About the course

The Department of Astronomy offers an undergraduate major and minor in Astrophysics. This program prepares students for astrophysics graduate work or other advanced degrees in related science and engineering fields. It also prepares students for careers in teaching or for working in data science, the tech industry, and other technical fields.Astrophysics is the branch of astronomy that deals with the physics of the universe, including the physical properties (luminosity, density, temperature, and chemical composition) and interactions of celestial objects such as stars, galaxies, and the interstellar medium.

　　Berkeley’s Department of Astronomy offers a wealth of instruction in a wide variety of fields, including theoretical and observational astrophysics, high-energy astrophysics and cosmology, and spectroscopy. Berkeley students also gain access to the world-class research and teaching occurring across campus, including the Space Science Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. Add to that the many instruments available to students, including two 10-meter telescopes at the Keck Observatory on Mauna Kea in Hawaii, 30-inch, 40-inch and 120-inch telescopes at Lick Observatory, a 16-element millimeter-wave interferometer in Southern California, the PAPER Array in South Africa, and a 30-inch telescope at Leuschner Observatory (near campus). The undergraduate Astrophysics degree program is offered through the College of Letters Science.

　　Potential Careers:

　　Academia

　　Astrophysics graduate work

　　Astronomical research enterprises

　　Industry (including computer software, high-technology, telecommunications, and aerospace companies)

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Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 8 Semester(s)Fees: Not available

Intake	Location
Spring (January), 2024	Berkeley
Fall (August), 2024	Berkeley
Spring (January), 2025	Berkeley
Fall (August), 2025	Berkeley
Spring (January), 2026	Berkeley

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for University of California - Berkeley

Students should have all transcripts (academic records) from all schools they have attended since the ninth grade. The courses/grades entered must match exactly the official academic record. Record all courses and marks/grades earned exactly as reported by the international school — whether as numbers, letters, percentages or words.California applicants must earn at least a 3.0 GPA and nonresidents must earn a minimum 3.4 GPA in all A-G or college-preparatory courses to meet this requirement. Students who apply to Berkeley should meet the following minimum requirements Meet the A-G subject course requirements, 3.4 GPA for non-residents, Take either the SAT reasoning exam or the ACT exam. If you’ve completed all your secondary school/high school in a country where English is not the language of instruction, you can demonstrate proficiency by taking one of these exams and earning the required scores: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination: Internet-based test (iBT): Minimum score of 80 or better, Paper-based test (completed prior to Oct. 2017): Minimum score of 550 or better , International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination (academic modules): Accepted with a 6.5 or better band score (academic modules)

　　

English language requirements

　　6.5

　　Overall IELTS band score

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　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 80.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomesIf you aren’t eligible for the above entry requirements, you might want to explore pathway options at University of California - Berkeley. If you want to find out more, please speak to our counsellors.

　　Pathway options to study at this institution

　　

Reviews and rankings

World ranking

　　9th / 1250

　　THE World ranking

　　

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