Physics with Astrophysics MPhys (Hons) with professional placement, research placement or study abroad
Program Overview
This 5-year MPhys program, starting September 2024, provides a comprehensive education in physics and astrophysics. Students will explore fundamental principles, advanced theories, and practical skills through compulsory units, options, and a final-year research project, preparing them for careers in research, industry, or further studies.
Program Outline
Outline:
This course lasts 5 years. It starts in September 2024 and ends in 2029. Welcome week starts on 23 September 2024. Year 1 Compulsory units Dynamics and astrophysics 10 credits You will learn how these theories are developed and applied, taking a more mathematical approach than in pre-University courses, and explore the foundations of astrophysics, including the solar system, exoplanets, stars and galaxies. Foundations of physics 1 20 credits Mathematics for physics 1 15 credits You will learn the core mathematical techniques required to study physics and explore how these can be applied to physical problems. Physics skills 1 15 credits Experimental laboratory work, scientific computing, the understanding of measurement, data & applied statistics, scientific writing, presentation and problem solving are skills that are fundamental to your development as a physicist. You will work individually and in groups to advance your confidence and competence in these key areas, to provide a platform for higher-level project work in future years. Year 2 Compulsory units Foundations of physics 2 20 credits 15 credits One of the great things about physics is that the fundamental ideas, laws and theories hold from the smallest, most ephemeral sub-atomic particles to the largest scale structures in the Universe. Mathematics for physics 2 10 credits Vector calculus, Fourier analysis and methods to solve linear partial differential equations are important parts of the physicist’s mathematical toolbox. You will learn about these more advanced mathematical concepts and techniques, that will be applied in second year and higher-level Physics units, and further develop your problem-solving skills and understanding of mathematical results. Physics skills 2 5 credits You will further develop your understanding of scientific computing, including the issues involved in applying a range of numerical methods. You will also strengthen your key physics skills through working in a team to investigate a physical phenomenon using theory, simulation and experimentation. Scientific computing and advanced data analysis 5 credits You will advance your physics skills in particular areas, providing a platform for your extended project work in later years. You will learn a high-level, compiled programming language such as C++ and use this to solve scientific problems. You will use a range of data modelling techniques to analyse and visualise astrophysical “big-data” sets and learn how to draw evidence-based conclusions from this. Year 2 options 5 credits During Semester 2, you can choose between two different lecture courses, depending on your individual interests and preferences. If you’re more interested in observational astrophysics, you can choose to advance your understanding through topics such as telescope design and astronomical instrumentation, as well as methods used to analyse research-level datasets. Or you can choose to broaden your mathematical knowledge and skills, both for its own sake and for its application in higher-level theoretical physics and astrophysics units. You will study topics such as calculus of variations, Sturm-Liouville theory, Green’s functions and functions of a complex variable. Professional placement or study abroad 60 credits This is an opportunity to enhance your CV, gain valuable new skills, make new contacts or try out a career option. Year 3 Compulsory units Advanced quantum mechanics 5 credits Fluid dynamics in physics and astrophysics 5 credits Further develop your understanding of the fundamental concepts and equations of fluid dynamics in a physical and astrophysical setting. You will learn about the behaviour of gases and liquids on earth, as well as a range of phenomena in astrophysics, from the life of single stars, interstellar and intergalactic gas to the evolution of entire galaxies and the Universe as a whole. Galaxies and introduction to cosmology 5 credits You will also develop your understanding of the “concordance model” of cosmology. General relativity 5 credits General relativity (GR) is the theory that describes how the geometry of spacetime is distorted by masses and how light and matter move in this curved spacetime. MPhys or MSci project preparation 5 credits You will gain an insight into the practice of research, enabling you to prepare for your final year MPhys/MSci research project or placement. This unit enables you to develop the skills and knowledge needed to make the most of your time during your project or placement. As well as further developing your transferable skills, you will also begin to learn the physics relevant to your final year MPhys/MSci research project or placement. Stars and stellar evolution 5 credits You will see how stars form from condensing gas clouds in the interstellar medium and follow their life history through to the extreme physics of their demise and the exotic remnants they leave behind. Penultimate year options 30 credits You can choose whether to extend your experimental skills by carrying out extended experiments with advanced equipment, or to further deepen your knowledge and experience of computational physics or computational astrophysics. You can also choose from a wide range of optional lecture courses to match your individual interests and preferences. You can choose to focus more strongly on fundamental or applied physics, or to keep a more equal balance between the two. A range of broader topics are included in these options, to enable you to experience a ‘taster’ of a field you might be considering for graduate employment. Year 4 Compulsory units Advanced general relativity 5 credits Through this unit, you will develop a more mathematically rigorous understanding of general relativity, including deriving the Einstein field equations and exploring the black hole and cosmological solutions. Cosmology 5 credits You will extend your knowledge of observational cosmology, and will learn about the techniques and observations that have constrained current cosmological models. Galaxy evolution 5 credits You will develop your understanding of how galaxies form and evolve, based on the observational and theoretical data used to develop models that describe early galaxy formation, and the subsequent processes that have generated the variety of structures observed in the local Universe. High energy astrophysics 5 credits You will explore in depth a range of astrophysical phenomena involving high-energy processes, such as cosmic rays, pulsars, black holes, active galactic nuclei and astrophysical jets. Final year project and options 40 credits You will take a 30 credit research project. This will enable you to investigate in depth an aspect or application of physics or astrophysics, developing your experimental and/or computational skills, and giving you first-hand experience of innovation and research. You can also choose between a wide range of final year MPhys options. You can learn to use quantum field theory to understand interactions between fundamental particles. Or study the theory of phase transitions and critical phenomena. You can study new developments in electronics, photonics and spintronics, learning about properties of materials at the nanoscale.
Tuition fees Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student. Learn how we decide fee status Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.
University of Bath
Overview:
The University of Bath is a leading UK university with an international reputation for teaching and research excellence. It is known for its vibrant, friendly campus located in a historic city. The university is highly ranked for overall performance, student satisfaction, and graduate employment.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Bath join a multicultural community on a vibrant campus. The university offers opportunities for placements and study abroad, helping students prepare for their careers through real-world experience.
Key Reasons to Study There:
High Rankings:
The university is highly ranked for overall performance, student satisfaction, and graduate employment.Vibrant Campus:
The university boasts a vibrant and friendly campus with a multicultural student community.Real-World Experience:
Students have opportunities for placements and study abroad, providing valuable real-world experience.World-Leading Research:
The university's research is improving lives and changing the world, with a focus on tackling issues of global significance.Academic Programs:
Other:
The university is committed to reducing its environmental impact through ethical food sourcing, waste management, and generating sustainable energy. It also engages with the local community, supporting local students and collaborating with local organizations.
Entry Requirements:
Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for studying physics. This might include relevant reading, voluntary or work experience, areas of interest from your current studies or other relevant extra-curricular and co-curricular activities. You will need a strong performance in both Mathematics and Physics as part of your entry qualifications. We consider any application based on its merits, including your background and circumstances, including through: Origin of qualifications Select the country where your qualification comes from. Australia Belgium Bulgaria Canada China Croatia Cyprus Denmark European Baccalaureate France Germany Greece Hong Kong Hungary India Ireland Italy Japan Jordan Lithuania Malaysia New Zealand Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia Singapore South Africa South Korea Spain Sweden Thailand Turkey Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States of America British qualifications A level Typical offer A AA A AA in three A levels including Mathematics and Physics with A in Mathematics or Physics (or Further Mathematics if applicable). Further Mathematics is not required for this course. If you do study Further Mathematics, you must still achieve A in both Maths and Physics. A level Contextual offer AAA or A AB AAA or A AB in three A levels including A in Mathematics and A in Physics. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us. A level Alternative offer AAA or A AB We know that you may have study beyond three A levels that will help prepare you for your degree. AAA or A AB in three A levels including A in Mathematics and A in Physics plus one of: grade A in an EPQ or IEPQ grade B in the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate grade A in AS level Further Mathematics (except if you are studying an A level in that subject) grade B in a fourth A level, where your four A levels include A level Further Mathematics an appropriate grade in any other project qualification we recognise International Baccalaureate Typical offer 7, 6, 6 at HL International Baccalaureate Diploma 36 points overall and 7, 6, 6 in three Higher Level subjects including Physics and either HL Mathematics. Read more about how we consider the IB Diploma. Standard Level in essential subjects. In exceptional circumstances we may be able to consider you if you are studying either Standard Level Physics or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches. Our typical offer in this instance would be 36 points overall with 6, 6, 6 or 7, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Physics or either HL Mathematics plus 7 in Standard Level Physics or Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme We consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis based on the individual IB certificates and vocational qualifications you study within the programme. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered. Read more about how we consider IB Certificates and common vocational qualifications. Your remaining qualifications must include sufficient Physical Science content. International Baccalaureate Certificates If you are studying IB subjects as part of the IB Diploma programme, you will usually need to complete the full diploma programme to be considered. If you do not follow the IB Diploma programme, we can consider stand-alone IB Higher Level Certificates either on their own or combined with other qualifications. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered. Read more about how we consider IB Certificates. Your remaining qualifications must include sufficient Physical Science content. International Baccalaureate Contextual offer 6, 6, 6 or 7, 6, 5 at HL International Baccalaureate Diploma 36 points overall and 6, 6, 6 or 7, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Physics and 6 in either HL Mathematics. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us. Pearson Edexcel BTEC RQF Typical offer D DD plus A at A level BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (RQF) D DD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) plus grade A in A level Mathematics. You must be studying A level Mathematics alongside your BTEC qualification. We are able to consider BTEC qualifications in Applied Science and you need to have studied as many units in Physical Science as possible. Suitable applicants progressing via this route will be invited to interview as part of the admissions process. BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates We accept Level 3 Diplomas and Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered. Read more about how we consider BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates. You must be studying A level Mathematics alongside your BTEC qualification. Your remaining qualifications will need to include sufficient Physics or Physical Science units. T level Typical offer Scottish Highers Typical offer AA in Advanced Highers AA in two Advanced Highers including Mathematics and Physics. We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved AAAAA in their Highers. Read more about how we consider Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers Access to HE Diploma Typical offer 39 credits at Distinction A pass in the Access to HE Diploma in Science or Science and Engineering, with at least 39 credits achieved at Distinction. This must include 12 credits achieved at Distinction from Mathematics units and 12 credits achieved at Distinction from Physics units. You will need to have studied Mathematics graded units worth at least 12 credits (including Calculus) and Physics graded units worth at least 12 credits, and your Access course specification will be reviewed thoroughly when we are considering your application. Most recent successful applicants have studied a significant amount of Mathematics independently, or completed some of the Mathematics A level syllabus alongside their Access studies. Suitable applicants progressing via this route will be invited to interview as part of the admissions process. Open University credits Typical offer Pass units worth 120 credits, including a minimum of Pass
