Bachelor of Science (Space Sc & Astrophysics)
The final frontier
Want to delve into the depths of our solar system? Explore the universe’s most distant galaxies?
This is the number one degree in South Australia for Astronomical and Space Sciences research.* You will have access to world-leading researchers, including Nobel Prize winners and the recipient of the 2020 Prime Minister's Award for Science.
What will you do?
Our Bachelor of Science (Space Science and Astrophysics) places a strong emphasis on maths and physics. You will:
- work with, and learn from international researchers whose ground-breaking and award-winning discoveries are changing the way we understand our universe
- develop problem-solving skills critical to modern careers in physics, high-tech and space industries, and big data science
- have the opportunity to take part in project work with established scientists
- discover the fundamental processes which define our universe and our planet
- unravel the mysteries of space through core training in astronomy and space science
- supplement learning with other science, geoscience, and maths programs.
You’ll also have opportunities to take part in project work with established scientists.
Where could it take you?
You might research star formation with a national space agency or be a planetarium director. You could forecast geomagnetic storms at the Bureau of Meteorology. Perhaps you’ll work in an observatory, publish a book or host the next award-winning space documentary.
*2018 Excellence in Research for Australia
Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
This degree gives you the opportunity to be part of our new The Academy by Deloitte You’ll be part of a supportive student cohort that learns from one another and industry leaders. Formal and informal experiences will allow you to build relationships within the Deloitte network.
**Best Global Universities Rankings, 2023
^Australian Space Agency, 2021
Entry Requirements
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions
information for this program.
I am a:
Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.
Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.
Domestic applicants
| SATAC Code | 324101 |
|---|---|
| 2024 CSP ATAR | 75 |
| 2024 CSP IB | 27.5 |
| Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR | 75 |
| Guaranteed Entry Score - IB | 27.5 |
| Deferment | Yes - 2 year |
| Intake | February and July |
| Prerequisites | SACE Stage 2: Physics, Mathematical Methods (if studied year 12 prior to 2017, the equivalent subject was called Mathematical Studies) and Specialist Mathematics. IB: Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (HL) and Physics (SL grade 4/HL grade 3). MathTrackX is an online bridging program available as a recognised alternative to Mathematical Methods. |
Selection Criteria
| Recent Secondary Education | Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. |
|---|---|
| Higher Education Study | You must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of Adelaide, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). Applicants who have studied Physics 1 and/or Mathematics 1 at the University of Adelaide (or equivalent) must have achieved at least a credit grade average for these courses. A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You are ranked on the basis of your best GPA. |
| Work and life experience | To be eligible to sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2025. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2025 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2024 or 2023), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2023). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. |
| Other Entry Pathways | |
2024 Admissions Data for school leavers
| ATAR (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors) |
Lowest ATAR to receive an offer | 70.05 |
|---|---|---|
| Median ATAR to receive an offer | 92.1 | |
| Highest ATAR to receive an offer | 99.35 | |
| Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer | 76.55 |
| Median Selection Rank to receive an offer | 95.85 | |
| Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer | 99.95 | |
| Minimum eligibility score | 65 | |
| Additional criteria considered | Selection rank only | |
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Admissions Transparency Data
Student Profile
Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2024 Number of students Percentage of all students (A) Higher Education study
(includes a bridging or enabling course)<5 N/A (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study n/a N/A (C) Work and life experience
(admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)N/A N/A (D) Recent secondary education: - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
14 82.4% - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
N/A N/A - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
N/A N/A International students <5 N/A All students 17 100.0% - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
Ready to Apply?
Find out more about the application process and start your studies at the University of Adelaide.
Be sure to check the critical dates to avoid missing application deadlines.
ApplyFees and Scholarships
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
I am a:
Domestic applicants
| Indicative annual tuition fees |
Commonwealth-supported place: $8,950
|
Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.
More information on Student Contribution Amounts.
Scholarships
Scholarships are not only for high achievers—they are also available to provide students with an equal opportunity to study at university, no matter where they live or what their financial situation might be.
Scholarships are available to both new and continuing students. We encourage students to apply for any scholarships for which they may be eligible.
To browse scholarships offered by the University, visit: University Scholarships
To explore scholarships offered by organisations external to the University, visit: External Scholarships
Careers
Career Readiness
Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.
You’ll be set to gain employment in space and astrophysical research, physics, and high-tech research and development in:
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defence agencies
-
government (Bureau of Meteorology)
-
national space agencies
-
research institutes
-
universities.
The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.
Graduate Attributes
The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.- Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
- Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
- Teamwork and communication skills
- Professionalism and leadership readiness
- Intercultural and ethical competency
- Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
- Digital capabilities
- Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Industry Placement
The practical component of the second year subject Space Science and Astrophysics II is all project work. You’ll work in small groups to explore a particular aspect of astrophysics research. Typically that can involve making optical observations with telescopes at the University observatory, or using data from satellite and ground-based observatories to understand the environments around extreme astronomical objects like pulsars and supernovae.
Potential careers
Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:
Atmospheric Chemist; Astronomer; Physicist; Aerospace Scientist; Defence Industry Scientist; Remote Sensing and GIS; Research Associates; Research Scientist; Environmental Scientist; Science Communicators ...
Degree Structure
Students are given the flexibility to supplement this core with their choice of other science, geoscience, and mathematically based work. They will have direct exposure to professionals in the fields of space science and astrophysics, which enables them to form professional mentoring relationships.
There are also opportunities to take part in project work with established scientists in the field and a six-week summer scholarship at the University or other institutions around Australia.
Academic Program Rules
The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.
Example Study Plan
| Year1 | S1 | MATHS 1011: Mathematics IA | PHYSICS 1100ND: Physics IA |
ENG 1002 |
PHYSICS 1007 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S2 | MATHS 1012: Mathematics IB | PHYSICS 1200ND Physics IB |
Approved Level I Elective | Approved Level I Elective | |
| Year2 | S1 | MATHS 2101: Multivariable and Complex Calculus | MATHS 2102: Differential Equations | PHYSICS 2510 Quantum Mechanics II |
Approved Level II Elective 1 |
| S2 | PHYSICS 2536 Space Science and Astrophysics II |
PHYSICS 2534: Electromagnetism II | PHYSICS 2520 Solid State and Photonics II |
Approved Level II Elective 1 | |
| Year3 | S1 | PHYSICS 3542 Physics III (6 units) |
Continued PHYSICS 3542 | PHYSICS 3532 Atmospheric & Astrophysics II | Approved Level III Elective 1 |
| S2 | PHYSICS 3002 Experimental Physics II |
Approved Level III Elective 1 | Approved Level III Elective 1 | Approved Level III Elective 1 | |
Assessment
Varies with individual courses and includes a combination of assignments, reports, tests, practical work, tutorial preparation and exams.
Related Degrees
Testimonial
Astrophysics is awesome! The space science and astrophysics degree opened up many opportunities. I was able to work on IceCube for my PhD, make a trip to the South Pole.
The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
Last updated: Thursday, 12 Sep 2024
