Program Overview

---

MSci Physics with Astrophysics (F3FM)

2026 entry

Course summary

Join a University ranked in the UK top five for Physics research (analysis of REF 2021) with an excellent reputation for teaching and learning.

Our course provides a thorough grounding in physics, with astrophysics as a key component. This course is led by an internationally renowned astrophysics research group and covers a broad range of contemporary astrophysics topics alongside the same core physics subjects as our MSci Physics degree.

In years one and two, you will be introduced to key concepts in astrophysics and cosmology alongside the same core of physics as our Physics degrees. In your third year, you will progress to more advanced topics such as galaxies and high-energy astrophysics.

In your fourth year, you will undertake a major project with a member of the astrophysics research group. Our research specialisms currently include:

• galaxy cluster astrophysics
• galaxy evolution
• black holes and active galaxies
• the formation and atmospheres of extrasolar planets.

In addition to developing the broad skills expected of a physicist (including problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills), you will also gain the skills needed for astronomical observations and theoretical modelling. These may be used to analyse data from international ground- and space-based observatories.

MSci courses allow you to study advanced research-led material in your final year, developing originality in your application of knowledge and development of advanced techniques to solve problems.

Join our friendly department with an active, award-winning student society. We provide physics-specific employability sessions and we support you to develop a broad range of transferable skills. These include problem-solving and the ability to communicate complicated concepts.

Our graduates have an excellent record of employment across a range of industries. This is a testament to the value that employers place on these skills.

Think Big bursaries of £3,000 are available to support first-year international undergraduate students in this subject area.

Accreditations

Our Physics with Astrophysics MSci is accredited by IOP.

Overview

Typical offer

• A-level standard offer: A*AA
• A-level contextual offer: AAB

Programme duration

• 4 year(s) full-time.
• Part-time study is not available for this course

Application method

• UCAS (Code: F3FM)

Location

• Clifton campus

Fees

• £9,535 per year, home students
• £30400 per year, international students

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

A-level standard offer

• A*AA including A*A (in any order) in Mathematics and Physics

A-level contextual offer

• AAB including AA in Mathematics and Physics

BTEC

• D*DD in Engineering BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in four specified Physics units, and A in Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent).

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• 38 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 7, 6 (in any order) at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and Physics

International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer

• 34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 6, 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and Physics

European Baccalaureate

• 88% overall, with 9.0, 8.5 in Mathematics and Physics (in any order)

Scottish Qualifications Authority

• Advanced Higher: AA in Mathematics and Physics, and Standard Higher: AAAAA

Access to HE Diploma

• Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, Science, or Computing (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits at Distinction from Mathematics units (including algebra, calculus and trigonometry); and at least 12 credits at Distinction from specified Physics units. plus successful completion of a University of Bristol test and interview (or A at A-Level or equivalent in Mathematics and Physics).

Welsh Baccalaureate

• Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.

Cambridge Pre-U

• Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.

International qualifications

• The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Selection process

• Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
• If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
• Full information about our selection processes for Physics with Astrophysics can be found in the Admissions Statement.

Applicants must also meet these requirements

GCSE profile requirements

• No specific subjects required.
• Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.

English language requirements

• If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
  • IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all skills
  • GCSE English Language grade C or 4
  • an alternative qualification outlined in our Profile level E.
• Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Related courses

See a list of all Physics degrees at Bristol, and find more information about the course, assessment and career prospects.

BSc Physics with Astrophysics

Related Subjects

Physics with Computing

Chemical Physics