Program Overview

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Introduction to the University of York

The University of York is a research-intensive university founded on excellence, equality, and opportunity for all. As a member of the Russell Group, it is committed to academic excellence and bold, creative thinking.

Overview of the BSc (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics Program

The BSc (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics program is designed to provide students with a grounding in fundamental physics and mathematics, alongside a range of advanced topics in astrophysics. The program is accredited by the Institute of Physics, guaranteeing the standard of teaching and learning.

Program Structure

The program is structured over three years, with a range of core and optional modules. In the first year, students study core material to consolidate their existing knowledge and prepare for more advanced study. In the second year, students deepen their understanding of fundamental laws, processes, and techniques, with advanced laboratory work enabling them to plan and execute extended experiments. In the third year, students introduce some advanced concepts, building on the expertise they have developed, with option modules giving them the chance to delve deeper into their favorite topic or discover a new area of advanced physics.

Core Modules

• Year 1:
  • 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
• Year 2:
  • 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:
  • BSc Research Project and Skills
  • Stars and Galaxies

Optional Modules

Students will study three option modules, examples of which include:

• 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
• Introduction to Clinical Engineering and Physiological Systems
• Scientific Supercomputing

Learning Outcomes

The program is designed to provide students with a range of skills and knowledge, including:

• Apply the techniques and results of physics and mathematics to independently solve complex problems
• Construct and execute a scientific investigation using the principles of physics
• Communicate the integration and inter-relation of core physics, present sophisticated concepts and defend outcomes of physical studies succinctly in both written and oral formats
• Interact and collaborate effectively within groups applying core physics themes and concepts to open-ended problems
• Use appropriate digital technologies in data handling and understand the wider applications of these techniques in quantitative science
• Discriminate between modern astrophysics methods and articulate limitations imposed on understanding by assessing systematic and random errors in the interpretation of results

Fees and Funding

The fees for the program are as follows:

• UK (home) fees: £9,535
• International and EU fees: £32,350

Additional Costs

Students will need to cover transportation costs to/from any placement during a year in industry, as well as living costs while on placement. Students may be eligible for extra loans and/or grants through their student loan provider, dependent on their financial background.

Teaching and Assessment

The program is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical laboratory work. Students will be assessed through a range of methods, including:

• Examinations
• Extended assignments
• Weekly practice questions
• Formal reports
• Practical laboratory work
• Presentations
• Practical research methods

Careers and Skills

The program is designed to provide students with a range of skills and knowledge that are relevant to a variety of careers, including:

• Accelerator physicist
• Engineer
• Scientist
• Financial coordinator
• IT analyst and consultant
• Teacher
• Electrical engineer
• Environmental modeller
• Accountant

Transferable Skills

The program also provides students with a range of transferable skills, including:

• Self-management
• Communication skills
• Team working
• Problem solving
• Creativity and innovation
• IT literacy
• Mathematics

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the program are as follows:

• A levels: AAB including Physics and Mathematics
• European Baccalaureate: 80% overall, with 85% in Physics and Mathematics
• International Baccalaureate: 35 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 - BB in Physics and Mathematics plus Scottish Highers - BB
• International foundation programme: Foundation Certificate from our International Pathway College or an appropriate alternative
• Other qualifications: All other qualifications, including Scottish Highers and Irish Leaving Certificates, will be considered individually

Alternative Offers

Meeting the following additional criteria may qualify students for an alternative offer:

• Widening participation: BBC including B in Mathematics and Physics
• Contextual offer: BBB including Physics and Mathematics
• EPQ: If students achieve C or higher in the EPQ, they may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer
• The York Tutorial Programme: If students successfully complete the York Tutorial Programme, they may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below their offer

English Language

If English is not the student's first language, they may need to provide evidence of their English language ability. The University of York accepts the following qualifications:

• 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.