Program Overview

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BSc Physics with Astrophysics

Overview

Course overview

Develop at a Department associated with no fewer than 13 Nobel Prize winners, ranked joint 1st in the UK for research by REF (2021), and 2nd in the UK and Top 10 globally by ARWU (2024). Study at a university with outstanding facilities, including the world-famous Jodrell Bank Observatory. Enjoy lots of choice and flexibility with our wide ranging undergraduate curriculum covering all areas of physics, allowing you to explore and specialise in the areas you're most passionate about.

A study experience that makes a difference

We place social responsibility at the heart of your learning which means you can take advantage of unique ways to make a difference while studying with us, through your course or through extra-curricular activities.

• Complete our Ethical Grand Challenges to learn how you can create a better world and become more socially responsible.
• Work with an external organisation to tackle real-world sustainability problems through our University Living Lab.
• Discover subjects that broaden your horizon with our interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

Explore how you'll make your mark

Every course at Manchester contributes towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, so no matter what you're studying you'll be playing an active role in the protection of people and planet.

You will explore the following goals in your course:

• Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
• Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
• Goal 13: Climate action

Entry requirements

A-level

• AAA, including A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
• Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken.

A-level contextual offer

• AAA, including Physics and Mathematics or Further Mathematics. The A must be in Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
• Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken.

UK refugee/care-experienced offer

• AAA, including Physics and Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
• Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken.

International Baccalaureate

• 38 points overall with 7,7,6 at Higher Level, including 7 in both Physics and Mathematics.

GCSE/IGCSE

• Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education, typically a minimum of five GCSE/IGCSEs, including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least grade 4/C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and grade 4/C in GCSE/IGCE Mathematics.

Other entry requirements

• Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:
  • Three Advanced Highers with grades AAA, including Physics and Mathematics.
  • Two Advanced Highers with grades AA in Physics and Mathematics and two Highers with grades AA in additional subjects.
• Welsh Baccalaureate
  • The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate/WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales qualification.
  • We would consider this qualification at grade A when taken with two A-levels at grades AA in Physics and Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
• Foundation year
  • The University recognises a number of foundation courses as suitable for entry to this undergraduate course.
  • Applicants completing the Northern Consortium (NCUK) International Foundation Year or INTO Manchester International Foundation in Science and Engineering are required to achieve grades AAA with A* in Physics and A* in Technical Mathematics or Further Mathematics, and grade C overall in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) with no component below C.
• Pearson BTEC qualifications
  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
    • We consider the National Extended Diploma in any subject for entry with grades DDD when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
    • We consider the National Diploma in any subject for entry with grades DD when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma
    • We consider the National Foundation Diploma in any subject for entry with grade D when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
    • We consider the National Extended Certificate in any subject for entry with grade D when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate
    • We do not consider the National Certificate for entry to this course.
• OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
  • Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)
    • We consider the Technical Extended Diploma in any subject for entry with grades DDD when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
  • Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)
    • We consider the Technical Diploma in any subject for entry with grades DD when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
  • Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)
    • We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma in any subject for entry with grade D when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
  • Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)
    • We consider the Technical Extended Certificate in any subject for entry with grade D when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
  • Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate (CTEC)
    • We do not consider the Technical Certificate for entry to this course.
• Access to HE Diploma
  • Given that it is not possible to meet our published offer conditions within an Access to HE Diploma, we would not recommend this qualification as the best way of preparing for our courses.
  • However, we would look very carefully at any applications from exceptional Access students, studying a relevant Access to HE Diploma, who were on track to gain the AAA equivalent (45 graded credits at Level 3 with Distinction grade).
• T Level
  • We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this course.
• Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
  • The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.
  • Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview, if applicable.

Fees and funding

Fees

• Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.

Policy on additional costs

• All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme.
• Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application.

Scholarships/sponsorships

• The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students.
• We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

Application and selection

How to apply

• Apply through UCAS.

Advice to applicants

• You should not usually apply for more than one first year Physics-based undergraduate course offered by The University of Manchester.
• Applicants to this course can change to any one of the courses offered within the Department of Physics and Astronomy at any time before the start of the academic year.

Skills, knowledge, abilities, interests

• We would be interested in any work experience, although we realise that this is very difficult to find in relevant areas.

Interview requirements

• Eligible UK-based applicants were required to attend an in-person interview as part of the selection process for 2025 entry.
• We are currently reviewing our interview requirements for 2026 entry.

Returning to education

• We welcome applicants who are returning to education and are as flexible as possible when making offers.

Deferrals

• Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation.

Course details

Course description

• Take your studies sky-high with our BSc Physics with Astrophysics course - ideal if you want both a solid grounding in physics and a greater understanding of astronomy.
• Astrophysics principally involves applying the laws of physics to distant regions where physical conditions can only be inferred from the emission of electromagnetic radiation.
• During the course you will learn about the Sun and the Solar System, the stars and the Galaxy, distant galaxies and quasars, and the beginning of the Universe.

Special features

• Incredible facilities
  • Make use of the fantastic, unique facilities available at Manchester - including the much-loved Jodrell Bank.
• A range of study options
  • You can extend your degree by a year to undertake an integrated master's: at the beginning of your third year there is the possibility of transferring to the four-year MPhys course.
• Outstanding reputation
  • The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Manchester has an excellent international reputation, and a qualification from us can be your passport to a successful career anywhere in the world.

Teaching and learning

• You will undertake a variety of timetabled activities, including lectures, laboratory work, tutorials, workshops and examples classes.

Coursework and assessment

• Course units are normally assessed formally at the end of the semester via examinations.
• Laboratory or computer based course units also employ assignments and other methods of continuous assessment.

Course unit details

• You can find out more information about the course units included in your chosen degree course below.
• Note that not every combination of option choices may be possible due to timetable clashes.

Careers

Career opportunities

• Your degree from Manchester will open up a whole world of opportunity.
• In learning how to be a physicist you are a taught a set of highly valued skills:
  • Rigorous and robust evidence-based reasoning
  • How to analyse and assess data, and drawing meaning from it
  • High degree of numeracy and mathematical ability
  • Communication and team-working skills
• This will prepare you for a broad range of careers, not just in physics but in other areas that need the in-demand skills you will learn.

Accrediting organisations

• Institute of Physics.