Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Future Students

About SAO

Is Swinburne Astronomy Online (SAO) part of Swinburne Online?

No. Swinburne Astronomy Online (SAO) is a postgraduate astronomy program offered by Swinburne University of Technology. It commenced in 1999 and is operated within Swinburne's Centre for Astrophysics & Supercomputing.

SAO is separate from Swinburne Online, which is a different education provider and delivery platform.

Is SAO available to students outside Australia?

Yes. SAO is a fully online program designed for students worldwide. Students from many countries, including Australia, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and elsewhere, have completed SAO.

Entry requirements and pathways

Can I enrol without a tertiary qualification?

The SAO postgraduate programs have formal entry requirements that are listed on the individual course pages:

Generally, entry to the Graduate Diploma and Master of Science requires a recognised tertiary qualification in science or a related discipline. Applicants with a Bachelor's degree in another field may apply for entry to the Graduate Certificate and, after successful completion, may progress to the Graduate Diploma or Master of Science.

Some advanced units assume introductory tertiary-level mathematics.

Can I receive credit for prior study or experience?

Possibly. Swinburne University considers applications for credit for prior study or experience on a case-by-case basis.

Credit may be considered for equivalent postgraduate-level study. Undergraduate astronomy units normally cannot be used as credit towards the postgraduate SAO awards.

How SAO works

Are there lectures or on-campus classes?

No. SAO is delivered entirely online. Students interact with instructors and classmates through Swinburne's online learning environment, Canvas, and through online discussion activities.

Discussion activities are asynchronous, allowing students to participate at times that suit their location and schedule.

Do these courses include exams?

No final examinations are required. Assessment is continuous throughout the Study Period and includes activities such as written assignments, online discussions, and computer-managed tests.

How much time does SAO require?

A full-time university workload is normally four units per Study Period. However, many SAO students balance their studies with employment, family commitments, or retirement and choose to study one or two units at a time.

The Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, and Master of Science correspond to approximately four, eight, and twelve units respectively.

What is the maximum time allowed to complete the degrees?

Students may normally complete the programs at a part-time pace. Taking one unit per Study Period is a popular option among SAO students.

Will I need to observe with a telescope?

No. Practical observing is not required. However, students interested in amateur astronomy are encouraged to participate in local astronomy groups and observing activities.

Do I need to buy a telescope?

No. We recommend that beginners gain experience through local astronomy clubs before purchasing equipment. Naked-eye and binocular astronomy can provide an excellent introduction to observing the night sky.

Assessment and study resources

Will I need to be online all the time?

No. Course material is available online, and downloadable resources are available for offline reading. Students need to connect regularly to participate in discussions, submit assessments, and communicate with instructors.

Do I need to buy textbooks?

Recommended textbooks are listed on the SAO textbooks page. They provide useful background reading and reference material.

Are there compulsory units?

The required units depend on the program and the year a student commenced. Current unit requirements are described on the Units of Study page.

Recognition and accreditation

Are these degrees accredited by Swinburne University?

Yes. The Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy), Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy), and Master of Science (Astronomy) are accredited Swinburne University postgraduate qualifications.

The programs are available worldwide through online delivery.

Will these qualifications be recognised by other universities?

The Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, and Master of Science in Astronomy are recognised university qualifications. However, individual universities determine how they recognise previous study when granting entry or credit.

Careers and further study

Will SAO qualify me to become a professional astronomer?

SAO provides a strong foundation in astronomy knowledge, but becoming a professional research astronomer normally requires a PhD.

A typical pathway involves an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (such as physics, mathematics, computing, or engineering), followed by research training through an honours degree or a research-focused master's degree.

The SAO Master of Science is a coursework degree and is designed primarily to provide advanced astronomy knowledge. In exceptional circumstances, graduates may pursue further research training depending on their academic background and research experience.

Does Swinburne offer research degrees in astronomy?

Yes. Swinburne's Centre for Astrophysics & Supercomputing offers higher degrees by research, including PhD opportunities, which are competitive and normally require a strong academic record.

Fees and administration

How much does SAO cost?

Fees are determined by Swinburne University and are updated periodically. Current information is available through the Swinburne fees pages and the SAO How to Apply page.

Can I use FEE-HELP?

Eligible Australian students may be able to access FEE-HELP for postgraduate coursework study.

Can I study SAO full-time?

Students may study full-time or part-time, depending on unit availability and personal circumstances. Many students choose one or two units per Study Period.

Background and support

Am I too old to study SAO?

No. SAO welcomes students of all ages and backgrounds. Many students are mature-age learners who are pursuing a lifelong interest in astronomy.

I am not confident with computers. Will I receive help?

Yes. Students have access to online learning support, and SAO is designed to minimise unnecessary technical complexity.

Will English language proficiency be required?

Yes. As SAO is a university-level program delivered in English, students must satisfy Swinburne's English language requirements. Further information is available here.