University courses

University courses

Search degrees, check A-level, IB Diploma or AP subjects, or follow a pathway from school subjects to a career. None of these tools is an offer of a place.

Explore a pathway

Move between school subjects, a degree and possible work. A link is not an offer and not proof that a degree is enough for a regulated job.

Choose a branch, then a career.

Selected careerAstronomer

GCSE and IGCSE preparation

  • English and mathematics

    Often expected at GCSE or IGCSE. Grade thresholds differ, and International GCSEs are not automatically the same as GCSEs.

  • Sciences

    English and mathematics at GCSE or IGCSE are commonly requested. Science grades matter more for science degrees. No single national grade is stored. International GCSEs are not automatically accepted as GCSEs.

A-level subjects

  • Physics

    Physics and mathematics are the usual requirements.

  • Mathematics

    Physics and mathematics are the usual requirements.

University courses

  • Astronomy and astrophysics

    Direct qualifying route. The closest undergraduate title. A physics degree is also a common route. Postgraduate study is usual for research.

  • Physics

    Another course linked to a related career. Open it to see the route strength.

  • Astrophysics

    Another course linked to a related career. Open it to see the route strength.

  • Atmospheric Science

    Another course linked to a related career. Open it to see the route strength.

Possible careers

  • Astronomer

    Direct qualifying route. The closest undergraduate title. A physics degree is also a common route. Postgraduate study is usual for research.

  • Physicist

    Common route. This is a physics degree with a specialism.

This is a possible educational route, not an offer of a place and not a prediction of a job. Direct, common, alternative and postgraduate routes are not the same thing.