What is SAO?

Swinburne Astronomy Online (SAO) is one of the world's longest-running fully online postgraduate astronomy programs. Since 1999, SAO has enabled students from around the world to study astronomy online while earning a postgraduate qualification from Swinburne University of Technology.

SAO explores the fundamental concepts of modern astronomy and astrophysics, from our Solar System to galaxies, cosmology, and the evolution of the Universe. The program is taught by professional astronomers and is designed for science educators, science communicators, professionals working in astronomy-related fields, amateur astronomers, and anyone seeking a rigorous university-level education in astronomy.

Students study entirely online and can balance their studies with work, family, and other commitments. Since its inception, SAO has welcomed students from Australia, North America, Europe, Asia, and many other parts of the world, creating a truly international learning community.

SAO offers a nested suite of postgraduate qualifications:

  • Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy) – 4 units;
  • Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy) – 8 units;
  • Master of Science (Astronomy) – 12 units.

Students may also enrol in individual units of study without committing to a full award program. Full credit is granted for successfully completed units when progressing to a higher qualification.

All SAO qualifications are awarded by Swinburne University of Technology, an Australian public university. Swinburne's CRICOS Provider Code is 00111D and its Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Provider Code is 3059.

SAO is delivered through Swinburne's Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing within the School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies at the University's Hawthorn campus in Melbourne, Australia.

Each unit of study runs for 12 teaching weeks, preceded by an Orientation Week. Information about the available units of study can be found here.


The Advanced Manufacturing and Design Centre (AMDC) at Swinburne University's Hawthorn campus in Melbourne, home of Swinburne Astronomy Online.