Astronomer

Also called Astrophysicist, astrobiologist, planetary scientist.

Astronomers study the origin and structure of the universe, including its planets, stars, galaxies and black holes.

Potential salary: £31,000 starter to £65,000 experienced per year
Typical hours: 39 to 41 irregular. Working pattern: evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home.
Career area: Science and laboratory work
Where they might work: You could work in an observatory, in a laboratory, at a university or visit sites. Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.
A typical task: collect and analyse data from satellites and spacecraft
Subjects that may help: 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
Typical route: You'll need a degree and postgraduate qualification to work as an astronomer. You'll usually need to have achieved a first class honours or 2:1 in your degree.
Interest area used here: Asking questions and research

Career actions

What you might do

collect and analyse data from satellites and spacecraft
explore space using radio, infrared and optical telescopes
design new satellites and instruments for space exploration
develop software to interpret images and data captured by satellites and telescopes
create computer models to simulate space phenomena
develop theories to explain cosmic processes, like planetary and star formation

More tasks (6)

work with observational data to test, refine and verify predictions
analyse past data to understand how the universe has developed over time
use artificial intelligence systems to sift through large collections of images and data
work closely with space engineers, software developers and data analysts
publish articles on research findings and present them at conferences
examine activity on Earth from space, such as volcanic eruptions, global weather patterns and sea level changes

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

More skills

You'll need a degree and postgraduate qualification to work as an astronomer. You'll usually need to have achieved a first class honours or 2:1 in your degree.
Relevant subjects include:
maths
physics
astrophysics
geophysics
astronomy
space science
You can also do an extended 4-year degree to get a postgraduate master's qualification. These courses include more independent research and can lead on to a PhD.
Many employers will expect you to have completed, or be working towards, a PhD in your specialist area of interest.
You'll usually need:
5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
equivalent entry requirements
student finance for fees and living costs
university courses and entry requirements

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

Astronomy and astrophysics
Direct qualifying route. The closest undergraduate title. A physics degree is also a common route. Postgraduate study is usual for research.
Astrophysics
Common route. Research astronomy usually continues to a doctorate. The degree is the start, not the job.
Physics
Common route. Physics with astrophysics modules, or a later postgraduate degree, is a usual route.

Career progression

You'll usually start as a post-doctoral researcher before moving on to permanent posts that can lead to becoming a university professor.
You can transfer your science skills across lots of careers and sectors, for example:
aerospace research and development
satellite engineering
systems analysis
software engineering
teaching and lecturing
science communication
finance

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study