Astronomy, Archaeology and Landscapes for 15-17 Year Olds - Nottingham Trent University

Description

Ever wondered how people throughout history have used the sky to understand and interpret the mysteries of the universe? This hands-on summer course brings together astronomy, archaeology, and cutting-edge technology to explore the fascinating connections between the stars and the landscapes around us. You’ll track celestial movements, uncover how ancient sites align with the sky, and even customise your own digital landscapes using professional planetarium software. With access to modern telescopes, immersive planetarium sessions, and expert-led field trips, you’ll develop skills in astronomical observation, digital mapping, and landscape interpretation. Perfect for anyone passionate about astronomy, archaeology, or environmental science, this course gives you a real taste of university life, access to professional research tools, and the opportunity to take your interest in the cosmos to the next level. This course is your first step into university-level observational astronomy, designed to introduce key concepts used in professional astronomy and archaeology. You’ll start by learning how to track stars, planets, and the Moon, using Stellarium software to explore the night sky in incredible detail. You’ll then take it further by linking what you see in the sky to real landscapes and archaeological sites. We keep lectures short and engaging, the real learning happens through hands-on workshops, immersive planetarium sessions, and an expert-led field trip ensuring you’ll experience astronomy in a way that’s practical, immersive, and unforgettable. Everything you create including digital landscapes, observations, and custom planetarium settings are yours to keep, so you can continue exploring long after the course ends. During the course, you will: • Track how the Sun, Moon, stars, and planets move across the sky, using the same techniques as professional astronomers. • Navigate the stars, create your own digital landscapes, and connect astronomy to real-world sites. • Investigate how ancient civilisations used the sky for navigation, rituals, and construction. • Learn imaging and surveying techniques to create a custom astronomical landscape. • Train your eye to decode the geological past and ancient settlements. • Operate NTU’s high-powered observatory telescopes for real astronomical observations. • Explore Gardom’s Edge, a 4000-year-old astronomically aligned standing stone in the Peak District with the expert who helped uncover its astronomical secrets. This course isn’t just about astronomy and archaeology, it’s about experiencing university life, meeting like-minded people, and gaining skills that will set you apart in your future studies and career. Whether you’re considering a degree in astronomy, archaeology, environmental science, or another interdisciplinary field, this course will give you hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, real research tools, and expert-led investigations. You’ll explore how astronomy connects with history, geography, and science, giving you a unique perspective on the world around you and helping you make an informed decision about your future.

What's included in the price?

This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus, the NTU Observatory at Clifton Campus, where you’ll get to control real telescopes and explore the night sky up close and a trip to Gardom’s Edge in the Peak District, for an unforgettable full-day field trip to investigate an ancient, astronomically aligned site. Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course. You will also need to bring with you: • Notepad and pen. • Mobile phone or camera for recording images. Please note that lunch is not provided, so bring your packed lunch or money to buy food on the city campus. The city centre, with plenty of cafés and grocery shops, is just a 5-minute walk away. For the field trip to Gardom’s Edge (Peak District) on Thursday, please bring with you: • Sensible clothing for the weather (both warm and wet weather: hat, suncream, waterproof coat. • Sensible, fully covered shoes. • a packed lunch and water, as there will be nowhere to buy refreshments in the Peak District. • Fully charged mobile phone. On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.

Cancellation policy

Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Nottingham Trent University

with Craft Courses since 2015

Message the tutor