Program Overview

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Sun, Earth & Climate

Cert

Attendance

Part-time

Location

Online learning

Start

September 2025

Duration

1 year

Start

September 2025

Delivery

Online learning

In this course you will be introduced to the Sun and the Earth as complex systems, and how they interact to produce the environment we live in. Alongside detailed course notes your studies will include a mixture of theoretical and observational approaches with data-based and observational exercises.

Read more about the Sun, Earth & Climate course

Starting with an exploration of the Sun, Earth and Climate as complex systems, this module then looks at the interactions that cause them to be interlinked. You will study developments on astronomical, geological, historical and annual time scales and gain an understanding of the context of such matters as climate change and space weather. Practical exercises extend this understanding and develop appropriate scientific skills.

Modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

These modules are set and you have to study these as part of your course.

Sun, Earth and Climate

This module provides an introduction to Sun, Earth and Climate, suitable for people with little prior knowledge of the subject and with a limited background in physics and maths. You'll gain an understanding of physical laws and concepts as applied to the Sun-Earth system and the Earth’s climate.

Module code

AA1058

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. We may also make changes to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

Course overview

Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

This module aims to:

• provide an academically rigorous programme of Astronomy suitable for astronomy enthusiasts with or without previous formal qualifications.
• provide an understanding of physical laws and concepts as applied to the Sun-Earth system and the Earth’s climate.
• provide an introduction to aspects of observational solar astronomy.
• develop elementary problem solving skills.
• provide the opportunity to develop skills and techniques used in solar astronomy and solar-terrestrial physics, which have wider applications (these include data analysis, preparation of scientific reports).
• enhance the student’s key skills (communication, numerical skills, IT, time-management).

Read more

This course covers a number of topics:

The Solar System

The Sun and Earth are presented in the context of Astronomy, with a description of orbital motions, Kepler's Laws, Newtonian gravitation, solar eclipses, transits of Mercury and Venus and related phenomena. Basics Physics concepts of relevance to the course are also introduced: these include charged particles; electrical, gravitational and magnetic forces and fields; the concept of astrophysical plasmas; and the nature of light and the electromagnetic spectrum.

The structure of the Sun and the Earth

Brief overview of internal structure of Sun and Earth, leading to characteristics of the various regions of the solar and terrestrial atmospheres; comparison between the magnetic field of the Sun and the Earth; names and dimensions of the atmospheric layers; the structure of the magnetosphere and ionosphere. The solar spectrum as seen from the Earth. The sunspot cycle and the solar dynamo; Maunder minimum; "proxies" for solar activity.

Observations of the Sun and the Earth

Techniques for safe solar observing (also refer to workbook exercise on safe observing); solar and Earth observations from the ground and from space; historical observations; solar features; geomagnetic observations and indices; weather stations.

Energy from the Sun to the Earth

The flow of energy from Sun to Earth is described in its various forms. The concepts of solar irradiance and insolation are introduced, and the way in which they affect the Earth’s energy budget discussed. The influence on the Earth of solar flares and Coronal Mass Ejections.

Earth’s climate and climate change

Brief review of selected components of the Earth's climate: general circulation; cyclones/anticyclones; quasi-biennial oscillation; El Niño/La Niña. Observational evidence of global warming is reviewed and the role of climatic forcings discussed, including anthropogenic forcing from greenhouse gas emissions and solar forcing.

Space Weather

The effects of solar eruptions on the Earth’s space environment and technologies are presented. The phenomenon of the Aurorae and its link to solar events are discussed.

Sun, Earth and Climate

Exercises Introduction to safe solar observing: projection techniques, telescopes. Data analysis exercises, question sheets and assessment briefing.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:

1. Describe or define concepts and astronomical terms from the syllabus
2. Solve elementary problems in basic solar astronomy and solar-terrestrial physics
3. Demonstrate elementary skills in safe solar observation, measurement, and log keeping
4. Demonstrate elementary data analysis and laboratory report writing skills
5. Summarise simple scientific information and concepts and draw conclusions.

Entry Requirements

To study the Certificate in Sun, Earth and Climate, students are normally required to have GCSE grade C in Mathematics and English or equivalent high school qualification.

Fees and funding

2025/26

UK

Online part-time£1,100 per 20 credits

International

Online part-time£1,100 per 20 credits

Additional costs

As part of your course there may be additional costs to consider that are not included in your tuition fees. Most of these will be optional, but some courses have essential additional costs. Find out more about additional costs.

Progression pathways

Our astronomy certificates are an ideal place to begin your studies and astronomy education as they require no prior knowledge of the subject. Each is a free-standing Certificate at HE Level 4 (Year 1 undergraduate level) allowing you to develop your fascination with your chosen subject.

Students who have completed some modules as free-standing Certificates may like to take their astronomy studies further. We offer a range of awards from the Certificate of Higher Education in Astronomy to a full 18-module BSc (Hons) in Astronomy.

Enquiries and applications

How to Apply

Apply for this course via our online application system.

First-time users will need to create an account. This will allow you to create, edit and submit an online application.

• Complete each section of the application as directed by the portal.
• Remember to upload scans of your qualifications.
• You do not need to supply an academic reference if you are applying for a Certificate, but you must if you apply for the CertHE or BSc Astronomy.
• If you wish to study for two separate Certificates, you'll need to submit two separate applications. However, most of the information will be transferred automatically from your first application.

Even if you plan to move on later to advanced study, we ask you to start with Certificates initially. It will be possible for you to transfer onto one of the advanced awards at a later stage and modules studied as Certificates will be counted towards the advanced award.