Program Overview

MPhil in Astronomy

The MPhil is offered by the Institute of Astronomy as a full or part-time period of research and introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. The Astronomy MPhil degree is exclusively by research with no taught elements. The aims of the programme are:

• to give students with relevant experience at first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under close supervision.
• to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.

Opportunities to develop research and transferable skills also exist through attendance at training sessions organised at Department, School or University level as part of the wider postgraduate programme, and informally through mentoring by fellow students and members of staff.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

• a comprehensive understanding of techniques and a thorough knowledge of the literature applicable to their own research
• demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field
• shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies
• demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research

Programme Details

• Duration: 12 months full-time, 2 years part-time
• Study Mode: Research
• Degree: Master of Philosophy
• Institute: Institute of Astronomy

Key Information

• Applications open: September 3, 2025
• Application deadline: May 14, 2026
• Course starts: October 1, 2026
• Funding deadlines:
  • Course funding deadline: December 3, 2025
  • Gates Cambridge US round only: October 15, 2025

Similar Courses

• Astronomy PhD
• Physics MPhil
• Physics PhD
• Planetary Science and Life in the Universe MPhil
• Astrophysics MASt

Admission Criteria

Students wishing to pursue a PhD in Astronomy must apply for admission to the PhD via the normal application process.

Research Areas

The programme introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge in Astronomy, with opportunities to develop research and transferable skills through attendance at training sessions and informal mentoring.