Courses / GCSE / IGCSE Astronomy

IGCSE Astronomy

Edexcel IGCSE
Our IGCSE Astronomy Course is the perfect introduction to astronomy for stargazers, budding cosmologists and those fascinated with the beauty of space.
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Overview

Studying IGCSE Astronomy will help you cultivate fundamental skills both universities and employers value highly, such as scientific thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to evaluate observations and methodologies.

A qualification in astronomy opens the doors to a diverse range of scientific careers such as becoming a meteorologist, a planetarium director, a science museum curator or even an engineer! It’s the first step into astronomy but a giant leap for your future.

What you will learn

  1. Unit 1 - Essential Maths Skills for Astronomy

    • Decimal arithmetic
    • Standard form arithmetic
    • Ratios, fractions and percentages
    • Logarithms
    • Squares, square roots and cubes
    • Significant figures
    • Arithmetic means
    • Specialist units
    • Light year calculations
    • Probability
    • Order-of-Magnitude calculations
    • Use of symbols
    • Rearranging equations
    • Use of appropriate units
    • Solving equations
    • Graphical and numerical information
    • Plotting variables
    • Slopes and intercepts
    • Angles
    • Degrees, minutes and seconds
    • Subtended angles
    • Right ascension & declination

  2. Unit 2 - Aided and Unaided Observations

    • Observation tasks guide
    • How to observe the night sky
    • Lunar features
    • Meteor shower
    • Lunar or solar eclipse
    • Celestial event
    • Light pollution
    • Sunspots
    • Variable star
    • Stellar density
    • Shadow stick
    • Stellar density
    • Messier objects
    • Sidereal day

  3. Unit 3 - Planet Earth

    • The internal structure of the Earth and Moon
    • The atmosphere
    • Determination of longitude

  4. Unit 4 - The Lunar Disc

    • The Moon’s features
    • Surface features
    • Lunar libration

  5. Unit 5 - The Earth-Moon-Sun System

    • Eclipses
    • Tidal forces
    • Precession
    • Precession of the Earth’s axis
    • Erathosthenes and aristarchus
    • Measuring the Solar System

     

  6. Unit 6 - Time and the Earth-Moon-Sun Cycles

    • Finding your place on Earth
    • The Horological Solution
    • The equation of time (EOT)
    • Timezones
    • Sundials and shadow sticks
    • Phases of the Moon

  7. Unit 7 - Solar System Observation

    • Observing the Sun safely
    • Comets and meteors
    • The movement of planets
    • Scale and size of the Solar System

  8. Unit 8 - Celestial Observation

    • Star maps, charts and planispheres
    • The Celestial Sphere
    • Constellations
    • Asterisms
    • Local sidereal time
    • Celestial coordinates

  9. Unit 9 - Early Models of the Solar System

    • Gravity and the Inverse Square Law
    • Calculating gravity
    • Kepler’s laws

  10. Unit 10 - Exploring the Moon

    • Inside the Moon
    • The far side of the Moon
    • Travelling to the Moon
    • Exploring the Moon

  11. Unit 11 - Solar Astronomy

    • Structure of the Sun
    • Sunspots
    • Solar wind
    • Wavelengths of the Sun
    • Nuclear fusion

  12. Unit 12 - Exploring the Solar System

    • Mercury
    • Venus
    • Earth
    • Mars
    • Jupiter
    • Saturn
    • Uranus
    • Neptune
    • Dwarf Planets
    • Astronomical units
    • Recent space missions
    • Telescopes

  13. Unit 13 - Formation of the Planetary Systems

    • The formation of planetary systems
    • Tidal and gravity factors
    • Building planetary systems
    • Atmospheres
    • Exoplanets
    • Aliens

  14. Unit 14 - Exploring Starlight

    • The fifty brightest stars
    • Classification
    • Stellar spectrum and magnitude
    • Hertzprung-Russell diagram
    • Parsecs and distances
    • Radio astronomy

  15. Unit 15 - Stellar Evolution

    • Labelling stars
    • The Messier Objects
    • Types of stars
    • Gravity and pressure
    • Emission and absorption nebula

  16. Unit 16 - Our Place in the Galaxy

    • The Milky Way
    • Types of galaxies
    • Active galaxies
    • Formation of galaxies

  17. Unit 17 - Cosmology

    • Doppler effect
    • Origins of the Universe
    • Dark Matter

  18. Unit 18 - Preparing for the Exam

    • Practice Paper 1 – Naked Eye Astronomy
    • Practice Paper 2 – Telescopic Astronomy

Awarding Body

Edexcel Logo

Edexcel is the UK’s largest awarding organisation offering academic and vocational qualifications in schools, colleges and workplaces in the UK and abroad. Edexcel is a multinational education and examination body covering A-Level Courses and GCSE Courses.

View our other Edexcel qualifications.

Awarding Body

edexcelEdexcel is the UK’s largest awarding organisation offering academic and vocational qualifications in schools, colleges and workplaces in the UK and abroad. Edexcel is a multinational education and examination body covering A-Level Courses and GCSE Courses.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this home learning course, you will receive an Astronomy IGCSE (1AS0) qualification issued by Edexcel. This syllabus has been specifically chosen because it is best suited to distance learning.

How is this course assessed or examined?

You will be required to complete the two standard IGCSE Astronomy standard written exams:

  • Paper 1: 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of IGCSE, 100 marks.
  • Paper 2: 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of IGCSE, 100 marks.

We provide a guaranteed exam space in one of our exam centres around the country to take away the hassle of needing to find your own.

During your course, you’ll be required to complete various assignments. These do not contribute to your final grade but provide you with an opportunity to submit work to your tutor for marking and feedback. This will help you to monitor your progress and will be used to produce predicted grades (CAGs) if needed.

You’ll also need to complete two observational tasks: one unaided and one with the aid of a telescope. You can use your own telescope if you wish; however, you’ll be given a login for the National Schools’ Observatory, so you can complete your observations via the website.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this level two Astronomy course, but you will need the ability to carry out observations of the night sky. You’ll also need to have a fairly good grasp of maths.

Course code: X815

IGCSE Astronomy

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Contact your exam board to get a replacement or copy of a GCSE exam certificate.

Can I do GCSEs courses online?

Absolutely! With Oxbridge, you can study online and learn from the comfort of your home at a pace that suits you.

How do GCSE grades work?

GCSEs are now graded from 9 to 1, with 9 being the highest and 1 being on the opposite end of the scale. 

Do you have past papers that I can use to practice for my exams?

Yes! We have GCSE and A-Level past papers. Our past papers cover a variety of subjects and awarding bodies. We are adding more papers all the time.

Can I sign up for a Student Beans account and get Student Discounts?

Yes! One of the many benefits of being an Oxbridge student is that you get access to great discounts with a Student Beans account! Eligibility criteria apply and acceptance is made at the discretion of Student Beans. Find out how to sign up.

Exam Results: I need to resit my exams, can I enrol with Oxbridge?

At Oxbridge, we take enrolments all year round. Once you're enrolled, you'll be able to get started right away. Studying online means your work and revision fit around you and your lifestyle. For example, if you have a part-time job or need to study alongside other subjects, you'll be able to find time to fit our online courses into your schedule. Enjoy flexible, convenient, affordable learning, fully supported by expert tutors who are passionate about their subjects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our course tutors and know that they hold the key to success. Whatever your goals, dreams or aspirations, Oxbridge is here to help you facilitate them.

Exam Results: When will I receive my certificate?

Oxbridge students who sat their exams through our partnership exam centres will usually receive their certificates in November. Certificates will be sent out by recorded delivery.
Wondering what to do next? There are so many options available, it's important to get the right advice. Whether your choice is to continue onto further education, go into job training or get an apprenticeship and whether your grades are high or low - there are always options! Speak to an adviser today to see how we can support you on your next steps...

Exam Results: I didn't pass English or Maths, what do I do next?

First of all, don't worry - everything will be okay. Unfortunately, if you didn't get a grade 4 or higher (equivalent to a C or above) in your English and Maths, you will have to re-take it in order to pass. Oxbridge is ready and available to support you with this. Get in touch via live chat, phone or email.

Exam Results: I have individual unit marks, but no overall grade. What should I do?

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Exam Results: I haven't done as well as I expected in my exams. Is there anything I can do?

Yes! There are a number of post-result services available. Your entering centre will be able to provide you with further information and will process any requests for you. If you're not sure where to turn, our friendly learning advisers are on hand and ready to help you.

How do I choose what GCSEs to take?

Selecting GCSEs is a highly personal decision that will be influenced by factors such as your educational and career goals, your skills and strengths, and the subjects you enjoy (or don’t enjoy). To help you decide on the right GCSEs for you and your future, we’ve written a detailed guide on choosing GCSE subjects.

Can GCSEs help you get a place at university?

Gaining GCSEs is the first step toward sitting a uni degree. You’ll need GCSE courses or IGCSE courses to progress to A-level courses, which remain the most prevalent means of accessing higher education. At Oxbridge, we offer both GCSE and IGCSE courses, which are qualifications of equal merit with the added benefit of being internationally recognised. Both GCSEs and IGCSEs can be studied by adults online.

How long does it take to gain a GCSE as an adult?

GCSEs are typically studied across a period of 2 years however, our fast-track GCSE option enables you to complete and qualify for your chosen GCSEs within a year.

Do Universities prefer IGCSEs or GCSEs?

Universities prefer neither iGCSEs or GCSEs. Universities recognise both iGCSEs and GCSEs and treat them equally.

Why study GCSE courses or IGCSE courses with Oxbridge?

When you enrol on a course with us, you’re really enrolling into a partnership. We set up our online learning platform to help people achieve the grades and qualifications they need to realise their aspirations. We do everything we can to help make our students’ dreams come true. Our learning platform is award-winning, and our course content is written by Oxbridge subject experts and delivered by tutors who are just as passionate about their teaching as they are in helping you succeed. On average, by studying Oxbridge online GCSE courses, we find that our students get grades that are 20% higher and pass around 30% quicker than students in traditional colleges. We’d love to help you do the same! If you aren’t sure which course is right for you, speak to one of our learning advisers, they’d be more than happy to help you find the right path.

Why Study GCSE courses or IGCSE courses online?

GCSEs remain a basic requirement for further education and some workplaces, so adding them or an IGCSE equivalent to your CV can be essential for personal success. Studying these GCSE qualifications online has opened up a world of possibilities for people who haven’t been able to learn around their jobs or family commitments before. If traditional education has held you back long enough, take the reins and build a future you’re proud of.

Is IGCSE harder than GCSE?

International General Certificate of Secondary Education courses (ICGSEs) cover some of the same subjects as GCSE’s such as Geography, English Language and the sciences, but they are recognised internationally. The level of difficulty is equal to a GCSE course, and universities view both qualifications as equal.

Can Adults take GCSE Courses?

It’s never too late to gain a GCSE qualification. Oxbridge teach thousands of adult GCSE courses every year. So, whether there’s a specific career you’ve always been interested in but couldn’t pursue because you didn’t have the right qualifications, or you want to take up a college or university course, an online General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) course can help get you there. The same can be said for our adult A-level courses too.

What does GCSE stand for?

GCSE stands for: General Certificate of Secondary Education and IGCSE stands for 'International General Certificate of Secondary Education'. Whatever your aspirations and goals for the future, you’ll most likely need GCSEs to get there. Introduced in 1988, the General Certificate of Secondary Education remains the UK’s primary recognised certificate of foundation-level education and is viewed by employers, colleges and universities as the minimum expected standard for prospective candidates.

What will you learn in this GCSE Astronomy course?

You’ll learn about the major components of our galaxy, from the Earth, moon, and sun, to the surrounding planets, comets and stars. You’ll explore the forces which have shaped our planetary systems, causing day, night and seasonal cycles. You’ll travel in time to understand how stargazers through the centuries have used astrological observations to make sense of our place in the world, before uncovering how current theories for the evolution of our universe may shape humanity’s future.

Why study AQA GCSE Astronomy online?

Completing the GCSE Astronomy online means you get to study in your own time, at your own pace - with the full help and support from Oxbridge of course! With our award-winning learning platform, you’ll explore every known corner of the known universe!

How much do exams cost?

Many of our courses do not require exams however, A-levels, GCSEs and some other courses do require exams to complete the qualification. Exam fees are additional to the cost of the course and prices vary depending on the course and where you sit them - find out more. Planning on studying A-levels or GCSEs with us? We can add your exams during enrolment and blend them into your monthly payment plan if you wish. If you're not ready to book your exam(s) yet, you can book them at a later date - all of the information is available on MyOxbridge under NEAS and Exams.