Astrophysics with a Year Abroad MPhys

Program Overview

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The Astrophysics with a Year Abroad MPhys program at the University of Liverpool combines undergraduate and postgraduate study in physics and astronomy. It explores the fundamental principles of the universe, from quantum mechanics to cosmology, and provides practical training in astrophysics research. Students benefit from access to cutting-edge research facilities and the opportunity to spend a year abroad at a partner university. The program prepares graduates for careers in research, industry, education, and other sectors requiring strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Program Outline

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Astrophysics with a Year Abroad MPhys - University of Liverpool

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Degree Overview:

A degree in Astrophysics provides an understanding of the most up-to-date discoveries in our universe. It introduces all aspects of physics and astronomy, from quantum mechanics to cosmology. The program focuses on the formation, evolution, and deaths of stars, including planetary systems, nucleosynthesis, and supernovae. It also explores the structure of galaxies and the evolution of the universe itself. The degree structure introduces the physics involved in the cosmos. The program equips students with skills relevant for jobs in a wide range of careers, from education, research, finance, and the city to industry.

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Outline:

The program is a five-year Master of Physics (MPhys) degree, combining undergraduate and postgraduate study. It includes a year abroad at a partner institution.

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Year One:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Dynamics and Relativity (PHYS101)
• Thermal Physics and Properties of Matter (PHYS102)
• Electricity, Magnetism and Waves (PHYS103)
• Foundations of Quantum Physics (PHYS104)
• Introduction to Computational Physics (PHYS105)
• Practical Physics I (PHYS106)
• Mathematics for Physics II (PHYS108)
• INTRODUCTION TO ASTROPHYSICS (PHYS155)

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Year Two:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Condensed Matter Physics (PHYS202)
• Electromagnetism I (PHYS201)
• Mathematics for Physicists III (PHYS207)
• Nuclear and Particle Physics (PHYS204)
• Quantum and Atomic Physics I (PHYS203)
• MATHEMATICS FOR PHYSICISTS IV (PHYS208)
• Stellar Physics (PHYS251)
• PRACTICAL ASTROPHYSICS I (PHYS216)

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Year Abroad (Year Three):

• Students are required to spend a year abroad on an approved placement at a European or overseas partner institution.

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Year Four:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Statistical Thermodynamics (PHYS393)
• Relativity and Cosmology (PHYS374)
• Electromagnetism II (PHYS370)
• Particle Physics (PHYS377)
• Nuclear Physics (PHYS375)
• Quantum and Atomic Physics II (PHYS361)
• PHYSICS OF GALAXIES (PHYS373)
• Advanced Observational Astrophysics (PHYS362)
• Optional Modules:
• Solid State Physics (PHYS363)
• Materials Physics and Characterisation (PHYS387)
• Planetary Physics (PHYS355)
• SEMICONDUCTOR APPLICATIONS (PHYS389)
• STELLAR ATMOSPHERES (PHYS352)
• Surfaces and Interfaces (PHYS381)
• Medical Applications (PHYS384)
• Relativity (MATH326)
• Physics Data Analysis with Statistics (PHYS392)

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Year Five:

• Compulsory Modules:
• PROJECT (MPHYS) (PHYS498)
• The Interstellar Medium (PHYS495)
• MPHYS Practical Astrophysics II (PHYS400)
• Optional Modules:
• ACCELERATOR PHYSICS (PHYS481)
• Advanced Nuclear Physics (PHYS490)
• Advanced Particle Physics (PHYS493)
• ADVANCED QUANTUM PHYSICS (PHYS480)
• Classical Mechanics (PHYS470)
• Nanoscale Physics and Technology (PHYS499)
• PHYSICS OF THE RADIATIVE UNIVERSE (PHYS485)
• STELLAR POPULATIONS (PHYS483)
• TIME DOMAIN ASTROPHYSICS (PHYS453)

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Assessment:

The main modes of assessment are coursework and examination. Depending on the modules taken, students may encounter project work, presentations (individual or group), and specific tests or tasks focused on solidifying learning outcomes.

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Teaching:

The program is delivered by the School of Physical Sciences, one of the UK’s leading physics departments. Day-to-day teaching takes place in the award-winning, state-of-the-art Central Teaching Laboratories. Lectures introduce and provide details of the various areas of physics and related subjects. Tutorials and workshops are also crucial elements in the learning process, where students put their knowledge into practice. All lecturers perform world-class research and use this to enhance their teaching. Practical work is an integral part of the program, ranging from training in basic laboratory skills in the first two years to a research project in the third or fourth year. Students undertake an extended project on a research topic with a member of staff who will mentor them.

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Careers:

The skills gained through studying a degree in Astrophysics are marketable in a vast range of sectors. Typical areas of employment include research, industry, computing, teaching, business, and finance. Many graduates move on to have careers in such diverse areas as:

• Telecommunications
• Microelectronics
• Nuclear power and instrumentation
• Cryogenics
• Astronomy
• Geophysics
• Medical physics
• The two-metre aperture Liverpool Telescope, the largest robotically controlled telescope in the world, provides students with unique access to observations from a major research facility when they undertake a research project in their final year.
• The program is flexible, allowing students to transfer up to the end of year two between any of the physics programs.

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Tuition fees

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UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year £9,250 Year in industry fee £1,850 Year abroad fee £1,385

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International fees

Full-time place, per year £27,200 Year in industry fee £1,850 Year abroad fee £13,600 Fees shown are for the academic year 2024/25. Please note that the Year Abroad fee also applies to the Year in China.