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Astronomer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

An astronomer is someone who studies everything beyond Earth's atmosphere. This includes stars, planets, galaxies, black holes, and the universe as a whole. They use telescopes, both on Earth and in space, to observe these celestial objects and gather data. This data is then analysed using powerful computers and advanced maths to understand how the universe works, how it formed, and how it might change in the future. Astronomers often spend a lot of time doing research, writing papers about their discoveries, and sometimes teaching at universities. Being an astronomer involves a lot of curiosity and problem-solving. You might spend time looking at images from distant galaxies, trying to figure out why a particular star is behaving strangely, or developing new theories about dark matter. It requires a strong understanding of physics and mathematics. Many astronomers also work as part of a team, collaborating with scientists from all over the world to share findings and work on big projects, like designing new space telescopes or planning missions to other planets. It is a career that combines deep thought with exciting discoveries.

Astronomer

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📊 Statistics

Starting Salary

For new astronomers in the UK, a typical starting salary might be around 28,000 to 35,000 pounds per year.

Experienced Salary

With more experience, such as a senior researcher or university lecturer, astronomers can earn between 40,000 to 60,000 pounds per year, and sometimes even more for very senior roles.

Job Opportunities

Astronomy is a very specialised field, so there arent thousands of jobs. Most roles are in universities, research institutes, or government-funded observatories across the UK.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Astrophysicist

An astrophysicist studies the universe, including stars, planets, and galaxies, using physics and maths. They might work in a university or a research centre, using giant telescopes or supercomputers to understand how the universe works.

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Planetarium Presenter

A planetarium presenter shares their love of space with others! They work in places like science museums or observatories, using special projectors to show people what the night sky looks like and teach them about planets and stars.

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Space Engineer

A space engineer helps design, build, and test spacecraft, satellites, and rockets. They could be involved in creating a new telescope to launch into space, or helping to design a rover to explore another planet. This often involves lots of maths and problem-solving.

Start Your Space Journey

Spark Your Curiosity

Begin by exploring your interest in space and science. Read books, watch documentaries, and visit science museums or planetariums.

There are many fantastic resources available for young space enthusiasts. Check out books from your local library about stars, planets, and galaxies. Websites like NASA Kids Club or the European Space Agency (ESA) often have fun activities and information. Visiting a local science centre or planetarium can be a truly inspiring experience, letting you see models of rockets or experience a virtual journey through the cosmos.

Focus on Key Subjects

At school, pay close attention in your Maths, Physics, and Computing lessons. These subjects are really important for understanding space.

Physics will teach you about how things move and interact in the universe, from gravity to light. Maths is the language of science, essential for calculating distances, speeds, and understanding complex theories. Computing skills are becoming more and more vital, as astronomers use powerful computers to analyse vast amounts of data from telescopes and create simulations of space phenomena.

Join Space Clubs

Look for astronomy clubs or science groups at school or in your local area. You might even get to look through a real telescope!

Joining a club is a great way to meet other young people who share your passion for space. You could learn how to identify constellations, observe the Moon and planets, or even attend talks from amateur astronomers. Some clubs organise stargazing events where you can use more powerful telescopes and learn from experienced observers, making the night sky come alive.

Secondary School Foundations

Choose Relevant GCSEs

When you choose your GCSE subjects, make sure to pick Maths, Physics, and potentially Computer Science. These are crucial for a future in astronomy.

Achieving strong grades in these subjects at GCSE level will provide you with the fundamental knowledge needed for further study. Physics will cover topics like forces, energy, and waves, all of which are relevant to astronomical concepts. Maths will develop your problem-solving and analytical skills, which are essential for understanding scientific data. Computer Science can introduce you to programming, a skill increasingly used in scientific research.

Explore Further Learning

Alongside your studies, continue to read widely about astronomy and perhaps even try some basic coding or data analysis activities.

Many online platforms offer free introductory courses to programming languages like Python, which are widely used in scientific computing. You could also explore citizen science projects related to astronomy, where you help real scientists analyse data, for example, classifying galaxies or looking for exoplanets. This hands-on experience can be really rewarding and deepen your understanding.

Work Experience & Internships

If possible, look for opportunities for work experience in a science-related field or even at a university department if they offer programmes for young people.

While direct astronomy work experience might be tricky at this age, any experience in a scientific or research environment will be beneficial. This could involve spending time at a university lab, a technology company, or even a local observatory. It helps you see how scientists work day-to-day and gives you an idea of the research process, which is a big part of an astronomer's job.

University & Beyond

A-Levels for University

For your A-Levels, you'll definitely need to study Maths and Physics. Further Maths is also highly recommended, and Computer Science or Chemistry can be beneficial.

Most UK universities require strong A-Level grades in Maths and Physics for entry onto an Astrophysics or Physics degree, which is the direct route to becoming an astronomer. Further Maths provides a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts that are vital in advanced physics. Good A-Levels open the door to competitive university courses and set you up for success in your degree.

University Degree

Study for an undergraduate degree in Physics or Astrophysics at university. This usually takes three or four years.

A Bachelor's degree (BSc) in Physics with Astronomy, Astrophysics, or just Physics is the standard entry point. During your degree, you'll learn advanced concepts in quantum mechanics, relativity, thermodynamics, and specifically, stellar astrophysics, cosmology, and observational techniques. Many degrees include practical lab work and projects where you'll gain hands-on experience with scientific equipment and data analysis.

Postgraduate Study (PhD)

After your first degree, most astronomers go on to complete a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), which is advanced research study, usually lasting three to four years.

A PhD is almost always required to become a professional astronomer. During your PhD, you will specialise in a particular area of astronomy (e.g., exoplanets, black holes, galaxy formation) and conduct your own original research project under the supervision of an experienced astronomer. This is where you learn how to be an independent researcher, publish your findings, and contribute new knowledge to the field.

Research & Fellowships

After your PhD, you'll typically work as a postdoctoral researcher (often called a 'postdoc') for a few years, carrying out more research projects.

Postdoctoral positions are often fixed-term contracts (1-3 years) where you continue to conduct research, publish papers, and present your work at conferences. This period is crucial for building your research portfolio and making connections within the scientific community. It's a stepping stone towards becoming an independent research astronomer or securing a university faculty position.

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🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Astronomer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

How to become

You can get into this job through a university course.

University

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.

Entry requirements

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

More Information

More Information

Career tips

You can join an amateur astronomy group and attend astronomy summer schools to share your interest in space, make connections and get hands-on observation experience.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in astronomy from the Royal Astronomical Society and SpaceCareers.uk.

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