Master of Science in Astrophysics

Share
Share

Follow your passion for understanding the Universe with our new, specialised Master of Science in Astrophysics degree.
This two-year program comprises advanced coursework and a research project leading to a major thesis in: observational astronomy, computational astrophysics, experimental physics, computational or theoretical physics.

Future proof your career - graduates with a Master’s degree in astrophysics are skilled in empirical reasoning, computational and theoretical modelling, problem-solving, analytical thinking, information handling, and written and spoken communication. They have advanced knowledge of AI/machine learning, scientific visualisation and big data analytics. These skills are highly sought by employers in a broad range of areas - from fundamental research to the industry sector, and even as far afield as banking, finance and patent law.

Astrophysicists use their knowledge and training in diverse careers including: medical imaging, synchrotron science, design of advanced photonic devices, managing astronomical observatories, climate modelling and meteorology, medical and scientific instrumentation, the energy industry, solar power, industrial product development, science teaching, and science communication.

Our new Master’s degree is delivered by the School of Physics and Astronomy, a world leader in ground-breaking Physics and Astronomy research.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Our graduates find employment in industry, hospitals and scientific organisations; recent examples include: Agilent, Optiscan, the Alfred Hospital, the Australian Synchrotron, the Australian Antarctic Division, CSIRO, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, managing astronomical observatories, the EPA, and many other organisations.

Many of our Master’s graduates proceed to further study, enrolling in a research Doctorate.

Please have a look the Career opportunities related to this course.

COURSE STRUCTURE

The degree offers a wide choice of advanced coursework units and a research project.

Coursework units can be chosen from:

  • Computational astrophysics (compulsory)
  • Exoplanets, stars and stellar processes, high energy astrophysics
  • General relativity and cosmology, advanced observational astronomy
  • Magneto-hydrodynamics I and II
  • Digital image processing, data science
  • Quantum mechanics, Advanced quantum mechanics
  • Quantum fluids and many body theory
  • Quantum field theory I and II, particle physics, classical electrodynamics
  • Quantum information and quantum computing
  • Condensed matter physics I and II, statistical mechanics
  • Advanced statistical mechanics and critical phenomena
  • X-ray optics, atom and quantum optics.

Visit study.monash to discover more about this course, including entry requirements, fees and scholarships.

Visit study.monash

YEAR 1

Semester 1

ASP4020

Astrophysics coursework A (12 points)

ASP4021

Astrophysics coursework B (12 points)


YEAR 1

Semester 2

ASP4000

Astrophysics research project (24 points)


YEAR 2

Semester 1

ASP5020

Advanced astrophysics coursework A (12 points)

ASP5021

Advanced astrophysics coursework B (12 points)


YEAR 2

Semester 2

ASP5000

Advanced astrophysics research project (24 points)


Legend

Part A: Advanced studies
Part B: Research project
Part C: Extended technical studies
Part D: Advanced research project

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Entry level 1:
96 points to complete.

Duration:
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time.

An undergraduate degree (equivalent to an Australian undergraduate degree) with a major in physics or a related discipline with at least a 65% average or qualification/experience that the faculty considers to be equivalent.


Entry level 2:
48 points to complete.

Duration:
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

A four-year Australian honours degree (or equivalent) with a major in physics or a related discipline with at least 65% average or qualification/experience or a satisfactory substitute that the faculty considers to be equivalent.


OTHER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

For a full list of entry requirements into this course visit Study at Monash.