Course summary
Based at the historic Royal Observatory Edinburgh, the Institute for Astronomy (IfA) is one of the world’s leading centres in astronomical research. We share our picturesque base on Blackford Hill with the UK Astronomy Technology Centre (ATC) – the UK’s leading astronomical instrument maker – so as a postgraduate student you will be joining a vibrant community of specialists. The scope of our research is as wide as the cosmos we explore. Thanks to our affiliation with the UK ATC and our strong links with related research centres in the School of Physics & Astronomy, we are in a rare position to accommodate a diversity of research specialisms. Our current areas of research include:
- cosmology (large-scale structure in the universe, galaxy formation, dark matter and dark energy)
- active galactic nuclei and related objects
- nearby galaxies (large-scale star formation, structure, content and evolution of galaxies)
- stellar astronomy (parallax and proper motion studies, the stellar luminosity function, symbiotic stars)
- star formation (observation and theoretical studies, star formation in external galaxies)
- planet formation (disc and planet formation in protostars, discs around pre-main-sequence stars)
- computational astrophysics (through the Edinburgh Centre for Computational Astrophysics)
Modules
See our website for detailed programme information.
How to apply
International applicants
This course has a subject classification which requires students whose nationality is outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland to have an ATAS certificate, irrespective of country of residence at the point of application.
Further information can be found on the UK Government's website: www.gov.uk/academic-technology-approval-scheme
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for individual programmes vary, so please check the details for the specific programme you wish to apply for on our website. You will also need to meet the University’s language requirements.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Tuition fees vary between degree programmes. Find the specific fees for your chosen programme on our website.
Provider information
The University of Edinburgh
Student Recruitment and Admissions
33 Buccleuch Place
Edinburgh
EH8 9JS