The National University of Ireland, Maynooth
BSc Physics with Astrophysics
Maynooth, Ireland
BSc
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 18,000 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
- This degree will appeal to students who are passionate about understanding astrophysical phenomena. It is based on the Single Major degree in Experimental Physics but with an increased emphasis on studying the physical principles needed to understand astronomical objects such as planets, stars and galaxies, as well as the dynamics of the Universe as a whole.
- Study the latest telescopes, satellites, detector technology and data analysis techniques used to make the exquisitely sensitive observations needed in modern astrophysics. Facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories, an observatory with a computerised Meade telescope, an atmospheric physics facility, and radio and cosmic ray telescopes.
- Students receive an excellent grounding in all the core areas of Experimental Physics, opening up all the career opportunities available to physicists. Field trips and scientific visits are organised to other facilities such as LObservatoire dHaute Provence (France), the European Space Agency (the Netherlands), Jodrell Bank (UK), St. Lukes Hospital and Armagh Observatory.
- Potential to transfer from MH201 into this degree. Places are limited and are based on results.
Duration: 4 years
1st year
- Physics with Astrophysics
- Mathematics
- Choose 2 other Science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering Science, Mathematical Physics - please note that not all combinations of 2 subjects are possible due to timetable restrictions. Engineering Science cannot be taken with Biology. Students taking Engineering Science must also take Computer Science. Students may take Computer Science and not take Engineering Science.)
2nd year
- Physics with Astrophysics
- Continue with 2 of your 1st year subjects - 1 full subject, 10 credits in the 2nd
- Optional 10 credit Elective or Critical Skills
3rd year
- Physics with Astrophysics
- Continue with 1 of your 2nd year subjects
4th year
- Students take Physics with Astrophysics only
- Physicists and astrophysicists find employment in high-tech fields and in areas where analytical and problem-solving skills are valued. Graduates have progressed to roles at Met Éireann, St. Luke's Hospital Dublin, the European Space Agency, NASA, Caltech, Intel, Hewlett Packard, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
- Astrophysicists can find challenging and rewarding careers in astrophysics and also in fields such as medical physics, computational physics, forensic science, meteorology, environmental and atmospheric physics.
- Students who do sufficiently well are eligible to undertake research for an MSc or PhD degree under the supervision of one of the members of academic staff, who run active research programmes in these areas. This option is especially suitable for those wishing to pursue research careers, either in industry or academia.