Overview

Astronomy and astrophysics are concerned with the study of the nature and distribution of matter and radiation throughout all time and space in the Universe.

Astronomers have always been keen to harness the latest technological advances in their quest for ever more precise and revealing observations. As a consequence, astronomy in recent years has been one of the most rapidly expanding of all physical sciences and many exciting and unexpected discoveries continue to be made.

Career opportunities

Graduates may follow traditional paths and work either as scientists, technicians, research assistants, engineers, astronomers, patent agents, technical authors, or even managers at an observatory or in an institute.

However, many University of Canterbury Astronomy graduates move into other fields, particularly computing and information technology, management, and science communication or media work. With some additional study, graduates can become meteorologists, geophysicists, material technologists, or medical physicists.

Programme Structure

What you will learn:

Students majoring in Astronomy acquire a wide range of skills, from the use of spectroscopic and photometric detector systems (and the analysis of the data obtained), through electronics and optics, to computer skills for analysis and interpretation of data.
Studying Physics and Astronomy equips graduates with skills in problem solving, abstract thinking, evaluating, communicating, and decision making.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

You can apply for and start this programme anytime.

More details

First day of any month

Language

English

PTE Academic

58

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TOEFL^® IBT

90

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Duolingo English Test

120

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Credits

360 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Christchurch, New Zealand

Disciplines

Astronomy & Space Sciences

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

PTE Academic

58

Schedule a PTE test!

TOEFL^® IBT

90

Schedule TOEFL®

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

Other requirements

General requirements

Enrolment in a PhD requires completion of a research-focused honours or master’s degree, at First or Second Class (Division I) Honours or Distinction level (or equivalent qualifications).

Applicants with qualifications from outside Aotearoa New Zealand must have been granted admission to the University. Our admissions team, in consultation with the host department, look at your qualifications and transcripts to ensure that you have the background required to complete a PhD. It is possible that you may be required to complete preparatory courses prior to or after admission into a PhD programme.

In exceptional circumstances applicants without the typical academic background, but who can demonstrate the ability to pursue a PhD, may be admitted at the discretion of the Dean of Postgraduate Research.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Canterbury and/or in New Zealand, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

43800 NZD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 43800 NZD per year during 36 months.
National

8085 NZD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 8085 NZD per year during 36 months.

domestic: $8,085 - $9,737 (subject dependent) per year

Living costs for Christchurch

1300 - 2000 NZD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Astronomy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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