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Cultural Astronomy and Astrology (MA)

Different course options

Distance without attendance | University of Wales Trinity Saint David | 4 years | 01-OCT-24

Study mode

Distance without attendance

Duration

4 years

Start date

01-OCT-24

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

MA - Master of Arts

Subject areas

Astronomy Astrology

Course type

Taught

Course Summary

Cultural Astronomy and Astrology (MA) is a unique course which deals with the ways in which human beings attribute meaning to the planets, stars and sky, and construct cosmologies which provide the basis for culture and society.

The course is taught within:

  • The Sophia Centre for the Study of Cosmology in Culture
  • The Institute of Education and the Humanities

Why Cultural Astronomy and Astrology?

We are all creatures of the universe: every atom in our bodies has passed through three stars – we are literally star dust. For thousands of years human beings have speculated about their physical, emotional and psychic connections with the sky, stars and planets, and the results manifest across beliefs and behaviour, from spirituality and the sacred to creativity and the arts, and from politics to architecture.

Cultural Astronomy is the study of the application of beliefs about the stars to all aspects of human culture. It includes the new discipline of archaeoastronomy: the study of astronomical alignments, orientation and symbolism in ancient and modern architecture. Astrology also exists in some form in most cultures. In the MA we examine the relationship between astrological, astronomical and cosmological beliefs and practices, and society, politics, religion and the arts, past and present.

Course Overview

Awards: Flexible Learning

The MA is awarded for completion of six taught modules and a dissertation. Many students wish to study the whole MA. But we have a range of options for those who don’t. For example:

  • Cultural Astronomy and Astrology (Postgraduate Diploma): take six modules
  • Cultural Astronomy and Astrology (Postgraduate Certificate): take three modules
  • Occasional Student: take one or two modules

The Occasional Student option is ideal for students who either have a very specialized interest or wish to test their commitments. Recently Occasional Students have studied just our Introduction module, or the History of Astrology, or Skyscapes, Cosmology and Archaeology. Some students begin with the Certificate and then progress to the Diploma or MA. If you apply for the Certificate or Diploma it is a simple matter to upgrade to the MA on the successful completion of the required modules.

Career Opportunities

Most of our students take the MA as an end in itself because they love the subject. Some go on to study for PhDs, either with us or at other universities.

The relationship between all academic work and non-academic employment is always based on potential employers’ appreciation of the generic skills acquired in MA study. Typically, these include critical thinking, communication skills, time-management and the ability to take on and complete independent projects.

The latter quality is particularly prized by many employers. Some of our graduates stay in education either as research students or as teachers: one graduate is teaching at undergraduate level while another, a school teacher, was awarded a promotion and pay rise on her graduation.

Modules

This module introduces the notion of ‘culture’ and its relationship with astrology, astronomy and culture. We explore the classical origins of the western tradition and consider issues such as fate, myth, divination, magic, ritual and enchantment, and raise questions concerning the place of traditional practices in the modern world, including critiques of astrology.

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

£7,800 fee is for full time students. This fee is guidance for part time students. The mentioned fee is for 23-24 entry. There may be a slight increase in the year 24-25.

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

£10,400 fee is for full time students. This fee is guidance for part time students. The mentioned fee is for 23-24 entry. There may be a slight increase in the year 24-25.

Entry requirements

The normal entry qualification is a good first degree (2:1 or equivalent in UK grading) in an appropriate arts/humanities/social sciences area including History, Cultural Studies, Sociology, Psychology, Theology and/or Religious Studies. If you have a good first degree - a BA or BSc - in another discipline and/or substantial relevant background experience and evidence of relevant study then discuss this with the Programme Director. If you have a 2:2 degree (in UK grading), then we may advise you to apply for the Postgraduate Diploma, and you can then progress to the MA after successful completion of the six taught modules. If you have a degree from outside the UK, which did not use the UK’s grading system, you should contact the Programme Director, Dr Nicholas Campion.