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Courses
Courses
Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
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University Life
University Life
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About University of Galway
About University of Galway
Since 1845, University of Galway has been sharing the highest quality teaching and research with Ireland and the world. Find out what makes our University so special – from our distinguished history to the latest news and campus developments.
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Colleges & Schools
Colleges & Schools
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Research & Innovation
Research & Innovation
University of Galway’s vibrant research community take on some of the most pressing challenges of our times.
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Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at University of Galway
We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at University of Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.
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Alumni & Friends
Alumni & Friends
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At University of Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Accessibility & LanguageEducation
The Centre for Astronomy, as part of the Physics units in the School of Natural Sciences, contributes to the undergraduate degree program in Physics and offers specialized post-graduate programs at the Master and PhD level.
How do I become an astronomer?
We often get asked how one goes about to become an astronomer. If you are still in school, then the most important steps that you can take are to focus on the mathematics and natural science topics. Your higher education journey then begins with an undergraduate degree in general Physics. Uniquely the undergraduate degree at the University of Galway offers already the possibility to specialize in astrophysics. So while your eventual degree will be a general Physics degree, you will have already acquired a lot of specialized knowledge in the physics of stars and planets, observational astronomy and applied optics.
After the undergraduate degree you continue your journey to the stars with a post-graduate degree. You can either start out with a program at the Masters level or, if you have exceptional grades and aptitude, can directly jump to a program at the PhD level. The Center for Astronomy offers both options and we invite you to have a look at our programs.
Undergraduate degree in physics
The University of Galway offers a denominated degree program in physics with various specialization options. You can jump either directly to the description of the physics program or you can read about the specialized modules in astronomy that we offer.
Masters degree program
The Center for Astronomy offers a specialized taught master program in Astronomical Instrumentation and Technology. This program will position you ideally for a future career in astronomical research or in the optics or space technology industry. Why not have a look at the program description.
PhD program
A PhD program sets you on the course of becoming an independent researcher in the field of astronomy. You will be guided by one of the staff members at the Center for Astronomy. If you have completed a undergraduate degree with excellent grades or a Master degree, then this is the place to continue your journey. Have a look at the offered PhD topics and funding opportunities.
