Bachelor in Astronomy: What to Expect


Wednesday, 15 December 2021

Are you interested in pursuing a Bachelor in Astronomy? Here you’ll find what you will learn on an astronomy degree, the jobs this degree leads to, and more useful information.



It’s essential that students conduct an extensive research before choosing a degree, digging deep into what they will learn, the jobs they can expect to pursue with it, the prospects for the future, and other important information. This way, when the time of choosing comes, they can make an informed decision about what their future awaits for them.

Are you interested in the universe, celestial bodies, and understanding how it all works? Then, a degree in astronomy may be one of your top options! Learn more about astronomy degrees here.

What is Astronomy?


Astronomy is the branch of science in charge of studying stars, planets, moons, nebulae, galaxies, comets, and the universe as a whole. Using mathematics, physics, and chemistry, astronomists are responsible for explaining their origins and evolution. 

Relevant phenomena for these professionals include supernova explosions, blazars, pulsars, cosmic microwave background radiation, gamma ray bursts, and quasars. 

Astronomy is one of the oldest natural sciences in the history of the world, since the curiosity to observe and understand the sky could be seen in early civilizations. Babylonians, Greeks, Egyptians, Maya, Chinese, Indians, among other civilizations made methodical observations of the night sky.

The field of astronomy is split into two: Observational Astronomy and Theoretical Astronomy. The former acquires data from observations of astronomical objects, and analyzes it using principles from physics. The latter is focused on developing computer and analytical models to describe astronomical objects and phenomena. 

What to expect from a Bachelor in Astronomy


A bachelor’s degree in Astronomy typically lasts three to four years. They involve a combination of theory and observation. Students will have opportunities to use telescopes and other professional equipment to do observations. 

Astronomy programmes teach students about the nature of celestial objects, about planetary science and astrophysics. Students can expect to find courses in space science, engineering, astrophysics, among others. 

Bachelor’s degree in astronomy programmes provide students with a deep understanding of the natural sciences and the physical processes of the universe. Prospective astronomy students can expect to learn how to use telescopes, catalogues, star charts, computer-based images, among other things. 

If you decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree in astronomy, you will learn through lectures, discussion sessions, practical seminars, and working in observatories. 

Career Opportunities with a Bachelor in Astronomy


Bachelor’s degrees in Astronomy provide students with highly demanded skills and knowledge, which enable them to pursue a wide range of careers within different fields and industries. Their extensive knowledge related to astronomy, physics and mathematics are demanded in many different fields, which makes these professionals highly sought after. 

Among the career opportunities bachelor’s degrees in astronomy graduates can pursue, we can mention:

  • Scientific programmer
  • Telescope operator
  • Research assistant
  • Defense industry team member
  • Industrial researcher

With a master’s degree in astronomy, these professionals can pursue more career paths, including researcher, university professor, planetary scientist or optical engineer.

Do you feel curious about the stars, the planets and everything that goes on outside of the Earth’s atmosphere? A degree in Astronomy is definitely right for you!

If you want to learn out more about this field, click here to find the best programs available on our website.




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