Program start date | Application deadline |
2024-09-10 | - |
2024-09-03 | - |
Program Overview
The Physics and Astrophysics MSci degree at the University of Birmingham combines a solid foundation in physics with in-depth knowledge of astrophysics, preparing students for a wide range of STEM careers. The program features a strong emphasis on project work, lab experiences, and teaching by world-leading researchers, fostering a supportive and innovative learning environment. Graduates are highly sought after in fields such as scientific research, energy consulting, and financial services, and many pursue further study leading to a PhD.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This Physics and Astrophysics MSci degree is designed for students fascinated by astronomy and eager to unravel the universe's mysteries through scientific study, mathematics, computing, and experimental work.
- Develop a deep understanding of astrophysics, including observational astronomy, space research, and the evolution of cosmic structure.
- Acquire valuable transferable skills, including problem-solving, computing, and presentation skills.
- Prepare students for a wide range of careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Outline:
The program is a four-year Masters of Science (MSci) degree, with the first two years identical to the BSc version. Students can choose to switch to the BSc or MSci version at the end of the second year.
Year 1:
- Classical Mechanics and Relativity 1 - 10 credits
- Classical Mechanics and Relativity 2 - 10 credits
- Electromagnetism and Temperature and Matter - 20 credits
- Introduction to Astrophysics - 10 credits
- Introduction to Probability and Statistics - 10 credits
- Mathematics for Physicists 1A - 10 credits
- Mathematics for Physicists 1B - 10 credits
- Physics and Communication Skills 1 - 10 credits
- Physics Laboratory 1A - 10 credits
- Physics Laboratory 1B - 10 credits
- Quantum Mechanics and Optics and Waves - 10 credits
Year 2:
- Electromagnetism 2 - 10 credits
- Mathematics for Physicists 2A - 10 credits
- Mathematics for Physicists 2B - 10 credits
- Observational Astronomy - 10 credits
- Optics - 10 credits
- Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids - 10 credits
- Physics and Communication Skills 2 - 10 credits
- Physics Laboratory 2 - 10 credits
- Quantum Mechanics 2 - 10 credits
- Space Research/Astro Project - 10 credits
- Statistical Physics and Entropy - 10 credits
- Structure in the Universe - 10 credits
Year 3:
- Core Modules:
- General Physics - 10 credits
- Group Studies - 20 credits
- Observatory Laboratory - 20 credits
- Quantum Mechanics 3 - 10 credits
- Statistical Physics - 10 credits
- Optional Modules:
- Choose 40 credits from a wide range of options, including:
- Atomic Physics - 10 credits
- Chaos and Dynamical Systems - 10 credits
- Complex Variable Theory - 10 credits
- Condensed Matter Physics - 10 credits
- Evolution of Cosmic Structure - 10 credits
- Fission and Fusion - 10 credits
- Images and Communications - 10 credits
- Medical Imaging - 10 credits
- Nuclear Physics - 10 credits
- Observational Cosmology - 10 credits
- Particle Physics - 10 credits
- Physical Principles of Radar - 10 credits
- Physics Critique - 10 credits
- Physics Teaching in Schools - 10 credits
- Radiation and Relativity - 10 credits
- The Life and Death of Stars - 10 credits
Year 4:
- Core Modules:
- Project Dissertation - 20 credits
- Project Planning and Preliminary Report - 10 credits
- Project Seminar and Viva - 20 credits
- Optional Modules:
- Choose 70 credits from a wide range of options, including:
- Advanced Condensed Matter Physics - 10 credits
- Advanced Particle Physics Techniques - 10 credits
- Complex Variable Theory - 10 credits
- Condensed Matter Physics - 10 credits
- Current Topics in Particle Physics - 10 credits
- Evolution of Cosmic Structure - 10 credits
- Exoplanets - 10 credits
- Fission and Fusion - 10 credits
- Images and Communications - 10 credits
- Inference from Scientific Data - 10 credits
- Many Particle and Quantum Field Theory - 10 credits
- Nanophotonics - 10 credits
- Nuclear Physics - 10 credits
- Observational Cosmology - 10 credits
- Phase Transitions - 10 credits
- Physics of Renewable Energy - 10 credits
- Quantum Mechanics 4 - 10 credits
- Quantum Optics - 10 credits
- Relativistic Astrophysics - 10 credits
- Superconductivity - 10 credits
- The General Theory of Relativity - 10 credits
- Ultracold Atoms and Quantum Gases - 10 credits
Assessment:
Modules are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams
- Class tests
- Problem sheets
- Lab assignments
- Project reports There is a strong emphasis on project work in the final year of the degree course. Lab work is assessed continuously throughout the term.
Teaching:
- Most modules are delivered through traditional lectures given by active physics researchers.
- Students also learn through tutorials, examples classes, guided study, laboratory practicals, and project work.
- Lab work is an integral part of the degree courses, and computing and transferable skills are interwoven into the studies.
Faculty:
- Students are taught by lecturers and researchers who are world leaders in their fields.
- Many have been involved in celebrated scientific discoveries, such as the direct detection of gravitational waves and the discovery of the Higgs boson.
- They are at the forefront of research in areas like cold atoms, molecular physics, metamaterials, nanophysics, and nuclear physics.
Careers:
- Graduates of this program have a wide range of career options, including:
- Scientific researcher
- Medical physicist
- Energy consultant
- Defence analyst
- Meteorologist
- Statistician
- Financial services analyst
- Business consultant
- Over 40% of students go on to further study after graduating, with around two-thirds pursuing research leading to a PhD.
- A PhD opens doors to many careers requiring advanced scientific knowledge.
- Other students pursue specialized postgraduate masters in physics, engineering, computing, or postgraduate teaching qualifications.
Other:
- The program offers a friendly and supportive environment, with weekly tutorials in the first two years, each with no more than four students.
- Lecturers have an open-door policy, and elected student representatives meet weekly with staff to address any issues promptly.
- The program provides flexibility, allowing students to switch between specialized courses, including the option for a year abroad or a year out in computer science.
- The program is accredited by the Institute of Physics.
- The University of Birmingham has world-class teaching facilities, including state-of-the-art study spaces, computing suites, teaching laboratories, and research facilities like a particle accelerator and laboratories for constructing detectors and electronics used in experiments at the LHC, CERN.
- The University is home to one of the four UK Quantum Technology hubs, developing state-of-the-art quantum sensors.
- The Careers Network provides a wealth of opportunities to develop career skills, including one-to-one advice appointments, the Personal Skills Award, and internship opportunities.
Annual tuition fees 2024/25 UK and EU students:
- £9,250 (full-time) International students:
- £27,180 (full-time)