UWTSD Home-Study With Us-Postgraduate Courses- Cultural Astronomy and Astrology (MA)
Cultural Astronomy and Astrology (MA) is a unique course that deals with the ways in which human beings attribute meaning to the planets, stars and sky, and construct cosmologies that provide the basis for culture and society.
The course is taught within:
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 stardust.
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 and Astrology (MA) is the only academic degree in the world to examine our relationship with the cosmos.
The programme draws on different disciplines from the Humanities in order to gain as full a view as possible of the entire subject. Through history, we look to the past, and through anthropology, we study the present. We also draw on archaeology, sociology, philosophy and the study of religions.
The words astronomy and astrology have distinct meanings in the modern world:
- Astronomyis the scientific study of the physical universe.
- Astrologyis the practice of relating heavenly bodies to lives and events on earth.
The split between astronomy and astrology is a feature of modern western thought.
Cultural Astronomyis the study of the application of beliefs about the stars to all aspects of human culture.
It includes the new discipline of archaeoastronomy: studying astronomical alignments, orientation and symbolism in ancient and modern architecture. Astrology also exists in some form in most cultures.
马在我们检查astr之间的关系ological, astronomical and cosmological beliefs and practices, and society, politics, religion and the arts, past and present.
The topics we study range across time and culture. If you study with us, you will examine:
- The cultural consequences and expressions of astronomy, astrology and cosmology
- Collect data on what people believe about the stars right now
- Explore the history of astrology
- Examine the use of the sky, stars and planets in religion
- Investigate ideas about the relationship between soul, psyche and psychology and the cosmos
- Research ancient practices of magic and divination
- Keep a journal of your own sky observations.
- Look at how the sky and stars are represented in the arts, literature and film.
- Learn how to measure and interpret celestial alignments at archaeological sites
You will be awarded the MA on successfully completing a 15,000 word dissertation based on a supervised research project.
We offer flexible levels of study and students who don’t wish to take the whole MA programme may take one module as an Occasional Students, two modules for a Postgraduate Certificate, or four for a Postgraduate Diploma.
See below for full module descriptions and examples of reading essay titles. For an Information Handbook with further information and suggested advance reading, email Dr Nicholas Campion,n.campion@www.guaguababy.com
You can apply directly to the University using theApply Nowbutton at the top of the page.
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Tuition Fees 2023/24:
Home:£7,800
Tuition Fees 2022/23:
Overseas (distance/online):£10,000
Fees are for the whole course.
Why choose this course?
The course, quite simply, is unique. It is the only accredited university degree in the world to explore the human relationship with the sky through history and culture. We cover a wide range of material, from the ancient world to the present, and across cultures, and give students the chance to undertake individual research projects.
All our teaching staff are experts in their fields, have PhDs or other postgraduate qualifications in the field.
And as a successful graduate you will have:
- Gained an understanding of the role of astronomy, astrology and cosmology in society, through history and in a range of cultures.
- Acquired skills in qualitative research.
- Developed skills in critical thinking and the ability to develop evidence-based arguments in the subject area.
- Obtained a qualification which stands as a worldwide mark of quality.
- Learned how to communicate with academics in different disciplines.
Please visit ourFrequently Asked Questions pagefor further information.
What you will learn
Awards: Flexible Learning
的马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:
- Postgraduate Diploma: take four modules
- Postgraduate Certificate: take two modules
- Occasional Student: take one module
You can begin with the Certificate or Diploma and upgrade to the MA.
Should I study full-time or part-time?
这是一个个人的主观判断。我们发现that part-time students have more time to enjoy their studies and may have a richer experience, while full-time students feel that their period on the MA was rushed. In addition, if you have extensive family commitments, or are working to support yourself, or do not have the recent academic experience, you would, in any case, always be recommended to study part-time. If you wish to study full-time you should make sure that your personal and professional commitments for the period of study are at a minimum.
Students from other MAs
学生在大学可以从其他一些MAstake some Cultural Astronomy and Astrology modules towards their own qualifications. These include Ancient Religion, the Study of Religions, Engaged Anthropology, and Ecology and Spirituality. If you are interested you should consult your Programme Director.
Teaching Online
Most of our course material is on the web and we teach using webinars – live video-conferencing sessions, and all seminars are recorded.
Publication
The best student work is published in Spica, ourpostgraduate journal.
Flexible Qualifications and Learning
You can sign up for the whole MA, or just commit to a Postgraduate Certificate (two modules) or Postgraduate Diploma (three modules) and then upgrade to the MA. You can also take one or two modules as an Occasional Student. Please see under Course Overview for periods of study and advice concerning full-time and part-time study.
Pursue Independent Research
We encourage students to explore their own interests within the scope of the MA. Some of our modules offer the chance to pursue a research project, and the 15,000 word dissertation is based on personal research, worked out and conducted under the direction of our expert staff.
An International Community: the Cloud Campus
Our students live in every continent and, by joining us, you join a world-wide community of scholars. Teaching online means that we form an international community connected online. The University has four campuses and a number of affiliated Colleges. We call our campus, the ‘Cloud Campus’.
Get Together in the UK
We also hold an annual summer school. We combine staff lectures with classes and a chance for students to present their work and an excursion. It’s a chance to work, study and socialise. You will see photos of our 2013 summer school on ourflickr page.
As a student on the Cultural Astronomy and Astrology (MA) programme you will:
- Study for an accredited and internationally recognised Master’s degree.
- Be part of one of the UK’s most prestigious universities.
- Have the chance to work from home with no requirement to visit the UK.
- Have access to thousands of online academic papers and books.
- Be part of an international community of like-minded students.
- Study with expert tutors who all have, or are working for, PhDs in the subject area.
- Engage with debates concerning the nature and cultural role of astrology, cosmology and astronomy
- Engage with concepts such as magic, divination, myth and enchantment, as well as sacred space and the role of the soul in the stars, and our relationship with the sky.
- Acquire contemporary data which will contribute to scholarly understanding of our place in the cosmos.
- Have a chance to pursue your own independent research under expert supervision.
For the MA, students take four modules and then write a 15,000-word dissertation based on independent research. Students take two compulsory modules and then choose two optional modules.
For the Postgraduate Certificate, students take one compulsory module and one optional module.
PG Cert, PG Dip & MA
Foundations in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology (30 credits; compulsory)
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.
Researching Contemporary Cosmologies (30 credits; compulsory)
Students design and conduct a simple research project investigating contemporary attitudes to astrology, astronomy or cosmology, and explore such issues as reflexivity, the insider-outsider debate and the role of the researcher in the research.
History of Astrology (30 credits; optional)
This module focuses on western astrology from its earliest origins to the present day, but the lessons we draw can apply to other cultures. We look at such issues as reform in the theory and practise of astrology, and students analyse primary source documents as part of their assessment.
Sky and Psyche (30 credits; optional)
This module examines notions of the ‘inner cosmos’, including its background in western esotericism, moving to the modern world and looking at the use of astrology by C G Jung.
Sacred Geography (30 credits; optional)
This module explores the theory, practice and experience of sacred space. We ask such questions is some spaces and places sacred, or are all sacred? Students undertake a research project investigating a place which is meaningful to them.
Cosmology, Magic and Divination (30 credits; optional)
Students explore the divinatory and magical practices of the classical world, paying attention to modern theories of magic and with an emphasis on the reading of classical philosophers and practitioners.
Sacred Skies (30 credits; optional)
This module explores the sky through concepts of myth, religion and sacred space. Students who wish to have the option of undertaking a research project in skyscape archaeology (archaeoastronomy). Please check this video link forSkyscape Archaeology.
MA
MA Dissertation in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology (60 credits; compulsory)
Students complete a supervised research project on a subject of their choice within the MA's remit and then write a 15,000 word dissertation.
Each module is assessed by 7,500 words of written work. For example, some modules require one short essay of 1,500 words and a longer one of 6,000 words, normally due in week 10 to 12. In other modules, the first essay may be 3,000 words and the second 4,500 words, for example.
Assessment requirements, lengths and due dates can vary from module to module. The shorter essays may be a critical review of a piece of writing or be picked from a choice of two titles. For longer essays, there is a wider choice of titles. In some modules, the title and subject is negotiated with the course tutor.
Each is then returned with comments from either one or two tutors, and students are offered the chance to have a tutorial via Skype in order to discuss the comments.
Students who take the entire MA then go on to write a 15,000-word dissertation based on a piece of independent research on a topic chosen by the student in discussion with the module tutor, and other appropriate members of staff. Each student is allocated a supervisor who can guide them through the research and writing process.
For current essay titles and a list of recent dissertation topics, email Dr Nick Campion,n.campion@www.guaguababy.comand ask for an Information Handbook.
关键信息
Initial inquiries should be directed to the Programme Director, Dr Nicholas Campion (n.campion@www.guaguababy.com). Please let us know your background, including any academic qualifications.
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.
If you have no degree then, in line with the University’s widening access policy, we will consider your application based on your previous personal, professional and educational experience. If you fall into this category we will consider your for entry to the Postgraduate Certificate (two modules) and on successful completion of these, you will be eligible to progress to the MA. Please contact the Programme Director, Dr Nicholas Campion (n.campion@www.guaguababy.com).
Lastly, if you wish to study as an Occasional student then you may fall into any of the above categories.
We have two intakes a year, in October and February.
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.
There are no formal additional costs. However, participation in online classes will require a webcam — about ten pounds sterling or ten US dollars. Some students will wish to purchase extra books (some are required), even though most course materials will be online.
“Overall, I am happy with the course as a whole so it's difficult to choose just one thing that is best. I think this course is unique and innovative and gives me an opportunity to study ideas that may seem to rest outside the Academy."
— Caroline Denby, MA Cultural Astronomy and Astrology, Ontario, Canada
University Scholarships
Please visit the学生服务网页for more information. For general postgraduate and distance learning scholarships scroll down to ‘Fee Waivers’.
If you have any questions about our courses please email the Programme Director, Nick Campion,n.campion@www.guaguababy.com. You may also find the answer on our page, including advice on advance reading. And, remember, you may sign up for the MA, Diploma (six modules) Certificate (three modules) or study as an Occasional Student (one or two modules) if you have limited time or wish to pursue a particular interest.
You can also visit our outreach page, theSophia Projectat which you will find details of our conferences, public lectures (including the online Key Concept lectures) and publishing activities, including the Sophia Centre Press, the historical journal,Culture and Cosmos, andSpica, our student journal.
The Sophia Centre is also engaged in a number of research projects. We also maintain an active Alumni Association which you will be invited to join when you graduate.
We welcome all enquiries!
