Program Overview

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Physics with Astrophysics (with Foundation Year), BSc (Hons)

Attendance

Full-time

Campus

Preston Campus

Start

September 2025

Duration

4 years

UCAS Code

F136

Delivery

In-person

Study abroad option

Placement option

Course Description

Our foundation degree in Physics with Astrophysics will provide an introduction on everything from quantum physics to the formation of the universe. It's an ideal route for those looking to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to progress to the full BSc Physics with Astrophysics undergraduate degree.

Why Study with Us

• 1st in the UK for academic support (National Student Survey, Physics and Astronomy, 2023)
• 6th in the UK for overall positivity (National Student Survey, Physics and Astronomy, 2023)
• 2nd in the North West for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide, Physics and Astronomy, 2024)
• 5th in the UK for teaching quality (Times Good University Guide, Physics and Astronomy, 2024)

What You'll Do

• During your Foundation Year BSc (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics course, you'll begin to make real astronomical observations using our Alston Observatory, one of the largest teaching observatories in the UK.
• You'll be taught by course staff who are members of the School’s Jeremiah Horrocks Institute. Many hold PhDs and are renowned active researchers.
• During your course you’ll learn through lectures, tutorials, seminars, problem classes, laboratory work, observatory experiments, individual project work, and group work to prepare you for undergraduate degree-study.

Modules

Year 0

• Foundations of Applied Physics
• Motion, Forces and Force Fields
• The Road to Quantum Mechanics
• Pure Mathematics and Statistics
• Mathematical Methods

Year 1

• Astrophysics I
• Fundamentals of Physics
• Applied and Computational Physics
• Functions, Vectors and Calculus

Year 2

• Astrophysics II
• Principles of Physics
• Properties of Matter
• Second Year Laboratory
• Ordinary Differential Equations

Year 3

• Formation, Structure and Evolution of Stars
• Cosmology and Galaxies
• Condensed Matter and Surface Physics
• Third Year Laboratory
• Physics/Astronomy Project
• UAS Teaching Placement

Optional Modules

• Nuclear and Particle Physics
• Atomic Physics and Advanced Quantum Mechanics
• Electrodynamics, Plasma and Solar Physics
• Partial Differential Equations and Integral Transforms

Entry Requirements

• UCAS: 64 points including 32 from A Level or AS Level Maths and/or Physics
• BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science or Engineering MPP is accepted alongside GCSE Maths at grade A/7, AS Maths or alternative proof of mathematical ability on a case-by-case basis. 64 UCAS points including BTEC is accepted alongside 32 UCAS points from A-level or AS level Maths and/or Physics.
• Pass Access Course: 64 points including 15 credits at level 3 in each of Maths and Physics
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Pass including 64 points from Higher Level subjects and Higher Level Maths and Physics
• T Level: P (D or E) in Science or Engineering is accepted alongside GCSE Maths at grade A/7, AS Maths or alternative proof of Mathematical ability on a case-by-case basis, or T Level: P (D or E) in any subject is accepted alongside 32 UCAS points from A Level or AS Level Maths and/or Physics
• IELTS: grade 6.0 with no component lower than 5.5
• GCSEs: 5 at Grade C/4

Fees and Funding

• UK: £9,535 for the first year
• International: £17,250 for the first year

Scholarships and Bursaries

• Care Leaver Bursary
• Estranged student support
• Dependants Bursary
• Foundation Year Bursary

Learning and Assessment

• You’ll learn through lectures, tutorials, seminars, problem classes, laboratory work, observatory experiments, individual project work, and group work.
• You’ll be assessed by a combination of written examinations, assignments, laboratory logbooks and reports, project reports and presentations.