Astrophysics MSc

Program Overview

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MSc Astrophysics | Part-time

About this course

This MSc in Astrophysics is delivered by world-leading Astrophysics researchers at Liverpool John Moores University and is designed to facilitate further postgraduate and PhD study.

• Access the two metre research-class robotic Liverpool telescope - designed and built by LJMU experts
• Learn from academics who are world-leading researchers
• Carry out original research in a wide range of areas
• Gain a qualification which facilitates continued study at PhD level

An ideal choice if you prefer the flexibility of studying remotely and gaining a Masters qualification by distance learning. Each module provides the opportunity to explore current literature, with support from experienced tutors, all of whom are engaged in cutting-edge astrophysical research. Many of the research topics are observational studies, which can be supported by access to the Liverpool Telescope, a two-metre aperture research-quality robotic telescope, sited on La Palma in the Canary Islands.

The robotic nature of the telescope means that you do not travel to the telescope, but interact with it via a computer interface, giving unrivalled flexibility for studying rapidly changing objects in the night sky. This course is an excellent way to specialise and further your academic career in the exciting and dynamic astrophysics field.

Course modules

Core modules

• Astrophysical Concepts (30 credits)
  • Develops your understanding of concepts in astrophysics
  • Covers grounding in orbital mechanics and the formation and evolution of planetary systems
  • Provides an understanding of the physical processes which determine all aspects of the structure and evolution of stars
  • Introduces you to the diversity of galaxy morphologies, dynamics evolution and components
  • Allows you to illustrate the importance of multi-wavelength observational approaches to the study of galaxies
• Astrophysics Project (60 credits)
  • Develops the skills required to undertake real scientific research
  • Enables you to work independently on an original problem
  • Displays qualities and skills such as initiative, ingenuity and communication
  • Develops and analyses independent research
• Astronomical Techniques (30 credits)
  • Aims to develop your in-depth understanding of the fundamental concepts underlying observational astrophysics
  • Enables you to perform detailed procedures of astronomical data reduction, analysis, error inference, interpretation of results and the writing up of scientific reports and reviews in journal format
• Cosmology (30 credits)
  • Provides the theoretical background required to understand various cosmological models including the favoured CDM model
  • Gives an understanding of modern observational cosmology
  • Enables you to make detailed cosmological measurements from galaxy or cluster survey data

Optional modules

• Numerical Methods in Astrophysics (30 credits)
  • Aims to give students an understanding of programming basics and provide students with practical experience of using computational techniques extensively employed by researchers in astronomy and astrophysics
  • There will be particular emphasis on developing independent learning skills and IT capability to access and extract relevant scientific information via the Virtual Learning Environment and databases available from LJMU
• Time-Domain Astrophysics (30 credits)
  • Aims to develop your understanding of the transient Universe, and the techniques and facilities used to investigate this realm
  • Provides a sound understanding of the physical processes driving phenomena such as explosive transients
  • Introduces the concepts of time domain astrophysics and the techniques used to analyse and understand it
  • Develops your independent learning skills and IT capability to access and extract relevant scientific information

Your Learning Experience

• Teaching: pre-recorded lectures, directed reading, focused literature review exercises, coursework assignments, student discussion groups and tutorials
• Assessment: written examinations, quizzes, short essays and critiques of scientific papers
• Research project and dissertation: examined by both a written report and an oral presentation/interview

Career paths

• Further your career prospects in astronomy, astrophysics, space science or related disciplines
• Prepare for a research career in these areas, with the opportunity to plan and complete a substantial programme of original research at the highest level
• Develop skills and knowledge to pursue PhD study and beyond

Tuition fees and funding

• Home: £60 per credit (part-time)
• International: £90 per credit (part-time)
• Additional costs: accommodation, travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU, stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire

Entry requirements

• Home: minimum 2:2 in the physical sciences or a STEM discipline, good knowledge of basic physics at degree level, and competence in mathematical techniques including calculus, differential equations and complex numbers
• International: IELTS 6.5 (minimum of 5.5 in each component), satisfactory reference from employer or line manager
• RPL is accepted on this programme

How to apply

• Complete an LJMU online application form
• Provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme
• Applicants who do not hold a degree in a relevant subject will be considered on their individual merits in relation to the programme
• Professional experience, publications, CPD activities and other suitable evidence of accomplishment will be taken into account

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