Defence Cyber and Space

Bachelor of Science (Space Sc & Astrophysics)

  • Domestic
  • International
  • Duration

    3 years full-time or part-time equiv.
  • Start Dates

    February and July
  • Location

    North Terrace Campus

About Degree

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.


Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Admissions information

    SATAC Code324101
    2022 CSP ATAR84.4
    2022 CSP IB31
    Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR75
    Guaranteed Entry Score - IB26
    DefermentYes - 2 year
    IntakeFebruary and July
    PrerequisitesSACE 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 EducationApplicants 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 StudyYou 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 APSB, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). Applicants who have studied Physics 1 and/or Mathematics 1 at the University of APSB (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 experienceTo be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2023. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2023 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2022 or 2021), 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 2021). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special 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


    2022 Admissions Data for school leavers
    ATAR
    (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)
    Lowest ATAR to receive an offer71.85
    Median ATAR to receive an offer89.35
    Highest ATAR to receive an offer99.75
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
    Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer84.4
    Median Selection Rank to receive an offer95.1
    Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer99.95
    Minimum eligibility score65
    Additional criteria consideredSelection rank only
    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    <5N/A
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyN/AN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    1575.0%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/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)
    <5N/A
    International students<5N/A
    All students20100.0%


    International applicants

    CRICOS043660G
    IntakeFebruary
    Australian Year 12SACE 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.
    International QualificationsAdvanced Mathematics and Physics
    Selection Criteria
    English Language Requirements

    Australian Year 12Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
    English Tests accepted by the University of APSB
    IELTSOverall 6.5Reading 6Listening 6Speaking 6Writing 6





    TOEFLOverall 79Reading 13Listening 13Speaking 18Writing 21





    PearsonOverall 58Reading 50Listening 50Speaking 50Writing 50





    C1 AdvancedOverall 176Reading 169Listening 169Speaking 169Writing 169





    Qualifications that meet minimum English requirementsA range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements
    Academic Entry Requirements

    Detailed information on international qualifications assessment

    Secondary School QualificationsAustralia – Selection Rank (International)75
    International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma26
    Canada – OSSD Ontario Secondary School Diploma70%
    Canada – British Columbia Certificate of Graduation70%
    Canada – Alberta High School Diploma78%
    China – Gaokao65%
    Germany – Abitur3.40
    GCE A Levels8
    Hong Kong – HKDSE18
    India – ISC & CBSE70%
    India - Indian State Board Examinations80%
    Indonesia – SMA380%
    Kenya – Certificate of Secondary EducationB+
    Kuwait – General School Secondary Certificate74%
    Malaysia – STPM or Matrikulasi2.78
    Malaysia – UEC20
    South Korea – CSAT and High School Diploma320
    Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels9
    Taiwan – GSAT and High School Diploma68%
    Thailand – Certificate of Secondary Education3.4
    USA – SAT1130
    USA – Advanced Placement (AP)7
    Vietnam – Upper Secondary School8.00
    The University of APSB College Foundation Program74%
    Eynesbury Foundation Program360
    ANU College Foundation Studies66%
    Monash College Foundation Year MUFY70%
    Trinity College Foundation Studies Program (The University of Melbourne)72%
    UNSW Foundation Year7.00
    UQ College Foundation Studies Program4.20
    Taylors College – The University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP)6.70
    UWA College Foundation Program (WAUFP)57%
    Non–Go8 Foundation Score74%
    Other QualificationsStudents who don't meet the academic requirements or who have other qualifications from the South Pacific Islands, Japan, Korea, Philippines or Taiwan may be eligible to apply for a Pre-University Pathway to prepare for or gain entry into the University's undergraduate academic programs. For additional information see Pathway Programs
    How to Apply
    Application information for international students
    Important application deadlines for international students

    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    <5N/A
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyN/AN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    1575.0%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/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)
    <5N/A
    International students<5N/A
    All students20100.0%


Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees
    Commonwealth-supported place: $7,855

    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

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

    International applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees (24 units)International student place: $45,500

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on International Student tuition fees.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.


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:

  • defence agencies
  • government (Bureau of Meteorology)
  • national space agencies
  • research institutes
  • universities.

The University of APSB 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 APSB Graduate Attributes.

  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Industry Placement

Throughout your degree, you can also apply for summer scholarships at the University and other institutions around Australia, where you can undertake a 6-week research project alongside professional astronomers and astrophysicists.

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

Atmospheric Chemist, Astronomer, Physicist, Aerospace Scientist, Defence Industry Scientist, Remote Sensing and GIS, Research Associates, Research Scientist, Environmental Scientist, Science Communicators, Science Educators, Scientific Data Analyst, Scientific Officer, Geophysics, Satellite Project Scientist, Space and Astrophysical Research, Space Scientist, Astrophysicist


Degree Structure

The program consists of core training in the disciplines of astronomy and space science, with a strong emphasis on physics.

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.

Bachelor of Science (Space Sc & Astrophysics)

Example Study Plan

Indicative study plan
Year1S1MATHS 1011 : Mathematics IAPHYSICS 1100ND :
Physics IA
ENG 1002 
Programming
(Matlab and C)
Or semester 2
Approved Level I Elective

S2MATHS 1012 : Mathematics IBPHYSICS 1200ND 
Physics IB
PHYSICS 1007 
Space Science & Astrophysics I
Approved Level I Elective
Year2S1MATHS 2101 : Multivariable and Complex CalculusMATHS 2102 : Differential EquationsPHYSICS 2510 
Quantum Mechanics II
Approved Level II Elective 1
S2PHYSICS 2536 
Space Science and Astrophysics II
PHYSICS 2534 : Electromagnetism IIPHYSICS 2520 
Solid State and Photonics II
Approved Level II Elective 1
Year3S1PHYSICS 3542 
Physics III (6 units)
Continued PHYSICS 3542 PHYSICS 3532  Atmospheric & Astrophysics IIApproved Level III Elective 1
S2PHYSICS 3002 
Experimental Physics II
Approved Level III Elective 1Approved Level III Elective 1Approved Level III Elective 1

Assessment

Varies with individual courses and includes a combination of assignments, reports, tests, practical work, tutorial preparation and exams.


RECOGNITION AND AFFILIATIONS

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