What is SAO?

Swinburne Astronomy Online (SAO) is a postgraduate degree program allowing you to study astronomy online. It is an established program, operating since 1999. It concentrates on the fundamental concepts of and key issues in contemporary astronomy. Designed for science educators and communicators, people working in astronomy-related fields, amateur astronomers, and anyone who loves astronomy, SAO also concentrates on building skills to communicate one's science knowledge to others. SAO is a global program in which students from all over the world may enrol. SAO has had many students from the USA, Canada, the UK, Europe, and Australia. Some students join SAO to enhance their qualifications with a Master of Science in Astronomy, while others wish to study one or more introductory-level astronomy units.

The Master of Science (Astronomy) [12 units] is part of a nested suite of postgraduate programs, which also includes the Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy) [4 units] and the Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy) [8 units]. There are several entry points depending on one's previous academic studies and work experience. All SAO degrees are awarded and fully accredited by Swinburne University of Technology, a recognised university by the Australian Federal Government. Swinburne University of Technology's Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) Provider Code is 00111D and Registered Training Organisations (RTO) Provider Code is 3059.

SAO is operated within the Centre for Astrophysics & Supercomputing and the Department of Physics & Astronomy, which are part of the School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies at Swinburne University of Technology located in the suburb of Hawthorn, Melbourne, Australia.

Degree programs offered:

  • Master of Science (Astronomy) – 12 units/subjects of study;
  • Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy) – 8 units/subjects of study;
  • Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy) – 4 units/subjects of study.
We also offer individual unit enrolments.
Each unit of study runs for 12 weeks plus an initial orienation Week.
Individual units of study can be seen here.


Swinburne's Advanced Technology Centre building

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