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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
48 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Astronomy | Physics
Area of study
Natural Science
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
About Program

Program Overview


Physics with Space Science (MPhys)

Award: Master of Physics


Duration: 4 years


Campus: Highfield


UCAS Course code: F3FX


About this course

Fuel your fascination for space and the technologies used to investigate it. On this MPhys Physics with Space Science degree you’ll explore a wide range of subjects, from the essentials of astronomy through to satellite design and space weather. You’ll also benefit from the latest research.


With the global space market set to almost double by 2030, your skills will be in high demand. This degree will also prepare you for further study at PhD level.


You’ll examine phenomena that can only be monitored from space, such as geomagnetic storms and solar wind, and combine your physics knowledge with space engineering principles to learn about spacecraft design.


A Tenerife study trip is another high point. Working as part of an international and interdisciplinary team, you’ll design a space-based telescope and its instrumentation, and plan its launch.


Throughout your degree you’ll study the core physics subjects of the Masters degree course, but with an emphasis on space science.


The course is accredited by the Institute of Physics.


Physics offers an academic scholarship worth up to £20,000, based on submission of a short essay and an interview at one of our applicant visit days.


We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.


Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).


Accreditations

  • Institute of Physics (IOP)

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.


Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.


Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.


  • Download Course Description Document

Entry requirements

A-levels

  • A*AA-AAA including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A)
  • or
  • AABB-AABC including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A)

A-levels additional information

  • Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
  • A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed.
  • Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
  • Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

International Baccalaureate Diploma

  • Pass, with 38-36 points overall, with 19-18 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) and 6 at Higher Level in physics

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

  • Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
  • Applicants who have not studied mathematics and/or physics at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

BTEC

RQF BTEC

  • D-D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA-AA in A-level physics and A-level mathematics or further mathematics.
  • We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if it has been studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics.
  • We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma if it has been studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics.

QCF BTEC

  • D-D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA-AA in A-level physics and A-level mathematics or further mathematics.
  • We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if it has been studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics.
  • We will consider the BTEC Diploma if it has been studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics.

Access to HE Diploma

  • Not accepted for this course. Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

Irish Leaving Certificate

  • H1,H1,H1,H2,H2,H2- H1,H1,H2,H2,H2,H2 including mathematics, applied mathematics and physics

Irish certificate additional information

  • Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
  • Applicants who have not studied mathematics and/or physics can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

Scottish Qualification

  • Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.

Cambridge Pre-U

  • D2 D3 D3 - D3 D3 D3 in three Principal subjects including physics (minimum grade D3) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade D3)

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

  • Cambridge Pre-Us can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D2 can be used in lieu of A level grade A* or D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of A Level grade B.
  • Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
  • Applicants who have not studied the required Principal subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

Welsh Baccalaureate

  • A*AA-AAA including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A)
  • or
  • A*A-AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
  • or
  • AAAB-AABB including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A)
  • or
  • AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics, plus grades AB-BB from a third A-level and the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

  • Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
  • A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed.
  • Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
  • Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

T-Level

  • Not accepted for this course. Applicants with a T level Technical Qualification in a relevant subject can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

Other requirements

  • UK students
  • International students
  • Other ways to qualify

GCSE requirements

  • Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

English language requirements

  • If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.
  • If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:
    • overall score: 6.5
    • reading: 6.0
    • writing: 6.0
    • speaking: 6.0
    • listening: 6.0

Course structure

You don’t need to choose your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.


You’ll study core physics subjects and space science modules.


Right from the start you’ll do mini-projects in the lab and apply your analytical and problem-solving skills.


Year 1 overview

This consists of core modules to give you a grounding in the key principles of physics and experimentation.


These include:


  • physics skills
  • mathematical methods
  • waves and light
  • energy and matter
  • motion and relativity
  • electricity and magnetism

There will also be an introduction to astronomy and space science.


Year 2 overview

Core modules include topics on:


  • electromagnetism
  • quantum physics
  • classical mechanics
  • practical photonics

You’ll also study the 'European dimension in space and astronautics' module.


Year 3 overview

Core modules in year 3 cover everything from particle physics to theories of matter, space and time and atomic physics.


There is also an individual dissertation and space science modules on space plasma physics and advanced astronautics.


Year 4 overview

In the fourth year you’ll work with another student on an extended research project on as aspects of space science that interests you.


You’ll have access to research data, for example, from the European Space Agency and NASA space missions, or our monitoring instrumentation in the Arctic.


Optional modules include study of:


  • nanoscience
  • applied nuclear physics
  • cosmology and the early universe
  • relativity
  • black holes
  • astrophysics
  • advanced quantum physics
  • particle physics
  • spacecraft orbital mechanics and control

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.


For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules in year 1:


  • Electricity and Magnetism
  • Energy and Matter
  • Introduction to Astronomy and Space Science
  • Mathematical Methods For Physical Scientists 1b
  • Mathematical Methods for Physical Scientists 1a
  • Motion and Relativity
  • Physics Skills - Programming and Data Analysis
  • Physics Skills 1
  • Physics Skills 2
  • Waves, Light and Quanta

Year 2 modules

You must study the following modules in year 2:


  • Astronautics
  • Classical Mechanics
  • Electromagnetism
  • European Dimension in Space
  • Physics from Evidence I
  • Quantum Physics
  • Statistical Mechanics
  • Wave Physics

Year 3 modules

You must study the following modules in year 3:


  • Advanced Astronautics
  • Atomic Physics
  • Computer Techniques in Physics
  • Crystalline Solids
  • Dissertation
  • Nuclei and Particles
  • Physics from Evidence II
  • Space Plasma Physics
  • Theories of Matter, Space and Time

You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:


  • Advanced Lasers
  • Biomedical Application of Signal and Image Processing
  • Cosmology
  • Human Responses to Sound and Vibration
  • Modelling with Differential Equations
  • Nanoscience: technology and advanced materials
  • Particle Physics
  • Quantum Information
  • Relativity, Black Holes and Cosmology
  • Silicon Photonics

Year 4 modules

You must study the following modules in year 4:


  • MPhys Final Year Synoptic Examination
  • MPhys Project
  • Space Plasma Physics
  • Spacecraft Orbital Mechanics

You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:


  • Advanced Lasers
  • Advanced Quantum Physics
  • Biomedical Application of Signal and Image Processing
  • Computer Techniques in Physics
  • Cosmology
  • Human Responses to Sound and Vibration
  • Lasers
  • Modelling with Differential Equations
  • Nanoscience: technology and advanced materials
  • Numerical Methods
  • Particle Physics
  • Physics from Evidence II
  • Quantum Information
  • Quantum Optics
  • Relativity, Black Holes and Cosmology
  • Signal Processing
  • Silicon Photonics

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:


  • lectures
  • classes and tutorials
  • coursework
  • individual and group projects
  • independent learning (studying on your own)

Course time

How you'll spend your course time:


Year 1

  • Scheduled learning & teaching: 39%
  • Independent learning: 61%

Year 2

  • Scheduled learning & teaching: 28%
  • Independent learning: 72%

Year 3

  • Scheduled learning & teaching: 20%
  • Independent learning: 80%

Year 4

  • Scheduled learning & teaching: 16%
  • Independent learning: 84%

How we'll assess you

  • coursework, laboratory reports and essays
  • design and problem-solving exercises
  • individual and group projects
  • oral presentations
  • written and practical exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1

  • Written exam: 44%
  • Coursework: 33%
  • Practical exam: 23%

Year 2

  • Written exam: 61%
  • Coursework: 29%
  • Practical exam: 10%

Year 3

  • Written exam: 81%
  • Coursework: 19%

Year 4

  • Written exam: 63%
  • Coursework: 33%
  • Practical exam: 4%

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.


Course leader

Robert Fear is the course leader.


Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.


The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:


  • Research
  • Critical thinking
  • Self-management
  • Confidence
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Creativity
  • Adaptability
  • Problem solving
  • Resilience

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.


Download skills overview


Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:


  • Information and Communication
  • Manufacturing
  • Education
  • Finance and Insurance
  • Public Administration and Defence
  • Scientific and Technical

Careers directly related to this course:


  • Astrophysicist
  • Air traffic controller
  • Medical physicist
  • Satellite engineer
  • Systems analyst
  • Science policy officer
  • University lecturer
  • Nuclear engineer

Wider career opportunities:


  • Acoustic consultant
  • Geophysicist
  • Data analyst
  • Machine learning engineer
  • Patent attorney
  • Software engineer
  • Applications developer
  • Clinical technologist
  • Operational researcher
  • Prosthetist

Example job titles of Southampton MPhys Physics with Space Science graduates:


  • Laser systems engineer
  • Planetarium worker
  • Data mentor
  • Data scientist
  • Satellite communications engineer
  • Teacher
  • Systems engineer

Job prospects for MPhys Physics with Space Science graduates

  • Average professional salary: £35k
  • In a skilled profession or further study: 88%
  • Graduate employment rate: 96%

Source: The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.


Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.


Read more


Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:


  • work experience schemes
  • CV and interview skills and workshops
  • networking events
  • careers fairs attended by top employers
  • a wealth of volunteering opportunities
  • study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.


Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.


More about careers support


Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:


  • UK students: £9,535
  • EU and international students: £29,400

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.


Find out how to:


  • pay your tuition fees
  • calculate your student finances

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.


Explore:


  • accommodation costs
  • living costs
  • budgeting advice
  • fees, charges, and expenses regulations

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.


If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.


Get in touch for advice about student money matters.


Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.


We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.


Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.


Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.


How to apply

When you apply use:


  • UCAS course code: F3FX
  • UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course


What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:


  • predicted grades
  • academic achievements
  • personal statement
  • academic reference

If you’re successful, we’ll invite you to an optional applicant visit day. This will give the opportunity to learn more about the department and take an interview, which may lead to a lower offer. If you attend a visit day before Christmas, you can take the physics academic scholarship exam.


We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.


Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.


Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.


Email: [insert email] Tel: +44(0) [insert phone number]


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Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:


A-levels

A AA-AAA including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A) or AABB-AABC including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A)


A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to three A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAA including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ


A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows: AAA or AABC including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A)


BTEC

D -D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA-A A in A-level physics and A-level mathematics or further mathematics. We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if it has been studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics. We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma if it has been studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics.


RQF BTEC

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.


Additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year


Irish Leaving Certificate

Pass, with 38-36 points overall, with 19-18 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) and 6 at Higher Level in physics Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to a lower offer.


Scottish Qualification

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed.


Cambridge Pre-U

D2 D3 D3 - D3 D3 D3 in three Principal subjects including physics (minimum grade D3) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade D3)


Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of A Level grade B. Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to a lower offer. Applicants who have not studied the required Principal subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year


Welsh Baccalaureate

A AA-AAA including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A) or A A-AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate or AAAB-AABB including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A) or AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics, plus grades AB-BB from a third A-level and the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate


Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to a lower offer. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.


Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. Applicants with a T level Technical Qualification in a relevant subject can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year


GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C) You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum: IELTS score requirements overall score 5 reading 0 writing 0 speaking 0 listening 0 We accept other English language tests.

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