrophysics courses available across the globe. This blog will guide you about the various courses offered in this field and career aspects of this field. 

What is Astrophysics?

Astrophysics can be referred to as the study of the birth, life and death of the bodies like stars, galaxies, black holes, planets, galaxies and nebulae along with various other planetary objects present in the universe. It is alternatively called “space science” as well. Celestial objects can be storehouses of substantial information which may lead us to the answers of our existence and other secrets of our universe. Astrophysics is further divided into two branches i.e, cosmology and astronomy. Cosmology can be simply understood as a study revolving about the cosmos whereas astrology is the study of the distinct bodies present in the space. 

How to become an Astrophysicist?

In order to gain admission under various astrophysics courses on offer, one must fulfil the minimum eligibility conditions. For undergraduate course, common eligibility criteria is the completion of 10+2 standard in science-related subjects such as physics, chemistry and mathematics. On the other hand, candidates willing to opt the master courses should possess a high-ranking bachelor’s degree in physics, chemistry, astronomy, astrophysics, earth science, physics, mathematics, liberal arts or computer science. Students are advised to check relevant eligibility criteria of universities in terms of qualifying marks and degree preferences as they may change from university to university. 

Skills Required to Pursue Astrophysics Courses

Similar to other fields, prospective students willing to go for astrophysics courses are expected to fulfil certain course-related study prerequisites. These have been mentioned below:

• Advanced knowledge of data scanning, analysis and interpretation 
• Ability to handle advanced-level mathematical concepts
• Capability to perform calculations with the help of software
• Ability to simultaneously apply and interpret multiple concepts in tandem
• Strong research abilities
• Advanced problem-solving and critical analysis skills
• Life-long learning outlook

Eligibility Criteria

If you are eager to pursue Astrophysics courses, you must begin by familiarizing yourself with the essential parameters that are to be kept in mind whilst applying for the courses abroad. Here are the main entry requirements of Astrophysics courses-

• For Diploma/ Bachelor’s Courses: Basic education of 10+2 from a recognized institution
• For Master’s Courses: A UG degree such as BSc Physics or in any other related courses with minimum required GPA
• A good score in IELTS, TOEFL, or any other English language proficiency test
• For UG courses candidates have to present minimum required score in SAT Exam and for mPG courses minimum demanded score in GRE
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR) and Statement of Purpose (SOP) as per the prescribed format

Astrophysics Courses: What are Your Options?

In order to build a career in astrophysics, there are tons of courses available which can help you land your dream job. Following is the list of courses offered by many top universities:

Undergraduate Courses

• BSc Physics with Astrophysics 
• BSc  Space and Astrophysics 
• BSc Physics and astrophysics with a year in industry
• BSc Astrophysics
• BSc Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology 
• BSc Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics 
• BSc Astrophysics and Chemistry
• BSc Astrophysics and Computer Science
• BSc Astrophysics and Education
• BSc Astrophysics and Environmental Science
• BSc Astrophysics and Forensic Science
• BSc Astrophysics and Mathematics 
• BSc Astrophysics and Medical Chemistry
• BSc Astrophysics  with Science Foundation 

Postgraduate Courses

• MSc in Astrophysics
• MSc in Physics with Astrophysics 
• MSc in Data-Intensive Astrophysics
• MSc Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology 
• MSc Observational Astrophysics

Advanced Postgraduate Courses

• MPhil Astronomy and Astronomy

Doctorate Courses

• PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics
• PhD in Astrophysics

Universities Offering Astrophysics Courses

Securing a degree from a prestigious university will make you shine in your career path. Many universities/colleges across the world offer astrophysics courses. Here is a list of universities/ colleges having this course:

1. Queen Mary University of London 
2. University of Hertfordshire
3. George Washington University
4. Michigan State University
5. Texas Tech University
6. DePaul University
7. University of Alberta
8. University of Arizona
9. The University of Hull
10. Australian National University 

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Career After Astrophysics Courses

As per the course you have completed in the field of Astrophysics, you can avail likely career opportunities. Entry level jobs can be targeted after completing UG level Astrophysics courses, while for higher level positions, you must have a master’s degree. Lucrative job opportunities within various organizations like NASA, ISRO, Naval Research Laboratory, etc. Usually, the starting salary in this field is around 3,50,000 and ranges up to 10,00,000 for the experts. Here is a list of popular job profiles for this domain-

• Astrophysicist 
• Observational Astronomers 
• Stellar Astronomers 
• Solar Astronomers 
• Research Assistants 
• Technicians 

FAQs

As a field, astrophysics has constantly been a hotspot for the candidates willing to create their career in planetary sciences. Choosing from the bundle of astrophysics courses could be no less than a herculean task for someone. But if you want to make your career shine like stars, connect to our experts at Leverage Edu and solve all your career-related queries.