Astrophysics BSc (Hons), MSci (Hons) drafted
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-19 | 2023-08-01 |
| 2024-01-09 | 2023-12-01 |
Program Overview
Understanding the origin and evolution of the universe is one of the most exciting and challenging problems in modern science.
In this programme you’ll use practical and theoretical approaches to explore the evolution and properties of astrophysical systems. You’ll apply the methods used by astronomers to determine the composition and distance of other stars and galaxies. And you’ll develop an understanding of the role played by dark matter and dark energy in the large-scale structure of the universe and its accelerating expansion.
Specialist modules focus on cosmology, galaxies, stars and planetary systems and are taught by world-class researchers involved in high-profile, active research projects. Extra option modules allow you to explore topics beyond the core syllabus, providing you with a well-rounded education in physics as well as a specialist focus.
You’ll develop practical skills in lab work and programming that can be applied in commerce, industry or research.
In your final year, you’ll further develop your own interests through the completion of an independent research project, supervised by one of the School’s astrophysicists.
Professional recognition
This programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics.
Program Outline
Structure
You can complete your Astrophysics degree in three, four or five years. If you are a BSc student and choose to study abroad, your time abroad will be during Year 3 and Year 3 modules will instead be studied in Year 4. If you are an MSci student and choose to study abroad, this will take place in Year 4 and Year 4 modules will be studied in Year 5.
Year 0
Foundation
One Year-long double module allocated based on previous maths qualifications:
Semester 1
Compulsory
Semester 2
Compulsory
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Year 1
Compulsory
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Year 2
Compulsory
Choose one elective from
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Year 3
Compulsory
Choose two electives from
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Year 4
MSci only
Compulsory
Choose six electives from
Modules offered at Queen Mary
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Study options
Apply Now Now for this degree with any of the following options. Take care to use the correct UCAS code - it may not be possible to change your selection later.
Integrated foundation year
Students who do not have the required high school qualifications for admission to this degree, and students who do not meet their UCAS Conditional offer may be considered for the 4 year degree (a foundation year plus the 3 year degree).
students with Year 12 or a completed international high school certificate qualify for the one year foundation programme commonly known as the ISEFP.
The foundation programme offers a range of transferable skills and an opportunity to improve on your knowledge content in relevant Maths and Science subjects.
You will enrol on BSc Physics with Foundation which will offer progression to a range of degrees in the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, including BSc Astrophysics. At the end of the foundation programme, students will be required to meet the progression requirements for admission to BSc Astrophysics.
MSci
Specialise further in the subject by applying for our Astrophysics MSci. You will take advanced optional modules taught by leading experts in their field of research, and undertake a research project.
It is possible to transfer to the four-year MSci programme after starting your BSc degree, if you decide you would like to stay on to gain a Masters degree.
Year abroad
If you choose to undertake a Year Abroad, this will take place in your third of fourth year of study. You'll then return to Queen Mary for your final year or years of study.
We have partner institutions in Australia, Canada, Malayisa, Singapore, New Zealand, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan and the USA. For more detail on where you can study on your Year Abroad and things to consider before applying, visit our Study Abroad pages.
Teaching
Teaching and learning
You’ll learn through a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions and tutorial classes. Your total teaching time will be around 20 hours per week, but you will be expected to spend time on independent study and coursework or lab reports. Overall, you should be spending 30-40 hours on your studies each week.
Assessment
You will be assessed by various methods depending on the nature of the work being carried out. For example, if the module involves practical work only, the assessment will be based on laboratory reports. For non-practical modules you will be assessed by weekly coursework, termly assignments and an end-of-year examination.
Resources and facilities
The School offers excellent on-campus resources to aid your studies, including:
View 360 degree videos of some of our Physics spaces here.
Careers
Many graduates continue their studies with a PhD or MSc, often as a precursor to a career in research. The flexibility of the programme can prepare you for careers in specialist areas of physics and science more widely, if you have a particular area of interest.
Skills developed through studying physics – such as numeracy, data analysis, coding and problem solving – are also highly transferable into other sectors, including energy, business, marketing, engineering, technology, IT and finance.
Recent graduates of the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences have been hired by:
Career support
The School organises specialist industrial placements for physics and astronomy students. Typically around 20 students take advantage of the exclusive work placements. These placements are coordinated by a placement coordinator, who also provides support to students in applying.
Participating companies include small-medium enterprises operating in industries such as technology, energy and defence. Larger companies operating in industries such as aerospace, engineering and research also offer internships as part of the scheme.
We run dedicated weekly advice sessions and events such as software bootcamps and careers focus sessions.
The Queen Mary careers team can also offer:
