Introduction

The RAS has produced notes on studying and working in astronomy and planetary sciences in the UK, including advice on undergraduate study in astronomy, and on becoming a professional astronomer.

This should be read in conjuction with the RAS review careers in astronomy in the UK. 

This site also lists part-time and distance learning astronomy courses.

Opportunities

The RAS has linked up with PostgraduateSearch.com, who maintain a comprehensive and updated list of university postgraduate courses (gathered from UCAS) in astronomy and geophysics. The list of available courses is available here.

The RAS provides an email alert service for jobs in astronomy and geophysics advertised worldwide. The Careers page gives details of how to register and links to other job registers.

You can also find information on scientific salaries in the UK and USA.

Competitions and prizes

The RAS Michael Penston Astronomy Prize is awarded annually for the best UK PhD thesis in astronomy (including astrobiology, astroparticle physics, etc). Sponsored by Wiley-Blackwell.

The RAS Keith Runcorn Prize is awarded annually for the best UK PhD thesis in geophysics, solar-terrestrial physics, and planetary sciences. Sponsored by Wiley-Blackwell.

The annual deadline for thesis prize nominations is 31 January. Click to see a list of previous winners.