Program Overview

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MPhys Physics with Astrophysics - 2026 entry

Overview

Our Physics with Astrophysics programmes focus on the core of mainstream physics, but also provide a balanced understanding of modern observational and theoretical astrophysics, from planets and stars to galaxies and cosmology. The PhD-style MPhys research projects are often based on data from world-class ground and space-based facilities and state-of-the-art computational codes for theoretical astrophysics. MPhys degrees take you further and give you a great opportunity to undertake research in our world-leading astrophysics group.

Entry Requirements

• Typical offer: A-Level: AAA-ABB, IB: 36/666 – 32/655, BTEC: DDD-DDM
• Contextual offers: A-Level: ABB-ABC, IB: 32/655-28/554, BTEC: DDM-DMM
• Required subjects: A in Mathematics and B in Physics, or B in Mathematics and A in Physics
• GCSE: 4 or C in English language

Course Content

Year 1

• Compulsory modules:
  • PHY1032: Physics of Everyday Life (60 credits)
  • PHY1033: Mathematics Skills (30 credits)
  • PHY1034: Computational Data Analysis (15 credits)
  • PHY1035: Experimental Physics (15 credits)
  • PHY1036: Employability and Professional Skills Development (0 credits)

Year 2

• Compulsory modules:
  • PHY2030: Observing the Universe (15 credits)
  • PHY2039: From Fields to Quanta (60 credits)
  • PHY2040: Mathematics for Physicists (15 credits)
  • PHY2041: Experimental Physics II (15 credits)
  • PHY2042: Employability and Professional Skills Development II (0 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • PHY2027: Scientific Programming in C (15 credits)
  • PHY2029: The Physics of Living Systems (15 credits)
  • PHY2032: Analytical and Chaotic Dynamics (15 credits)

Year 3

• Compulsory modules:
  • PHY3052: Nuclear and High Energy Physics (15 credits)
  • PHY3066: Galaxies and High Energy Astrophysics (15 credits)
  • PHY3070: Stars from Birth to Death (15 credits)
  • PHY3073: States of Matter (15 credits)
  • PHY3074: Employability and Professional Skills Development III (0 credits)
  • PHY3122: Project and Dissertation (30 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • PHY3051: Electromagnetism II (15 credits)
  • PHY3061: The Biophysics of Cells and Tissues (15 credits)
  • PHY3062: Methods of Theoretical Physics (15 credits)
  • PHY3064: Nanostructures and Graphene Science (15 credits)
  • PHY3068: Principles of Theoretical Physics (15 credits)
  • PHY3075: Introduction to Quantum Technology (15 credits)
  • PHY3220: Fluid Dynamics in Physics and Astronomy (15 credits)
  • PHY3222: Energy, Materials and Sustainability (15 credits)

Final Year

• Compulsory modules:
  • PHYM006: Relativity and Cosmology (15 credits)
  • PHYM009: Project and Dissertation (45 credits)
  • PHYM012: Solar and Extra-Solar Planets and Their Atmospheres (15 credits)
  • PHYM020: Employability and Professional Skills Development IV (0 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • PHYM002: Quantum Mechanics II (15 credits)
  • PHYM003: Condensed Matter II (15 credits)
  • PHYM004: Computational Physics and Modelling (15 credits)
  • PHYM008: Physical Methods in Biology and Medicine (15 credits)
  • PHYM013: Quantum Many-Body Theory (15 credits)
  • PHYM015: Quantum Optics and Photonics (15 credits)

Course Variants

MPhys Physics with Astrophysics, with Study Abroad

• Spend a year studying abroad as part of your degree
• Destinations may vary
• Assessment in the host country is in English

MPhys Physics with Astrophysics, with Professional Placement

• Experience of working in your chosen field
• A full year's work placement, undertaken as part of your course
• The placement takes place in your third year and usually lasts at least nine months

Fees

• Tuition fees for 2025 entry: UK students: £9,535 per year, International students: £30,900 per year
• Scholarships: The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education

Learning and Teaching

• Learning and teaching at Exeter is undertaken in a variety of ways, ranging from classic style lecturing, weekly problem-solving classes, computing practical sessions, and laboratory sessions
• A research and practice-led teaching approach
• Assessment in Exeter is performed via a combination of exams and continuous assessments

Your Future

• Employability skills are an integral part of the physics curriculum
• Career paths include science-based industries, research and development, production and management, and more
• Examples of roles recent graduates are now working as include Academic Researcher, Actuary, Astronomer, Chartered and Certified Accountant, Cyber Security Professional, Engineer, Financial Accounts Manager, IT Business Analyst and Systems Architect, Programmer, Software Developer, and Teacher.