Program Overview

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Physics with Astrophysics MPhys Honours

Overview

Our Physics with Astrophysics MPhys degree extends our Physics with Astrophysics BSc by a year. This extra year is for your integrated Master's and includes an extended project.

Quality and Ranking

• Global Top 140 University - QS World University Rankings 2026
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 - Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research - Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development - Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

Professional Accreditation and Recognition

This degree is professionally accredited by the Institute of Physics.

Modules and Learning

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.

Stage 1

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Introductory Algebra
  • Introductory Calculus and Differential Equations
  • Multivariable Calculus
  • Dynamics
  • Introductory Astrophysics
  • Introductory Electromagnetism
  • Introductory Quantum Mechanics
  • Laboratory Physics 1
  • States of Matter, Waves & AC Theory

Stage 2

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Principles of Quantum Mechanics
  • Vector Calculus
  • Differential Equations, Transforms and Waves
  • Fluid Dynamics I
  • Principles of Electromagnetism
  • Principles of Materials and Solid-State Physics
  • Computational Methods and Professional Skills for Theoretical Physics
  • Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics
  • Scientific Computation with Python
  • Astronomy with Data

Stage 3

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Advanced Quantum Mechanics
  • Relativity and Fundamental Particles
  • Advanced Materials and Solid-State Physics
  • Atoms, Molecules, and Nuclei
  • Team Project
  • Advanced Astronomy
  • Stellar Structure and Evolution
  • Cosmology
  • High Energy Astrophysics and Black Holes
• Optional Modules:
  • Mathematical Biology
  • Variational Methods and Lagrangian Dynamics
  • Individual Project
  • Classical Fields

Stage 4

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Geophysical & Astrophysical Fluids
  • General Relativity
  • Quantum Fluids
  • Extended Project - MPhys Physics

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching methods:
  • Lectures and seminars
  • Small group tutorials
  • Problem classes
  • Laboratory sessions
  • Practical computing sessions
  • Practical sessions with telescopes
• Assessment methods:
  • Assessments
  • Examinations - practical or online
  • Group work
  • Projects

Skills and Experience

• Practical experience:
  • Gain experimental experience in our state-of-the-art laboratories
  • Work on lab and project-based modules, based on real-world challenges
  • Develop analytical and computational skills, using industry-relevant software
  • Enhance your written and oral communication skills
  • Learn from experts in the field at a leading Russell Group university
• Business skills:
  • Work on your own astrophysics project
  • Explore an aspect of astrophysics under the guidance of our expert staff
  • Develop your research, practical and presentation skills
• Research skills:
  • Work on an extended research project
  • Learn about research methodology
  • Carry out the project in a research environment

Facilities and Environment

• Facilities:
  • High-specification laboratory facilities
  • State-of-the-art equipment
  • Computing area
• Support:
  • Personal tutor
  • Peer mentor scheme
  • Staff-student committee
  • Student Wellbeing Advisors
  • Transition Officer

Your Future

• Graduating with a degree in physics:
  • Project scientists
  • Solutions engineers
  • Data analysts
  • Financial services consultants
  • Postdoctoral researchers
• Employability:
  • Embedded throughout your degree
  • Opportunities to connect with alumni and employers each year
  • WRIPA Physics Careers Fair
• Industry links:
  • BBC
  • Cosm (Digistar)
  • De Beers
  • Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
  • European Southern Observatory (ESO)
  • European Space Agency (EUCLID Space Observatory)
  • FreeAgent
  • Intel
  • Johnson Matthey
  • Jumping Rivers
  • James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
  • Met Office
  • Mind Foundry
  • National Audit Office
  • National Space Centre
  • NICD
  • Northern Gas Networks
  • Oliver Wyman
  • Phase Photonics
  • Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
  • Vera C. Rubin Observatory (LSST)

Entry Requirements

• A-Level:
  • AAB including Mathematics and Physics, excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking
  • OR ABB including Mathematics and Physics if a third A level is from: Further Maths, Biology, Chemistry, English Literature, Geography, History and Modern/Classical Languages or grade 2 in any STEP paper
• International Baccalaureate:
  • 34 points with Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) and Physics at Higher Level grade 6
• Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications:
  • Select your qualification
• English Language requirements:
  • Select your qualification

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

• Tuition fees for academic year 2026:
  • Home students: Not Set
  • International students: £31,500
• Scholarships:
  • Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Scholarships
  • Vice-Chancellor's EU Scholarships - Undergraduate
  • Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships
  • International Foundation Scholarships
  • International Family Discounts
  • Opportunity Scholarships
  • Subject Scholarships
  • Sports Scholarships
  • St Nicholas' Educational Trust Scholarship
  • NU Sanctuary Scholarships

Open Days and Events

• UK open days:
  • Explore our beautiful campus
  • Find out about our vibrant city
  • Discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
• Worldwide events:
  • Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region
• Online events:
  • Visit our events calendar for the latest virtual events

How to Apply

• Apply through UCAS:
  • Use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
  • UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
  • UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
  • UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college
• Apply through an agent:
  • International students often apply to us through an agent
  • Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them

Get in Touch

• By phone:
  • Call us on +44 (0) and press option 1
  • Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 10am until 4pm
• Live chat:
  • Our NCL chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away
  • If not, it'll direct you to someone who can help
• Online:
  • Fill in our enquiry form
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You May Be Interested In

• Theoretical Physics MPhys Honours
• Physics with Astrophysics BSc Honours
• Physics MPhys Honours

Additional Information

• Advice on maths and physics requirements:
  • If you don't think you will have the exact mathematics and science qualifications referred to in our entry requirements by the time you need them, you may not be sure what to do
  • If you have A-Level qualifications (or equivalent) but not in Maths and/or Physics, you should apply for Physics with Foundation Year
  • If you have A-levels (or equivalent) but don't meet the required grade(s) in Maths and Physics, contact us for advice
  • If you have relevant qualifications but not at A-level (or equivalent) standard, you should apply for either Stage 1 or the Foundation Year
• Year abroad and additional costs:
  • For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year
  • Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees
• Scholarships:
  • Find out more about scholarships for UK, EU and international students
  • Student Loans and Government financial support for UK and EU students

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