Astronomy MSc

Program Overview

This full-time or part-time MSc in Astronomy is ideal for graduates with physics or applied mathematics backgrounds seeking to specialize in astronomy. Graduates pursue advanced research or careers in astronomy, science journalism, or related industries.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc program in Astronomy is designed for graduates with a physics or applied mathematics background who want to apply their knowledge to astronomy. It is one of only three full-time, broad-based astronomy MSc courses in the UK. The program focuses on observational, theoretical, or computational astronomy. The University of Sussex's Astronomy Centre is renowned for its world-leading research in various branches of theoretical and observational astrophysics, particularly focusing on the early universe, galaxy formation, and evolution.

Outline:

The program is offered both full-time (1 year) and part-time (2 years).

Full-time Course Structure:

• Autumn and Spring Terms: Students take core modules and options.
• Throughout the Year: Students work on their MSc Project.
• Summer Term: Focus on examinations and project work.

Part-time Course Structure:

• First Year Autumn and Spring Terms: Students take core modules.
• First Year Summer Term: Students begin work on their MSc Project.
• Second Year: Students continue project work and take options.

Modules:

Core Modules:

• MSc Project Research Skills (PGT): Taken throughout the year.
• MSc Project P&A (PGT): Taken throughout the year.

Options:

• Autumn Teaching:
• Data Analysis Techniques
• General Relativity
• Programming through Python
• Spring Teaching:
• Advanced Cosmology
• Frontiers in Particle Physics
• Monte Carlo Simulations (L7)

MSc Project:

• Supervised by faculty.
• Supervisors and topics are allocated in consultation with students at the start of the autumn term.
• Projects often form the basis of research papers published in journals.

Careers:

• Many graduates pursue research degrees.
• Graduates often find permanent jobs in astronomy.
• Some graduates become science journalists and writers.

Other:

• The Department of Physics and Astronomy is a founder member of the South East Physics Network (SEPnet), which supports research, teaching, and development in the South East.
• The University has access to data from both ground- and space-based telescopes.
• The program is regularly reviewed to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, and the latest research and teaching methodology.
• The program may be subject to changes in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand, or updates to the curriculum.
• Timetabling constraints may limit the availability of certain module combinations.
• The structure of some courses may determine whether modules are core or optional.