Program Overview

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Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology BSc Hons / MPhys Hons

Overview

On this course, deepen your understanding of the fundamental laws of physics and apply what you learn to the structure and behavior of some of the largest and smallest elements of existence.

Key Information

UCAS Code:

F301 (BSc), F300 (MPhys)

Accreditation:

This course is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IoP).

Typical Offer:

112-120 points (BSc) / 120-128 points (MPhys), from 2 or 3 A levels or equivalent, to include a relevant subject.

Study Mode and Duration

• 3 years full-time (BSc)
• 4 years full-time (MPhys)
• 4 years sandwich with work placement (BSc)
• 5 years sandwich with work placement (MPhys)

Start Date:

• September 2025

Course Information

Overview

95% of the universe exists in a form we still don't understand. Explore stars, galaxies, black holes, and gravitational waves – joining an international community looking for answers.

On this Physics, Astrophysics, and Cosmology degree course, you’ll deepen your understanding of the fundamental laws of physics, and apply this knowledge to the structure and behavior of some of the largest and smallest elements of existence.

You'll be taught by and study alongside researchers from the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation (ICG) who play leading roles in major international projects, such as the European Space Agency Euclid satellite. You’ll graduate with mathematical and computational knowledge sought after by employers in many industries, from aerospace to finance.

BSc or MPhys?

You can study this course as a 3-year Bachelor's degree (BSc) or a 4-year integrated Master's degree (MPhys). The MPhys allows you to achieve a Master’s level degree with just one extra year of undergraduate study, further enhancing your career prospects.

Course Highlights

• See physics theory in practice through visits and final year project to aerospace companies such as BAE Systems, Airbus Defence, QinetiQ, and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL)
• Access Hampshire Astronomical Group facilities at Clanfield Observatory, including various telescopes such as a 24-inch reflector, to observe the stars and galaxies and collect project data
• Study alongside researchers from the University's physics research teams (and contribute to their work in your final project), whose research was ranked 6th in the UK for quality
• Use advanced technical equipment with the help of expert technical staff, including x-ray diffraction, x-ray fluorescence, electron and atomic force microscopes, various types of spectroscopy, and the SCIAMA supercomputer
• Develop the professional skills and standards you need as a practicing physicist, through a major research project in your final year
• Access large datasets produced by international-level sky surveys, including the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, when you take the MPhys degree course

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IoP).

As a supporter of the Institute of Physics Project Juno, we're committed to addressing the under-representation of women in physics and gender equality in higher education and research.

Entry Requirements

BSc (Hons) Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology Degree Entry Requirements

• UCAS points - 112-120 points from 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, with 32 points from a relevant subject
• A levels - BBB-BBC, with 32 points from a relevant subject
• BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
• International Baccalaureate - 29

MPhys (Hons) Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology Master’s Degree Entry Requirements

• UCAS points - 120-128 points from 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, with 40 points from a relevant subject
• A levels - ABB-BBB, with 40 points from a relevant subject
• BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM
• International Baccalaureate - 29-30

Facilities and Specialist Equipment

Physics and Wave Synoptics Laboratories

Learn through supervised, practice-based experiments such as electron diffraction and speed of light measurement, and learn to use LabVIEW, the same software the European Organisation for Nuclear Research uses to run the Large Hadron Collider.

Materials Coating Laboratory

Home to the LAB Line KJL plasma sputtering system, which is being used to investigate the physical properties of thin films coated onto flexible substrates with various roughness levels.

Quantum Optics Laboratory

Study the details of quantum theory, mechanics, and optics, and conduct research experiments such as using quantum interference to measure distance.

Nanomaterials Laboratory

Study Nanotechnology – the construction of materials as small as atoms and molecules – in this fully equipped lab.

Specialist Physics Equipment and Software

You'll get access to industry-standard equipment, including our SCIAMA supercomputer that can complete a billion calculations per second and simulate vast regions of the Universe.

Careers and Opportunities

The UK government has an ambitious plan to double investment in the space economy by 2030, which means there's now high demand for skilled people to meet this growth.

Physics and astronomy graduates are earning an average of £33,500 5 years after graduation, and you've got the potential to reach a salary in the range of £40,000 to £75,000 as a senior professional, professor, or researcher.

What Jobs Can You Do with a Physics, Astrophysics, and Cosmology Degree?

You could apply your skills and knowledge in areas such as:

• Cosmology
• Astrophysics
• Astronomy and theoretical physics
• Space systems and aerospace industry
• Education
• Scientific journalism
• Medical physics
• Finance
• Data analysis

Placement Year (Optional)

To give you the best chance of securing a great job when you graduate, we can help you identify placements, internships, and voluntary opportunities that will complement your studies.

After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry.

Modules

Year 1

• Electricity and Magnetism - 20 credits
• Introduction to Computational Physics - 20 credits
• Introduction to Laboratory and Field Physics - 20 credits
• Introduction to Mathematical Physics 1 - 20 credits
• Introduction to Mathematical Physics 2 - 20 credits
• Space Science and Applications of Physics - 20 credits

Year 2

• Introduction to Modern Physics - 20 credits
• Mathematical Physics - 20 credits
• Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics - 20 credits
• Waves and Optics - 20 credits

Year 3

• Modern Astrophysics 1 - 20 credits
• Physical Cosmology - 20 credits
• Solid State Physics and Detectors - 20 credits

Year 4 (MPhys)

• Advanced Research Project - 60 credits

Teaching

Teaching methods on this course include:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Laboratory work
• Problem-based learning exercises
• Computational physics workshops
• External site visits
• Project work

How You'll Spend Your Time

One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.

We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your Physics, Astrophysics, and Cosmology degree.

Supporting You

The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone, and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed.

Costs and Funding

Tuition Fees

• UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,535 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
• EU students – £9,535 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
• International students – £19,200 per year (subject to annual increase)

Additional Course Costs

These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.

• Accommodation and living costs
• Recommended reading
• General costs
• Final year project
• Placement year and study abroad tuition fees

Apply

To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

• The UCAS course code – F301 (BSc) or F300 (MPhys)
• Our institution code – P80

Apply now through UCAS (BSc)

Apply now through UCAS (MPhys)

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form:

• BSc application form
• MPhys application form