Astronomers study the origin and structure of the universe, including its planets, stars, galaxies and black holes.
Working environment
You could work in an observatory, in a laboratory, at a university or visit sites.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.
Working hours
39 to 41 hours irregular
When you could work
evenings / weekends / bank holidays (away from home)
Skills you'll need
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of physics
- analytical thinking skills
- science skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- concentration skills---edit new-new
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to become one
You can get into this job through a university course.
Career path and progression
- You'll usually start as a post-doctoral researcher before moving on to permanent posts that can lead to becoming a professor.
- You can transfer your science skills across lots of careers and sectors, for example:aerospace research and development; satellite research and development; systems analysis; software engineering; teaching and lecturing; science communication; finance