Physics with Astronomy MPhys
Course Overview - Physics with Astronomy MPhys
Enter the realm of extreme physics and learn the science behind powerful phenomena such as white dwarfs, black holes and neutron stars, the evolution of the universe, the formation of galaxies and space weather. You’ll gain the skills and knowledge of a professional astronomer, taught by academics who are directly involved in astronomy research. Whether you choose to do a PhD and become an astronomer, or use your advanced computing and data analysis skills in another profession, the knowledge you gain will underpin your lifelong passion for astronomy.
A special feature of t...
Enter the realm of extreme physics and learn the science behind powerful phenomena such as white dwarfs, black holes and neutron stars, the evolution of the universe, the formation of galaxies and space weather. You’ll gain the skills and knowledge of a professional astronomer, taught by academics who are directly involved in astronomy research. Whether you choose to do a PhD and become an astronomer, or use your advanced computing and data analysis skills in another profession, the knowledge you gain will underpin your lifelong passion for astronomy.<br/><br/>A special feature of this programme is the study visit to Tenerife, where our top 12 students have the opportunity to visit the Izana Observatory for a period of astronomical observation. This degree is also the gateway to our MPhys Astrophysics with a Year Abroad flagship programme, which offers a unique opportunity to spend your fourth year at the prestigious Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Boston, USA. Our top-performing students can transfer onto this programme at the end of second year. <br/><br/>Your degree will open the door to a wide range of careers, with recent graduates employed in roles ranging from physicists and engineers, to actuaries and statisticians, scientific journalists and medical researchers. Many students go onto further study. <br/><br/>You’ll have access to exceptional research-grade facilities, including an observatory on the rooftop of the physics building.
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
21/09/2026
Campus
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Application Details
14 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
F3FM
Institution Code
S27
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4 We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
Not Accepted
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
34
36
Pass, with 36-34 points overall, with 18-17 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) and 6 at Higher Level in physics. Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to the lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics and/or physics at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Not Accepted
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H1,H1,H2,H2,H2,H2
H1,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2
H1,H1,H2,H2,H2,H2 including H1 in mathematics and physics - H1,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 including mathematics and physics (one of which must be at H1). Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to the lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3,D3,D3
D3,D3,M2,M3
D3,D3,D3 - D3,D3,M2 in three Principal subjects including mathematics/further mathematics (minimum grade D3) and physics (minimum grade D3). Alternatively D3,D3,M2,M1 in four Prinicipal subjects including mathematics/further mathematics (minimum grade D3) and physics (minimum grade D3). Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to the lower offer. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A, grade M2 can be used in lieu of A Level grade B or M3 can be used in lieu of A level grade C.
Extended Project
A
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAB including mathematics/further mathematics (minimum grade A) and physics (minimum grade A), with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) , plus grade A in the EPQ
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
D
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA in A-level mathematics or further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed). Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year. Please visit theFoundation Year page for more information.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA in A-level mathematics or further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed). Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year. Please visit theFoundation Year page for more information.
A level
A,A,A
A,A,B
AAA-AAB including grades AA in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) or AABC including grades AA in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to the lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year. If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAB including mathematics/further mathematics (minimum grade A) and physics (minimum grade A), with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) , plus grade A in the EPQ We are committed to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a student’s potential to suc
T Level
Not Accepted
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
A
B
AAA-AAB including grades AA in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) or AA from two A-levels including mathematics/ further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) and A-B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate or AABC including grades AA in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) or AA from two A-levels including mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed), and grades BC from a third A-level and the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead the lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
A
B
A*AA-AAA including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A). or A*A-AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics and A from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. or AAAB-AABB including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A). or AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics, plus grades AB-BB from a third A-level and the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,250 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
| EU, International | £29,400 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
