Course summary

Cultural Astronomy and Astrology (MA) is a unique distance learning course that explores how humans connect with the planets, stars, and sky, and how these connections shape culture and society. This course is taught within the Sophia Centre for the Study of Cosmology in Culture at the Institute of Education and Humanities. This programme examines the ways we understand our place in the universe. Every atom in our bodies has passed through stars, meaning that we are literally made of stardust. For thousands of years, people have explored their emotional, physical, and spiritual links with the sky. These connections can be seen in many areas of life, from religion and creativity to politics and architecture. Cultural Astronomy and Astrology (MA) is the only academic degree in the world that focuses on how human beings relate to the cosmos. The course takes a multi-disciplinary humanities approach, using fields like history, anthropology, archaeology, sociology, and the study of religions to give students a full understanding of the subject. This broad approach helps to explain the complex links between astrological, astronomical, and cosmological beliefs and practices across different times and cultures. Throughout the programme, students will explore the differences between astronomy and astrology. In today’s world, astronomy is known as the scientific study of the universe, while astrology is the practice of connecting heavenly bodies to human lives. The study of Cultural Astronomy looks at how beliefs about the stars are applied in human culture. A major part of the course includes archeoastronomy, which looks at how astronomical alignments and symbols appear in both ancient and modern architecture. Students will also examine the cultural impacts of astronomy, astrology, and cosmology. This includes investigating how the sky is used in religion, how it has been depicted in the arts, and the relationship between the cosmos and the human mind. You’ll also study the history of astrology and learn about ancient practices like magic and divination. As part of the programme, you will keep a journal of your sky observations, research what people believe about the stars today, and learn how to measure and interpret celestial alignments at archaeological sites. The course concludes with a 15,000-word dissertation based on independent research, supervised by expert staff. This degree provides an opportunity to explore the rich connections between human culture and the cosmos, making it a fascinating choice for those interested in how the stars influence our lives and societies.