Studying Astrophysics

We offer three degree programs. The first step is a 3-year Bachelor degree (BSc Physics). The BSc is primarily coursework, although students are strongly encouraged to do research, either for credit (such as a Science Research Project, SCIE30001) or during the summer or winter teaching breaks.  The next step is a 2-year Masters degree (MSc Physics), which has 1-year of coursework and a 1-year intensive research project. Finally, there is a PhD program, which is 100% research and takes 3.5-4 years. By the end of your PhD program, we expect that you are an expert who knows more than we do in some area of astrophysics.

Research into open problems in astrophysics, such as “How did the Universe begin?”, “What happens when black holes collide?”, or “How do galaxies form?” lies at the core of the Astrophysics programs, especially at the MSc and PhD levels. You can find information about some of the research projects on offer at this page. This is not an exhaustive list; you can also come up with your own topic if you convince a faculty member that it is interesting.

These three degrees do no need to be taken as a single block. Many of our students decide to get jobs after finishing their Bachelors or Masters degrees, while others begin their studies at another institution and transfer to the University of Melbourne for their Masters or PhD degrees. The skills and training you get by studying physics and astrophysics will stand you in good stead for a wide range of future careers.

Curious about where studying astrophysics can take you? You can browse where our past alumni have ended up on the MsC and PhD alumni pages. Many of our past students have ended up in astronomy; many others have taken the problem-solving skills they have developed during their studies and applied them closer to home – in industry, finance and elsewhere.