BSc Honours Astronomy and Astrophysics

If you’re passionate about exploring the cosmos with real scientific tools and want to learn from world-renowned researchers, the Honours Bachelor of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Toronto St. George is an outstanding choice. This program is designed to immerse you in hands-on science, advanced research, and the use of state-of-the-art facilities, preparing you for a future in research, technology, or industry.

Experiential learning is a cornerstone of your studies at U of T. You’ll develop practical skills and gain real-world experience through:

• Access to campus telescopes for observational astronomy: With lab courses that include hands-on use of these instruments, especially in your upper years.

• Opportunities to engage in experimental programs: Using telescopes on long-duration stratospheric balloons for cosmological and Galactic research, as well as involvement with major space observatories like Herschel, Planck, and SCUBA2 at JCMT.

• Use of world-class observing facilities: Including the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, James Clerk Maxwell Telescope, Gemini Observatories, and the Atacama Large Millimetre Array, plus future access to the James Webb Space Telescope and the Thirty-Metre Telescope.

• Participation in research and instrumentation projects: Through the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics (instrument development) and the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (theoretical and computational research), giving you exposure to both experimental and computational astrophysics.

• Advanced laboratory courses and electives: In mathematics, physics, and numerical methods, ensuring you gain strong analytical, programming, and problem-solving skills.

• Supervised, forefront research projects in your fourth year: Allowing you to work alongside faculty on topics ranging from star and galaxy formation to cosmology and exoplanets.

• Endowment-supported student travel: For observations and conferences, so you can present your work and connect with the global astronomy community.

• Cross-disciplinary and practical courses: Such as AST301H1 (practical observational astronomy), and opportunities to collaborate with students and researchers in related fields.

• Access to high-performance computing resources: For data analysis and simulations, especially through CITA and SciNet.

• A vibrant academic community: With close ties to leading Canadian and international research initiatives in astronomy and astrophysics.

Graduates of the University of Toronto St. George’s Honours Bachelor of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics are highly employable, moving into roles such as research scientist, data analyst, scientific programmer, educator, and specialist in fields like engineering, information technology, media, consulting, and finance. Many alumni also pursue graduate studies in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or related fields at top institutions in Canada and internationally.

Here’s how U of T specifically supports your future:

• Career Services & Experiential Learning: Students benefit from a wide range of experiential learning opportunities, including the Summer Undergraduate Research Program at the Dunlap Institute, job shadowing programs, and paid on-campus work-study positions. The department encourages participation in research projects, use of cutting-edge astronomical instrumentation, and attendance at departmental colloquia and public lectures hosted by the Dunlap Institute and the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics. These experiences help students clarify career goals, build professional networks, and gain hands-on skills valued by employers and graduate schools.

• Employment Stats & Salary: Within two years of graduation, 89% of Astronomy & Astrophysics graduates who are in the labour market are employed, with a median starting salary of $68,876 CAD per year. Additionally, 66% of graduates pursue further post-secondary studies, underscoring the program’s strong academic foundation and reputation.

• Industry Partnerships & Research: The Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics is internationally recognised for research in solar system dynamics, stellar systems, interstellar medium, galaxies, quasars, cosmology, and general relativity. Students can work with astronomers at the Dunlap Institute, participate in research using campus telescopes, and engage with major research initiatives. The department’s connections with leading research institutes and industry partners provide access to internships, collaborative projects, and advanced training in observational and theoretical astrophysics.

• Accreditation: The Honours Bachelor of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics is fully recognised in Canada and internationally, and fulfils prerequisites for graduate and professional programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

• Graduate Outcomes: Students graduate with advanced analytical, quantitative, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills. The curriculum is designed to provide deep knowledge in astronomy and physics, with flexibility to combine with majors in mathematics, statistics, physics, or computer science. Graduates are prepared for employment in research, education, engineering, IT, media, consulting, finance, and more.

Further Academic Progression: After your Honours BSc in Astronomy and Astrophysics at U of T, you can pursue a master’s in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or related fields, or enter professional programs in education, engineering, or data science. The program’s strong research environment, faculty mentorship, and international reputation support a wide range of academic and professional pathways.