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Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics
Bachelor of Astrophysics (Hons)
Bachelor of Astrophysics (Hons)

Bachelor of Astrophysics (Hons)

  • ID:UH440018
  • Level:3-Year Bachelor's Degree
  • Duration:
  • Intake:

Fees (GBP)

Estimated Total/program:
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60
Accept letter
100
Visa
20
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1

Admission Requirements

Entry requirements


English requirements

  • GCSE: Grade 4/D in English and 4/C Mathematicse.
  • IGCSE English at grade C or above.
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) 58 (with no less than 42 in any band).
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) 79 with band scores of reading 18, writing 17, listening 17, speaking 20.

Course Information

Astrophysics is the study of the physical processes that shape the structure and evolution of the universe. This course seeks to provide answers to fundamental questions about the origin and evolution of stars, planets and galaxies, as well as the universe itself. 

You’ll have the chance to study the cosmos in all its wonder, and gain a detailed physical understanding of how the universe works. The School’s vibrant research programme feeds into the course content and you’ll make extensive use of our superbly equipped observatory. You’ll also have the exciting opportunity to spend a year at a major astronomical research centre or an international observatory.

  • On our Astrophysics BSc (Hons) degree you will study the cosmos in all its wonder, gaining a detailed physical understanding of how the Universe works. We put a lot of emphasis on understanding the physical and mathematical principles behind astrophysical phenomena.
  • You will also gain considerable hand-on experience of astronomical observations at our dedicated teaching observatory, beginning your studies there only a few weeks after commencing your degree with us.
  • During your second and third years you will specialise in more advanced Astrophysical topics, including the physics of the solar system and extrasolar planets, cosmology, and star formation and stellar evolution. We also offer a range of options in your final year, including learning how to plan space missions in Space Dynamics and the flight dynamics of rockets in Rocket Performance and Propulsion.
  • You will also carry out a final year investigative project in a cutting-edge area of Astrophysics research. You will be closely supervised and guided by one of our experienced researchers in the Centre for Astrophysics Research. Previous projects have included mapping the Orion Nebula with our telescopes at Bayfordbury, studying planetary systems with the Herschel Space Observatory, and modeling high energy jets from galactic nuclei.
  • If you’re continuing on our MPhys programme it’s possible to extend your project into your MPhys year. We also have an innovative strand of industrial projects supported by the Institute of Physics, that give you direct experience of working in industrial research.

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Degree programmes are structured into levels, 4, 5 and 6.  These correspond to your first, second and third/final year of study.  Below you can see what modules you’ll be studying in each.  

Level 4

Module, Credits, Compulsory/optional

  • The Physical Universe, 30 Credits, Compulsory
  • Mathematical Techniques 1, 30 Credits, Compulsory
  • Special Relativity and Quantum Physics, 30 Credits, Compulsory
  • Experimental Physics, 15 Credits, Compulsory
  • Computational Modelling, 15 Credits, Compulsory
  • Small Group Tutorial (Level 4), 0 Credits, Compulsory

Level 5

Module, Credits, Compulsory/optional

  • Mathematical Techniques 2, 15 Credits, Compulsory
  • Electromagnetism, 15 Credits, Compulsory
  • Optics and Lasers, 15 Credits, Compulsory
  • Thermodynamics, 15 Credits, Compulsory
  • Quantum Mechanics, 15 Credits, Compulsory
  • Small Group Tutorial (Level 5), 0 Credits, Compulsory
  • Career Planning and Development, 0 Credits, Compulsory
  • Programming, 15 Credits, Optional
  • Professional Teaching Skills, 15 Credits, Optional
  • Numerical Methods, 15 Credits, Optional
  • Differential Equations, 15 Credits, Optional
  • Physics of the Solar System, 15 Credits, Optional
  • Extra-Solar Planets, 15 Credits, Optional
  • Plasma Physics and Fusion Reactors, 15 Credits, Optional
  • Motion and Tensors, 15 Credits, Optional

Level 6

Module, Credits, Compulsory/optional

  • Condensed States of Matter, 15 Credits, Compulsory
  • The Physics of Elementary Particles, 15 Credits, Compulsory
  • Astrophysics Project and Investigative Skills, 30 Credits, Compulsory
  • Star Formation and Evolution, 15 Credits, Compulsory
  • Foundations of Cosmology, 15 Credits, Compulsory
  • Rocket Performance and Propulsion, 15 Credits, Optional
  • Professional Placement, 0 Credits, Optional
  • Space Dynamics, 15 Credits, Optional
  • Year Abroad, 0 Credits, Optional
  • Computational Physics, 15 Credits, Optional
  • Partial Differential Equations, 15 Credits, Optional
  • Further Numerical Methods, 15 Credits, Optional
  • Nonlinear Systems, 15 Credits, Optional
  • Placement with Study Abroad, 0 Credits, Optional
  • The Physics of Astronomical Spectra, 15 Credits, Optional
  • The Early Universe and Galaxy Formation, 15 Credits, Optional
  • Quantum Optics and Information Theory, 15 Credits, Optional
  • Applied Optics and Photonics, 15 Credits, Optional
  • Lagrangian Dynamics, 15 Credits, Optional
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Pre Courses

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Pathway Courses

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Career Opportunity

Career Opportunity

Your specialist physics understanding and range of technical and mathematical abilities mean you’ll be well equipped for careers in research or industry, or for postgraduate study. Our graduates find employment in international observatories, research institutions, engineering and financial industries, and teaching.

Ability to settle

Overseas Student Health Cover

Insurance-Single: 300 GBP/year

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