What Is Astrophysics
Astrophysics is a science that employs the methods and principles of physics in the study of astronomical objects and phenomena.
Entry Requirements To Study Astrophysics In South Africa
Domestic applicants
Admissions information
| SATAC Code | 324101 |
|---|---|
| 2021 CSP ATAR | 77.05 |
| 2021 CSP IB | 27 |
| Guaranteed Entry Score – ATAR | 75 |
| Guaranteed Entry Score – IB | 26 |
| Deferment | Yes – 2 year |
| Intake | February and July |
| Enquiries | Future Students team |
2021 Admissions Data for school leavers
| ATAR (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors) | Lowest ATAR to receive an offer | 67.65 |
|---|---|---|
| Median ATAR to receive an offer | 85.93 | |
| Highest ATAR to receive an offer | 99.15 | |
| Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) | Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer | 77.05 |
| Median Selection Rank to receive an offer | 92.08 | |
| Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer | 99.95 | |
| Minimum eligibility score | 65 |
Selection Criteria
| Recent Secondary Education | Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. |
|---|---|
| Prerequisites | SACE Stage 2: Physics, Mathematical Methods (if studied year 12 prior to 2017, the equivalent subject was called Mathematical Studies) and Specialist Mathematics. IB: Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (HL) and Physics (SL grade 4/HL grade 3). MathTrackX is an online bridging program available as a recognised alternative to Mathematical Methods. |
| Higher Education Study | You must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of Adelaide, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). Applicants who have studied Physics 1 and/or Mathematics 1 at the University of Adelaide (or equivalent) must have achieved at least a credit grade average for these courses. A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You are ranked on the basis of your best GPA. |
| Work and life experience | To be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2022. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2022 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2021 or 2020), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2020). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. |
| Other Entry Pathways |
How to Apply
Student Profile
| Applicant background | Semester one/Full year intake 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of students | Percentage of all students | |
| (A) Higher Education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | N/A | N/A |
| (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study | n/a | N/A |
| (C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | N/A | N/A |
| (D) Recent secondary education: | ||
| Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors) | 27 | 87.1% |
| Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR) | N/A | N/A |
| Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) | <5 | N/A |
| International students | <5 | N/A |
| All students | 31 | 100.0% |
Careers
Career Readiness
You’ll be set to gain employment in space and astrophysical research, physics, and high-tech research and development in:
defence agencies
government (Bureau of Meteorology)
national space agencies
research institutes
universities.
The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.
Graduate Attributes
The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Teamwork and communication skills
Professionalism and leadership readiness
Intercultural and ethical competency
Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
Digital capabilities
Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Industry Placement
Throughout your degree, you can also apply for summer scholarships at the University and other institutions around Australia, where you can undertake a 6-week research project alongside professional astronomers and astrophysicists.
The practical component of the second year subject Space Science and Astrophysics II is all project work. You’ll work in small groups to explore a particular aspect of astrophysics research. Typically that can involve making optical observations with telescopes at the University observatory, or using data from satellite and ground-based observatories to understand the environments around extreme astronomical objects like pulsars and supernovae.
Potential careers
Atmospheric Chemist, Astronomer, Physicist, Aerospace Scientist, Defense Industry Scientist, Remote Sensing and GIS, Research Associates, Research Scientist, Environmental Scientist, Science Communicators, Science Educators, Scientific Data Analyst, Scientific Officer, Geophysics, Satellite Project Scientist, Space and Astrophysical Research, Space Scientist, Astrophysicist
Degree Structure
The program consists of core training in the disciplines of astronomy and space science, with a strong emphasis on physics.
Students are given the flexibility to supplement this core with their choice of other science, geoscience, and mathematically based work. They will have direct exposure to professionals in the fields of space science and astrophysics, which enables them to form professional mentoring relationships.
There are also opportunities to take part in project work with established scientists in the field and a six-week summer scholarship at the University or other institutions around Australia.
Academic Program Rules
The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University’s academic program rules. Bachelor of Science (Space Sc & Astrophysics)
Example Study Plan
| Year1 | S1 | MATHS 1011: Mathematics IA | PHYSICS 1100ND: Physics IA | Approved Level I Elective 1 x 3 units | COMP SCI 1101 Introduction to Programming* OR ENG 1002 Programming (Matlab and C)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S2 | MATHS 1012: Mathematics IB | PHYSICS 1200ND: Physics IB | PHYSICS 1007: Space Science and Astrophysics I | COMP SCI 1101 Introduction to Programming* OR ENG 1002 Programming (Matlab and C)* OR | |
| Year2 | S1 | MATHS 2101: Multivariable and Complex Calculus | MATHS 2102: Differential Equations | PHYSICS 2510: Physics IIA | Approved Level II Elective 1 x 3 units |
| S2 | PHYSICS 2520: Physics IIB | PHYSICS 2534: Electromagnetism II | PHYSICS 2536: Space Science and Astrophysics II | Approved Level II Elective 1 x 3 units | |
| Year 3 | S1 | PHYSICS 3532: Atmospheric and Astrophysics III | PHYSICS 3542: Physics III | Approved Level III Elective 1 x 3 units | |
| S2 | PHYSICS 3002: Experimental Physics III | Approved Level III Elective 2 x 3 units OR Approved Level III Elective 1 x 6 units | Approved Level III Elective 1 x 3 units | ||
*one of these courses must be completed
Assessment
Varies with individual courses and includes a combination of assignments, reports, tests, practical work, tutorial preparation and exams.
Schools Offering Astrophysics In South Africa
The National Astronomy and Space Science Programme. (run by a consortium of institutions)
University of Cape Town.
University of the Free State.
University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.
University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.
North-West University.
Rhodes University.
University of South Africa.
What qualifications do you need to study astrophysics in South Africa ?
You would need a degree in astronomy or astrophysics. For entry, you generally need 4-5 Highers including Maths, Physics and usually another science subject. You then need to do specialist postgraduate study, usually a PhD, to get a post as a professional research astronomer.
How do I become an astrophysicist in South Africa?
Degree: BSc in physics, mathematics or engineering, or a specific undergraduate astronomy degree. Other recommended subjects at university: pure and applied mathematics, computer science, statistics, electronics and chemistry. Undergraduate astronomy courses are offered at several universities.
Which university is best for astrophysics in South Africa?
Best Global Universities for Space Science in South Africa
University of KwaZulu Natal.
University of the Western Cape.
Rhodes University.
University of Cape Town.
How many years does it take to study astrophysics in South Africa ?
programme takes about four years to complete. Opportunities for Astronomy & Astrophysics study are available in the universities and autonomous research institutions.
Can you study astrophysics in South Africa?
Postgraduate Study
The National Astrophysics & Space Science Programme (NASSP) is a cooperative, combined graduate programme launched by the South African astronomical community and a number of South African universities. It also offers Honours and Masters programmes in astronomy / astrophysics and space science
Is astrophysics a good career in South Africa ?
As Natalie said, a PhD in Astronomy or Astrophysics open up several lucrative career opportunities. You could become a university professor, a full-time researcher at an observatory, scientific journalist, aerospace engineer or data scientist at an institute.
Which university offers astronomy in South Africa?
Astronomy and Astrophysics – Wits University.
Can astrophysicist become astronaut in South Africa ?
Astrophysicists have a high chance of becoming astronauts. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science, or mathematics. At least 1,000 hours pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft. Astrophysicists have a high chance of becoming astronauts.