BSc Honours Astronomy and Physics

If you’re excited about exploring the universe through both theoretical and experimental science, the Honours Bachelor of Science in Astronomy and Physics at the University of Toronto St. George is an outstanding choice. This four-year, on-campus program is designed to give you a rigorous foundation in both physics and astronomy, with plenty of opportunities to get hands-on with real research, advanced technology, and global scientific collaborations.

You’ll gain practical skills and experience through:

• Access to campus telescopes and laboratory courses: This lets you conduct real observational astronomy, especially in your upper years.

• Training in advanced laboratory techniques, computational methods, and data analysis: Using industry-standard software and programming languages.

• Opportunities to participate in forefront research projects: Alongside faculty and researchers, including supervised research in your final year, where you can investigate topics like star formation, cosmology, or exoplanets.

• Involvement with leading research institutes on campus, such as the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics (instrument development and observational projects) and the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (theoretical and computational research).

• Use of world-class observing facilities: Including the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, Gemini Observatories, James Clerk Maxwell Telescope, and the Atacama Large Millimetre Array, as well as access to data from space missions like Herschel, Planck, and the James Webb Space Telescope.

• Advanced mathematics and physics courses: These build your analytical, problem-solving, and programming skills—essential for both research and industry careers.

• Opportunities for experiential learning through internships, research placements, and international study: Helping you build professional connections and global experience.

• Access to high-performance computing resources: For simulations and data-intensive projects, especially through the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics and SciNet.

• A vibrant academic community: With close ties to international research initiatives and opportunities to present your work at conferences.

Graduates of the University of Toronto St. George’s Honours Bachelor of Science in Astronomy and Physics are highly employable, moving into roles such as research scientist, data analyst, scientific programmer, educator, and specialist in fields like engineering, information technology, 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: The Astronomy and Physics Specialist program offers rigorous training in both core physics and its application in astronomy, combining lecture courses with practical and laboratory experiences. The program culminates in a supervised research project intended for publication, allowing students to apply their skills in a real research environment and build a strong foundation for graduate study or research careers. Students are encouraged to participate in departmental colloquia and research seminars, and have access to resources and opportunities through the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics and the Dunlap Institute.

• Industry Partnerships & Research: The department is internationally recognized for research in a broad range of areas, including solar system dynamics, stellar systems, galaxies, cosmology, and general relativity. Students can work with faculty on research projects, use advanced astronomical instrumentation, and participate in collaborations with major research institutes and observatories. The program’s strong research culture and connections provide valuable opportunities for internships, networking, and advanced training in both observational and theoretical astrophysics.

• Employment Stats & Salary: While specific salary data for this specialist program is not published, University of Toronto science graduates are in high demand. According to recent outcomes, a high percentage of graduates secure employment or pursue further studies within two years of graduation, with competitive median starting salaries.

• Accreditation: The Honours Bachelor of Science in Astronomy and Physics 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 both astronomy and physics, with flexibility to combine with majors or minors in mathematics, statistics, or computer science. Graduates are prepared for employment in research, education, engineering, IT, consulting, finance, and more.

Further Academic Progression: After your Honours BSc in Astronomy and Physics 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.