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Astronomer apprenticeships

Physical scientists > Astronomer

Science and research

Astronomer apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course


    • University

    You'll need a degree and postgraduate qualification to work as an astronomer. Your degree will usually need to be a first or upper second-class. 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.


    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 

    Astronomer apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    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

    Astronomer apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    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 developing theories 
    • analyse data to help build our understanding of events in the universe
    Working environment
    You could work in an observatory, in a laboratory or at a university.

    Career path and progression - Astronomer apprenticeships

    With experience, you could move into related careers like aerospace or satellite research and development. You could also use your skills in systems analysis, software engineering, teaching, scientific journalism or finance.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

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    • Paid Training
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    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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