Program Overview

MPhys (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics

The masters of the Universe

Overview

Year of entry: 2026/27

Course Details

• UCAS code: F3FN
• Institution code: Y50
• Start date: September 2026
• Length: 4 years full-time (plus optional placement year)
• Typical offer: AAA
• School/department: School of Physics, Engineering and Technology
• UK (home) fees: £9,535
• International and EU fees: £32,350

Course Content

This course will build on your previous studies to prepare you for advanced research in industry or academia. Our core and optional modules will give you a broad base of knowledge, and opportunities to focus on the specialist subjects which excite your curiosity.

Year 1

• Year 1 emphasises core material to consolidate your existing knowledge and prepare you for more advanced study.
• Core modules:
  • Classical Mechanics and Laboratories
  • Classical and Quantum Waves
  • Mathematical, Computational and Professional Skills 1
  • Electromagnetism and Relativity
  • Mathematical, Computational and Professional Skills 2
  • Mapping the Universe and Laboratories
• Academic integrity module:
  • define academic integrity and academic misconduct
  • explain why and when you should reference source material and other people's work
  • provide interactive exercises to help you to assess whether you've understood the concepts
  • provide answers to FAQs and links to useful resources.

Year 2

• In Year 2 you'll deepen your understanding of fundamental laws, processes and techniques.
• Core modules:
  • Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism
  • Mathematics, Professional Skills and Laboratories
  • Astrophysical Technologies and Space Science
  • Statistical and Solid State Physics
  • Quantum, Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics
  • Advanced Mechanics, Astrophysical Laboratories and Skills

Year 3

• Year 3 introduces some advanced concepts, building on the expertise you've developed.
• Core modules:
  • Advanced Astrophysical Laboratory
  • Stars and Galaxies
• Option modules:
  • Plasma Physics and Fusion
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Advanced Theoretical Techniques and Modelling Matter
  • Condensed Matter Physics: Electrons in Solids
  • Relativity and Cosmology
  • Medical Physics
  • Nuclear and Particle
  • Quantum Science and Technologies
  • Astrobiology
  • Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation
  • Mobile Communications and Internet Protocols
  • Introduction to Clinical Engineering and Physiological Systems

Year 4

• The fourth year consists of a number of advanced optional modules, providing you with the opportunity to specialise further.
• Core modules:
  • MPhys Research Project and Skills
• Option modules:
  • Scientific Supercomputing
  • Biophysics
  • Advanced Condensed Matter Physics
  • From Subatomic to Nuclear Astrophysics
  • Advanced Quantum Mechanics
  • Advanced Plasma Physics for Fusion and Applications
  • Cosmic Horizons
  • Machine Vision and Human Machine Interaction
  • Research Topics in Nanotechnology: Advanced Data Storage and Spintronics
  • Medical Imaging and Physics
  • Future Healthcare and Computer Aided Diagnosis
  • Practical Skills in Virtual Anatomy and Morphology
  • Machine Learning and Human Machine Interaction
  • Innovation Management
  • Plasma Physics and Fusion

Fees and Funding

• Annual tuition fees:
  • UK (home): £9,535
  • International and EU: £32,350
• Fees for subsequent years:
  • UK (home) fees may increase within the government fee cap in subsequent academic years.
  • International fees are subject to increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).
• Additional costs:
  • Transportation costs to/from any placement during a year in industry
  • Living costs while on placement
• Funding:
  • UK government loans
  • UK scholarships and bursaries
  • International scholarships
  • Country-specific funding
  • US loans

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching format: lectures, small group discussions, and regular meetings with a personal academic supervisor
• Timetabled activities:
  • Lectures: 10 hours per week
  • Seminars: 2-5 hours per week
  • Practicals: 5-8 hours per week
• Assessment and feedback:
  • Examinations
  • Extended assignments
  • Weekly practice questions
  • Formal reports
  • Practical laboratory work
  • Presentations
  • Practical research methods

Careers and Skills

• Career opportunities:
  • Accelerator physicist
  • Engineer
  • Scientist
  • Financial coordinator
  • IT analyst and consultant
  • Teacher
  • Electrical engineer
  • Environmental modeller
  • Accountant
• Transferable skills:
  • Self-management
  • Communication skills
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Creativity and innovation
  • IT literacy
  • Mathematics

Entry Requirements

• Qualification:
  • A levels: AAA including Physics and Mathematics
  • European Baccalaureate: 85% overall, with 85% in Physics and Mathematics
  • International Baccalaureate: 36 points overall, including 5 in Higher Level Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) or 6 in Standard Level Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches), plus 5 in Higher Level Physics
  • T levels: We are currently not accepting T Levels for this course unless additional A Level (or equivalent qualifications) in Mathematics and Physics have been taken
  • Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers: Advanced Highers - AB in Physics and Mathematics plus Scottish Highers - AB
  • International foundation programme: Foundation Certificate from our International Pathway College or an appropriate alternative
• Alternative offers:
  • Widening participation: BBB including Mathematics and Physics
  • Contextual offer: ABB including Physics and Mathematics
  • EPQ: If you achieve C or higher in the EPQ, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer
  • The York Tutorial Programme: If you successfully complete the York Tutorial Programme, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below your offer
• English language:
  • IELTS (Academic): 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
  • IB English: A score of 4 in English A or 5 in English B (Higher Level or Standard Level)
  • Cambridge CEFR: 176, with a minimum of 169 in each component
  • Oxford ELLT: 7, with a minimum of 6 in each component
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: 136, with a minimum of 126 in each component
  • Duolingo: Integrated subscores: 120 overall, with a minimum of 105 in each component
  • GCSE/IGCSE/O level English Language (as a first or second language): Grade C / Grade 4
  • LanguageCert SELT: B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
  • LanguageCert Academic: B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
  • Kaplan Test of English Language: 478 Main Flight score with 444 in each component
  • Skills for English: B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component
  • PTE Academic: 61, with a minimum of 55 in each component
  • TOEFL: 87 overall, with a minimum of 21 in each component
  • Trinity ISE III: Merit in all components
  • Other English language qualifications: We also accept other English Language qualifications, including various school-leaving certificates.