Program Overview

Physics with Astro-Physics

Overview

Physics studies how our Universe works, from the smallest atomic nucleus to the largest galaxy. Our BSc Physics with Astrophysics degree is aimed at students who have an interest in astronomy and wish to understand the physics behind the pretty pictures. Students undertaking this degree will still obtain a thorough grounding in modern physics, but will also take astrophysics modules that allows them to understand the workings of our Universe.

Course Structure

• Stage 1: Students cover all subjects in stage 1 and stage 2 and may choose from a large range of subject areas in stage 3.
• Stage 2: Students take 6 compulsory modules.
• Stage 3: Students take a selection of compulsory and optional modules.

Modules

Core Modules

• Scientific Skills: Experimental Methods, Experimental Investigation, Writing Skills, Oral Communication, Computer Skills
• Computational Modelling in Physics: Introduction to computation and coding, numerical methods, working with experimental data, Monte Carlo methods
• Mathematics for Scientists and Engineers: Vectors, complex numbers, trigonometry, linear algebra, Euclidean geometry, analysis of a single- variable function, Taylor and MacLaurin series, integration in one variable, ordinary differential equations, probability distributions, elements of discrete calculus
• Foundation Physics: Classical Mechanics, Special Relativity, Waves, Electricity and Magnetism, Light and Optics, Quantum Theory, Thermodynamics, Solid State
• Atomic and Nuclear Physics: Atomic, Nuclear, observation of nuclear properties, nuclear radius, mass, inter-nucleon potential, radioactive decay mechanisms, fission and fusion, interactions of particles with matter
• Mathematical Physics: Advanced linear algebra, Fourier series and Fourier transform, partial differential equations, Hamiltonian Mechanics
• Quantum & Statistical Physics: Quantum history, particle waves, uncertainty principle, quantum wells, Schrödinger wave equation, 1D SWE Solutions, 3D Solutions of SWE, Statistical Mechanics
• Electricity, Magnetism and Optics: Electrostatics and magnetostatics, Coulomb, Gauss, Faraday, Ampère, Lenz and Lorentz laws, Wave solution of the Maxwell’s equations, Polarisation of E.M. waves, behaviour at plane interfaces, Propagation of light in media, Faraday and Kerr effects, Temporal and spatial coherence of light, Interference and diffraction, Geometrical optics and matrix description of optic elements, Optical cavities and laser action
• Astrophysics I: Introduction to Astronomy, From planets to galaxies, The Solar system, Stars – observational properties/characterization, Stars – stellar structure, Stars – formation, stellar evolution, binary-star evolution, stellar death
• Physics of the Solid State: Periodicity and symmetry, basic crystallographic definitions, packing of atomic planes, crystal structures, the reciprocal lattice, diffraction from crystals, Bragg condition and Ewald sphere, Lattice waves and dispersion relations, phonons, Brillouin zones, heat capacity, density of vibrational states, Einstein and Debye models of heat capacity, thermal conductivity, thermal expansion and anharmonicity, Concepts related to phase transitions in materials, Electronic band structure

Optional Modules

• Employability for Physics: Introduction to placement for Physics students, CV building, international options, interview skills, assessment centres, placement approval, health & safety and wellbeing
• Professional Skills: Development of oral presentation skills, Presentations to large groups/peers in a research or popular science context, Probing scientific understanding, critiquing presentations, peer review, Entrepreneurship, career guidance, CV writing, interview techniques, Essay writing and scientific writing skills
• Astrophysics II: Advanced stellar structure and evolution, Radiative transfer, Galaxies
• Physics Projects: Students will undertake two different physics projects (one in each semester), Each will involve an open-ended experimental or computational investigation of a specific area of physics
• Computational Projects: Computing coding skills and optimization techniques, Solution of ordinary differential equations, Students to choose from a range of computational projects
• Physics Single Project: Students will undertake a single physics project in one of the semesters, Involving an open-ended experimental or computational investigation of a specific area of physics
• Nuclear and Particle Physics: Nuclear reaction classifications, scattering kinetics, cross sections, quantum mechanical scattering, Scattering experiments and the nuclear shell model, the inter-nucleon force, partial waves, Fermi theory of beta decay, Nuclear astrophysics and nuclear fission power generation, Elementary particles, symmetry principles, unitary symmetry and quark model, particle interactions
• Advanced Solid State Physics: Dielectrics, Magnetism, Electronic transport in metals, Magnetotransport
• Advanced Electromagnetism and Optics: Maxwell's equations, propagation of EM waves in dielectrics, conductors, anisotropic media, optical fibres/waveguides, non-linear optics, Polarisation, reflection and transmission at boundaries, Fresnel's equations, Thin/thick optical lenses, matrix methods, aberrations and diffraction
• Quantum Mechanics and Relativity: Relativity, Quantum Mechanics
• Physics in Medicine: Fundamental principles, and technical and clinical applications of interaction of electromagnetic radiation and ionising radiation with the body, lasers for therapy and imaging, ultrasound, radiation imaging techniques, radiotherapy, magnetic resonance imaging

Entry Requirements

• A level requirements: ABB including Mathematics and Physics
• Irish leaving certificate requirements: H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Mathematics and Physics
• Access Course: Successful completion of Access Course with a minimum of 80% in each Level 3 module
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 33 points overall including 6 5 5 at Higher Level including Mathematics and Physics
• Graduate: A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided any subject requirements are also met

Career Prospects

• Introduction: Students are encouraged to apply for summer or extended placements with local companies
• Employment after the Course: Typical career destinations of graduates include Industrial Physics, Telecommunications, Medical Physics, Research scientist, Computer technology, Forensic accountant, Nuclear Physics, Biophysics, Education, Financial analysis

Fees and Funding

• Tuition Fees: Northern Ireland (NI) £4,855, Republic of Ireland (ROI) £4,855, England, Scotland or Wales (GB) £9,535, EU Other £26,600, International £26,600
• Additional course costs: All essential software will be provided by the University, for use on University facilities, however for some software, students may choose to buy a version for home use
• Scholarships: Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students

How to Apply

• Application for admission: Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
• When to Apply: UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2026 from early September 2025
• Advisory closing date: The advisory closing date for the receipt of applications for entry in 2026 is Wednesday 14 January 2026 (18:00)