Cultural Astronomy and Astrology

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The MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology (CAA) is taught distance-learning, on-line, and is normally completed in one year full-time or up to five years part-time. There is no residency requirement. Students work from home.

The MA is awarded for the completion of 180 credits (6 taught modules of 20 credits each, plus dissertation of 60 credits). Students completing 60 credits (two compulsory modules and one optional module) may graduate with the Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert). Students completing 120 credits (two compulsory modules and four optional modules) may graduate with the Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip).

If you wish to study just one or two individual modules, you may enrol as an Occasional Student. Please inquire. If you are a student at another university you may use credit gained at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David towards your existing course of study.

Compulsory modules (20 credits each) * Introduction to Cultural Astronomy and Astrology
* Research Methods: Ethnography and Fieldwork

Optional Modules (20 credits each) Choose four of the following

* History of Astrology
* New Age and Pagan Cosmologies
* Psychological Perspectives
* Sacred Geography
* Science and Scepticis
* Stellar Religion
* The Medieval Cosmos

Cosmology, Magic and Divination

This module has been validated and will focus on the cultures of the ancient Near East, Hellenistic and early Islamic periods.

Dissertation (60 credits)

Following completion of the taught modules students undertake a research project which results in a 15,000 word essay. They are then eligible for the MA.

A good standard of education and a first degree in a relevant subject is usually required for entry to a Master´s programme. International students applying for study at postgraduate level will normally be required to show evidence of sufficient command of the English language to be able to follow their course, undertake research and produce writing without major linguistic difficulties. For example, this is usually the Cambridge Advanced or Proficiency Certificate, IELTS minimum score of 6.5, TOEFL minimum score of 575. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 575 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

UK Students

Unfortunately, funding is very scarce for postgraduate courses. Some funding is available from external bodies such as the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). The AHRC is funded by a number of sources including the British Academy and the Department of Higher and Further Education and offers support including professional and vocational awards and Studentships in the Humanities. Applications can be made via the Registry in February each year. Occasionally there are University of Wales Studentships available which are equivalent to the funding given by the AHRC, but these are subject to availability. A funding guide is available from the Registry. Most UK students are self-funding and many opt for Career Development Loans.

Overseas Students

Loans

American and Canadian students can apply for funding via the Federal Student Loan System for their respective countries.

Overseas scholarships

Overseas students may apply for Overseas Research Scholarships if they are intending to study for a full-time MPhil or PhD. Application forms are available in February of each year from the Registry and must be completed and returned to the Registry by the end of April in any given year. If candidates are successful in their application, fees are reduced to that of a home student.