You'll need a degree and postgraduate qualification to work as an astronomer. You'll usually need to have achieved a first or a 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 qualification like a master of physics. These courses include more independent research and can lead directly onto 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

You'll need:

• maths knowledge
• knowledge of physics
• analytical thinking skills
• science skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• concentration skills
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Your day to day duties will depend on your area of expertise.

In observational astronomy, you could:

• collect and analyse data from satellites and spacecraft
• explore space using radio and optical telescopes
• design new instruments and maintain existing equipment
• develop software to interpret images and data captured by satellites

In theoretical astronomy, you could:

• create computer models to test theories about space activities
• analyse the results of past observations to make new predictions
• make observations and develop theories
• analyse data to help build our understanding of events in the universe

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.