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Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy) 

S058

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Study Level

Duration

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Online

Online

Postgraduate

1 year full-time or 2 years part-time

Feb, Aug

The Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy) comprises eight units of study which are completed online and which cover the fundamental concepts and ‘big questions’ of modern astronomy.

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The Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy) is part of a nested suite of programs which includes the Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy) and Master of Science (Astronomy) with different entry points depending upon previous academic studies and work experience.
 
This program aims to equip students with a good overall understanding and general knowledge about modern astronomy, rather than training as a professional astronomer. The intention of the graduate diploma program is to provide scope for more specialist study in astronomy, plus opportunities for major project work, while still maintaining an emphasis on learning about the fundamental concepts and ‘big questions’ of modern astronomy.


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The Graduate Diploma requires the completion of eight units of study for a total of 100 credit points. Students must complete three core units as part of the program requirements.

As the course is offered in a fully online mode, there are no traditional formal contact hours involving lectures, tutorials, laboratories etc. However, students will be required to work through the course material (supplied on CD-ROM or via the internet), undertake required readings from textbooks and the internet, contribute regularly to assessable asynchronous newsgroup discussions, as well as undertake assignments and project work. The equivalent student contact hours for each unit of study is five hours per week during academic semesters.

After successful completion of the Graduate Diploma units, students may exit with the Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy), or progress to the Master of Science (Astronomy).


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Choose eight units of study from the following:
Semester 1
HET602 Exploring the Solar System(core)    
HET603 Exploring Stars and the Milky Way (core)
HET607 History of Astronomy
HET616 Great Debates in Astronomy (next offered in 2013)
HET620 Planetary Science  (not offered in 2013, offered in semester 1in 2014)

Note:  
* All Major Project units have prerequisites
** HET 619 is available only for approved project proposals, where approval is decided on a case by case basis by the program coordinator.
  • Not all of the above units of study will be offered every semester and some are offered in alternate years. Refer to: http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/sao/prospective/units.xml
  • Electives will usually be offered subject to satisfactory enrolment numbers
  • Students should contact the Faculty Administration Office to obtain further information about unit offering 


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This program is available to students who have a recognised tertiary qualification (or approved equivalent). Applicants not holding a relevant tertiary qualification, but with substantial relevant experience may be admitted to the Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy) and can transfer to the Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy) upon obtaining at least a credit average in the Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy), subject to the approval of the Program Coordinator. Students who have successfully completed the Graduate Diploma of Science (Astronomy) may apply to progress to the Master of Science (Astronomy).

Students are expected to be computer literate and to have Internet access outside of Swinburne.


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Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this program may be granted ‘credit’ and/or entry into the program with ‘advanced standing’. University policies apply and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. For further information refer to ‘Swinburne Pathways: Credit Transfer Guide’ at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/marketing/pathways// 


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Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training.

Further details for students considering Higher Education courses: http://www.swin.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/files/stuinf.htm


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The indicative course tuition fee is $12,800 for 2012, based on one year full time load (or 1 EFTSL). The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.

The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a suite of income-contingent loans for Australian citizens and holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas. FEE-HELP is available to eligible fee-paying undergraduate and postgraduate students. It provides students with a loan to cover their tuition fees (lifetime maximum $85,062 from 1 January 2010). The FEE-HELP limit is indexed on 1 January each year.

Note: New Zealand citizens and holders of other Australian permanent resident visas do not have access to HELP loans. These students must pay their student contributions or tuition fees up front without a discount.

For further information on your support and study options visit the 'Going to Uni' website at: http://www.goingtouni.gov.au

For information about Swinburne's fees visit: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/fees 


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Application forms can be downloaded from the website at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/postgrad/apply/


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Web: Enquire online

Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794)
 


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