Integrated Master's Degree in Physics with Astronomy
University of Southampton
About this program
Integrated Master's Degree in Physics with Astronomy
This MPhys Physics with Astronomy degree covers all aspects of astronomy over 4 years. It will prepare you for a range of careers in physics or fuel a life-long passion for the subject if you choose a different profession. As well as investigating awe-inspiring astronomical events, you’ll study advanced physics. You’ll be taught by academics directly involved in world-leading research.
You’ll study in our labs and clean rooms and use our on-site rooftop observatory, equipped with 2 high-spec telescopes and CCD detectors for astronomy imaging.
There will also be a chance to spend a week using research-grade telescopes at an observatory in Tenerife.
You’ll develop an in-depth understanding of:
- the make-up, dynamics and environment of galaxies
- white dwarfs, black holes and neutron stars
- how radiation is produced and detected in a cosmic setting
- the space environment and space weather
- concepts of modern cosmology, including dark matter
If you’re a high-performing student, you may also be invited to join our flagship Astrophysics with a Year Abroad program. This 4-year, MPhys Masters course offers a unique opportunity to conduct research at the prestigious Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) in Boston, USA. It is the world’s largest centre for the study of the universe.
Admission requirements
A-levels
- AAA-AAB including grades AA in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical
or
- AABC including grades AA in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 36-34 points overall, with 18-17 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) and 6 at Higher Level in physics
BTEC
- D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA in A-level mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical
- We do not accept the BTEC Diploma
- We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma
- Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma or the BTEC Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
International Students
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English.
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
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Program content
Year 1
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Energy and Matter
- Introduction to Astronomy and Space Science
- Mathematical Methods For Physical Scientists 1b
- Mathematical Methods for Physical Scientists 1a
- Motion and Relativity
- Physics Skills - Programming and Data Analysis
- Physics Skills 1
- Physics Skills 2
- Waves, Light and Quanta
Year 2
- Classical Mechanics
- Electromagnetism
- Galaxies
- Physics from Evidence I
- Quantum Physics
- Statistical Mechanics
- Wave Physics
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
- Introduction to Energy in The Environment
- Medical Physics
- Practical Photonics
Year 3
- Atomic Physics
- Computer Techniques in Physics
- Crystalline Solids
- Dissertation
- Nuclei and Particles
- Photons in Astrophysics
- Physics from Evidence II
- Stellar Evolution
- Theories of Matter, Space and Time
Year 4
- Cosmology
- MPhys Final Year Synoptic Examination
- MPhys Project
- Space Plasma Physics
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
- Advanced Quantum Physics
- Applied Nuclear Physics
- Coherent Light, Coherent Matter
- Computer Techniques in Physics
- Lasers
- Light and Matter
- Nanoscience: technology and advanced materials
- Particle Physics
- Physics of the Early Universe
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Tuition
- UK, Channel Island, Isle of Man and Irish students: £9,250 per year.
- EU and International students: £22,760 per year.
Qualification
- Final award: Master of Physics (MPhys)
- Name of Award: Physics with Astronomy
- Interim Exit awards:
- Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc (Hons))
- Certificate of Health Studies (CertHE)
- Diploma of Health Studies (DipHE)
- FHEQ level of final award: Level 7
You’ll be able to demonstrate transferable skills such as
- computation and coding
- statistical analysis
- Communication skills
- project management skills.
Career paths
Types of roles include:
- astrophysicist
- air traffic controller
- bioinformatics specialist
- data analyst
- government science policy officer
- medical physicist
- satellite engineer
- systems analyst
- weather forecaster
Message the school
About this institute

University of Southampton
The University of Southampton is a top 100 global University with a top 15 UK University place. We are a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group, as demonstrated by our research intensity. We have a wonderful global community, with...
Why study at University of Southampton
The University of Southampton is a welcoming and close knit student community of roughly 22,000 students. We have an international student population which makes up just under 30% of our student body which is wonderful. With 98% of our graduates going into work or further study 6 months after graduation, we offer the chance to study at a world leading Russell Group University whilst safe in the knowledge you will be well on your way to succeeding your chosen career.
Contact info
University of Southampton
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