Astronomers use scientific techniques to study the origin and make-up of stars, planets, galaxies and other celestial bodies, as well as the origin and structure of the Universe in general.
Geophysicists apply physics concepts and techniques to study the gravitational, magnetic and electric fields of the Earth and further our knowledge of both the planet’s interior and surface.
If you like the sound of astronomy and geophysics but you aren’t sure what careers are out there, or what skills you could gain by studying these subjects, have a look at the RAS careers booklet 'Sky High and Down to Earth'.
In the future you might move away from being a professional astronomer or geophysicist, but the training in scientific, mathematical and computing techniques will make a sound foundation for many different jobs, and a solid physics degree can lead to the widest range of career options. Exciting new fields include renewable energy sources and astrobiology.
When you think of space, your first thought might be of NASA, but the UK has the UK Space Agency and is a global leader in the space industry. The number of jobs is growing by 8-10% per year, and it is expected that there will be an additional 100,000 jobs in the space industry by 2030. Already the space industry brings in £14 billion to the UK every year.
Becoming a professional astronomer or geophysicist
Careers advice on joining the community of professional astronomers and geophysicists in the UK is available from various sources, including the RAS, the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the British Geological Society and many physics and astronomy departments in the UK and worldwide.
The academic route
- GCSEs or equivalent in English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, MFL (modern foreign languages), Computer Science, Design and Technology
- A-levels or equivalent in Physics and Maths, also subjects like Further Maths, Chemistry, Geography, Biology, Languages, Computer Science, Design and Technology
- Undergraduate degree in Physics with focus on Astronomy or Geophysics topics, Earth Science, Environmental Geology, Astrophysics, Geology, Geoscience, Space Science, Planetary Science, Engineering etc.
- Masters – either MPhys or MSc
- A PhD in a specialist area
Undergraduate study in astronomy
A degree gained through a course such as physics with astrophysics is, on the one hand, the means to appreciate modern astronomy at a professional level, and on the other hand, the entry qualification, particularly in combination with a course which concentrates on main-stream physics or maths, to the post-graduate level at which professional astronomy begins. And, besides, in the universities the undergraduate teaching and post-graduate research components in a department's activities are interwoven.
Course lists for astronomy and related subjects are available from UCAS.
Pre-university space courses, and other miscellaneous opportunities are listed by UKSEDS.
Postgraduate training
Research councils such as the STFC are often able to fund PhD places, tenable for approximately three years, for study at appropriate universities. Some universities also have grants for study available from sources other than research councils.
Post-doctoral research
Research assistants (sometimes 'research fellows' or 'research associates') in academic research in astronomy are normally post-doctoral (post-doctoral research assistants, PDRAs, analogous with a lecturer). PDRAs assist faculty members in university departments collaboratively to pursue selected programmes of research.
Research councils support these research assistants with grants awarded to the faculty members, and the RAs, who are selected by the university, are employees of the university for a fixed term.
A post-doctoral position in a university or research institution after your PhD. This is typically a short-term position lasting between one and three years, where you carry out research in your chosen area. Most astronomers and geophysicists who go on to permanent positions in academia do two or three post-docs first.
Employment opportunities in universities and institutes as researchers or lecturers
Once you have been a post-doc for some years, you might start to look for a permanent position in a university department, national facility, or government research centre. These positions are quite rare, and many people choose to explore the other possible exciting careers outside of academic research.
Salary:
£14000 as a PhD student (tax free) up to salaries like £75000 as a professor, on average per year, depending on level and experience. If you are in industry, or in careers related to astronomy and geophysics but not in academia, the salaries can vary widely.
Part-time and Distance Learning Astronomy Courses
There are many excellent part-time and distance learning courses in astronomy and geophysics. Some are listed below:
Open University Certificate in Astronomy and Planetary Science
UCL Diploma in Astronomy
Liverpool John Moores University's certificates in astronomy
University of Central Lancashire's certificate and diploma awards in astronomy