Course summary

The MSc Astrophysics with Advanced Research is a two year degree worth 240 credits (120 ECTs), and emulates the structure of taught Masters degrees run in Europe and elsewhere outside the UK. You’ll develop a thorough grounding in fundamental physics while exploring cutting edge topics about the Universe, its constituents and structure, and humanity’s place within it. You’ll be trained in observational astrophysics and in the use of theory by carrying out a major research project supervised by a leading expert. Throughout the course, you’ll develop specialised skills in physics research enquiry and problem-solving, critical thinking, scientific writing, communication and presentation, and programming and software application. The course gives you the unique opportunity to study a wide variety of astrophysical phenomena across many scales enabling you to explore all corners of the Universe. You'll study galactic topics, including: extra-solar planets the life cycle of stars gamma-ray bursters supernovae. You’ll also have the opportunity to study extra-galactic topics, including: active galaxies at high redshift cosmological theory the evolution of the universe. You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake a placement year through the different course pathways.