Astronomy - GCSE

L2 Level 2
Part Time
3 September 2025 — 7 June 2026
City Centre Campus, Cardiff
£: This course is free for unemployed adults or adults in receipt of specific benefits. If eligible, you do not pay the 'Course fee' listed under 'Course fee per year'. A registration fee of £10-40 may be charged. Any professional registration fee / exam fee / other fee listed will need to be paid for. Financial support for these costs may be available. To find our more go to www.cavc.ac.uk/PartTimeFunding

About this course

The course has been developed to build on an interest in the universe, and to introduce the subject of astronomy. The course will enable students to understand our position in the universe, the movements of planets and stars, the cycles in the night and daytime sky, and the way in which we use technology to observe and interact with space. The course is aimed at anyone with an interest of the heavens above us. There are two external exams which include a mixture of short and extended questions on naked eye and telescopic astronomy.

What you will study

The first unit is on naked eye astronomy. This will include information about our planet, the lunar disc, and the Earth – moon – sun system. You will also study early models of the solar system and planetary motion.

The second unit is on telescopic astronomy, this will include information about our moon, the solar system, stellar evolution, formation of planetary systems and cosmology.

Each unit has a 105-minute external exam.

Course fee per year

Part-time enrolment fee: £35.00

Course Fee: £380.00

Exam Fee: £35.00

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

3 September 2025

End date

7 June 2026

Time of day

Night Time

Part Time

3 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
Maps & directions
£: This course is free for unemployed adults or adults in receipt of specific benefits. If eligible, you do not pay the 'Course fee' listed under 'Course fee per year'. A registration fee of £10-40 may be charged. Any professional registration fee / exam fee / other fee listed will need to be paid for. Financial support for these costs may be available. To find our more go to www.cavc.ac.uk/PartTimeFunding

Course code

GCCC2E28
L2

Qualification

Astronomy - GCSE

Career prospects & further study

You could progression on to:

  • A GCEs, for example in Physics.
  • A level 3 vocational qualifications in science, for example BTEC Level 3 in Applied Science.
  • Employment, for example in a science-based industry where an apprenticeship may be available.

Need to know

CCC

Why CAVC?

We're one of the largest colleges in the country with more than 30,000 people learning with us each year.
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Opportunities

CAVC offers lots of opportunities beyond your studies including a great enrichment programme and sporting opportunities.

Next steps

Find out more

Download a course guide for your area of interest.

Open Evenings

Visit us at one of ours sites, chat to tutors about your course of interest and see our great facilities for yourself.

Apply online

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Locations

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

City Centre Campus,

Dumballs Road,

Cardiff,

CF10 5FE