Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Science in Astronomy and Space Sciences

The University of Sharjah (UoS) and the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy and Space Sciences (SAASST) are the primary educational centers in Sharjah. The University of Sharjah is one of the largest universities in the United Arab Emirates, with approximately 16,000 students distributed across all its branches. The university offers hundreds of degrees in various fields, and astronomy and space sciences are integral parts of its programs. To enhance these fields, in addition to the Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and Astronomy, the university has developed a postgraduate program in "Astronomy and Space Sciences." In this context, the College of Science offers a "Master of Science in Astronomy and Space Sciences," aiming to increase and enhance the knowledge acquired by students during their previous studies (bachelor's degree), through a combination of vertical advancement and horizontal expansion in the precise specialization and related specializations, and through the development of scientific research experiences and the skills necessary for working in the field of astronomy and space sciences and their applications.

Program Objectives

The Master of Science in Astronomy and Space Sciences program aims to enhance the academic and professional knowledge of students. The specific objectives of the program are:

1. To provide students with a good education to understand the astronomical and physical world, as well as concepts of astronomy and space sciences, and to perceive the general structure of the universe.
2. To provide students with advanced astronomical knowledge and space sciences, and to address future challenges in this field.
3. To provide students with practical experience in astronomy and space sciences research, project development, and management.
4. To prepare students to engage in independent and collaborative research at the university and government levels, as well as in industrial sectors.

Program Requirements

To obtain a Master of Science in Astronomy and Space Sciences degree, students must complete 33 credited hours as follows:

• Required Courses: 12 hours
• Elective Courses: 12 hours
• Thesis: 9 hours Total: 33 hours

The University of Sharjah has implemented a set of regulations governing all aspects of postgraduate studies at the university. These regulations aim to define the rights and obligations of the teaching staff, employees, and students, and to organize the teaching process. The following points refer to some of the requirements for obtaining a master's degree:

1. Success in all courses specified in the study plan.
2. Completion of all other requirements in the study plan.
3. Obtaining a cumulative average of 3.0 or higher (on a 4-point scale).

Special Admission Requirements

Students who have obtained a scientific qualification in a specialty not directly related to the field of applied physics and space may be accepted into the program with a recommendation from the department council and the approval of the postgraduate studies council. Admission is conditional on the student's success in 24 credited hours of basic (remedial) courses, if required, during the first year of study since the student joined the program, taking into account the following conditions:

1. Registration for master's level courses is not allowed until the student passes the remedial courses, but the department may allow the student to register for master's level courses if they have one remaining remedial course.
2. The duration spent by the student in studying the remedial courses does not count towards the duration specified for obtaining the degree, unless the student studies a required postgraduate course in addition to these courses.
3. The credited hours for these courses are not calculated in the cumulative average or the duration specified for obtaining the degree.
4. A pass or fail grade is recorded for each remedial course, and the pass grade is "P".