Introduction
The Certificate of Higher Education in Astronomy (Cert HE) is a part-time distance learning course designed for people who have a desire to acquire knowledge and understanding of astronomical concepts. There is a range of modules to show how astronomical science has developed and how it relates to other subjects. The course covers theoretical, observational, historical and IT based aspects and provides a strong foundation that may be used to develop your understanding to a more advanced academic level. The course is suitable for life-long learners who are keen to further their academic development by studying a number of astronomy related topics at first year degree level.
The Cert HE encompasses many of the University Certificates. Students are expected to achieve a quantitative understanding of the concepts, which may involve the use of equations, and demonstrate that they have the ability to integrate skills across the individual modules composing the Cert HE. You do not need to have your own telescope to complete the Cert HE in Astronomy.
Duration
This course runs from October to May following the normal academic year for campus-based students.
The course will normally take between 4 and 6 years to complete, with a minimum duration of 2 years and a maximum duration of normally no more than 8 years.
Study Mode
Part-time by distance learning only
Learning materials are availabel on-line via the the Course Website, which provides a noticeboard and web-based discussion groups where students can interact with one another and with staff. Tutorial support is available by email, web-based discussion or telephone. The university library's Distance Learning Service is available to students enrolled on this course.
Students are recommended to have access to a PC with internet connections to obtain maximum benefit from the course. Paper copies of learning materials are available on request for students without suitable access to a PC with printing facilities.
This course consists of six standard University modules (200 hours of study per module). For each standard module students should expect to devote 4 - 5 hours per week averaged over the duration of the course. Students are recommended to undertake one or two modules per year, depending on their other commitments.
Some of the modules have optional residential weekends at the University’s Alston Observatory and discussion sessions are a major element of the weekend course.
Admissions Criteria
The course is designed to allow non-specialists with a minimum level of academic qualifications access to astronomical concepts and techniques. Candidates who can demonstrate that they have a strong interest in the subject and who will benefit in terms of their personal development and enjoyment will be given preference. Entry to the Cert HE will be via the successful completion of at least two University Certificates, one of which being the University Certificate in Astronomy (or equivalent). Applicants for the Certificate in Higher Education in Astronomy will therefore normally have GCSE grade C in Mathematics and English or equivalent, as required for the individual certificates.
Applicants with other qualifications or seeking to obtain accreditation for prior learning (APL) should contact the Course Leader for advice.
Students may study up to four modules as certificates before having to decide to use them as part of their Cert HE programme. Applicants in this position should contact the Course Leader for advice.
Course Content
The Certificate of Higher Education in Astronomy consists of six standard university modules at Level 1, each worth 20 national credits. Most UK universities assume that one year of full-time study is equivalent to 120 national credits. The content for the individual modules is described in the separate factsheets. You may choose 6 modules from the following:
AA1051 Introduction to Astronomy (or its equivalent) is a core component.
The Department is continuously adding to its portfolio of distance learning courses eligible for inclusion in the Cert HE. There is also the opportunity to study modules from our partner institutions, which can be accredited to the Cert HE programme through Accreditation by Prior Learning (APL). Please contact the Department for details.
The level 1 modules currently available at our partner institutions:
Liverpool JMU
and Jodrell Bank Observatory
are listed on the joint website www.astronomy.ac.uk.
Optional Weekend Courses
Some of the modules also include optional weekend courses normally held at our Alston Observatory near Preston. Cert HE students are encouraged to attend. The weekends include tutorial sessions based on the weekend learning materials, practical work and observing sessions (weather permitting). The cost of these weekends is additional to the course fee.
Assessment
Assessments for each module are submitted normally by post according to a Course Schedule. Details of the assessment structure vary from module to module, so you should consult the appropriate factsheet for details.
Under exceptional circumstances students may be asked to take an oral examination to explain the content of their submitted course work.
Further Study
The Department offers Level 1 University Certificate courses in related topics which are structured in a similar way. These courses can be studied separately or combined to obtain a Certificate of Higher Education in Astronomy. Please see the relevant factsheets for these courses.
Students who successfully complete the University Certificate in Astronomy can progress to the University Advanced Certificates (at Level 2). See separate factsheet for details of the Diploma of Higher Education in Astronomy and BSc (Hons) in Astronomy.
In addition, there is a progression route from the University Certificate in Astronomy to other courses leading to degree programmes in astronomy and astrophysics on-campus at the University of Central Lancashire. For details of entrance requirements to degree programmes, please contact the Programme Administrator at the address below.
International Students
International Students are welcome to apply but should note that the course is only available in the English language.
Fees
The tuition fee for each of the six modules of the Cert HE is payable in the academic year in which the student registers for that module.
The tuition fee for a standard module of 20 national credits is set each year. For guidance, in the year 2008/2009 the fees per standard module for private individuals are:-
| Living in the UK | £210 |
| EU excluding the UK | £250 |
| Outside the EU or UK | £350 |
| (approximately US$600 depending on the exchange rate) |
There is no tuition fee for the optional weekend courses at the Observatory, but there is a charge of about £85 (2008/2009) to cover the cost of weekend learning materials, meals and local transport.
Application Procedure and Further Information
For further information and on-line application form visit the www.StudyAstronomy.com website.
Alternatively, contact the Programme Administrator at the following address:
The Programme Administrator
Study Astronomy
School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences
University of Central Lancashire
Preston PR1 2HE
UKTel: +44 (0) 1772 893541 (direct line)
Fax: +44 (0) 1772 892996
Email: ucastro@uclan.ac.ukWebsite: www.StudyAstronomy.com
(This information is correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change.)
Last Updated: 04 February 2008 bjmh