Course summary

Astrophysics, at Aberystwyth University, incorporates the broad disciplines of astronomy that include cosmology and galactic astronomy, the solar system, gas giants and terrestrial worlds, red giants, white dwarfs, neutron stars, and quasars amongst others, allowing you to cover a broad area of learning and enabling you to specialise later in your career. With foundations in the key areas of physics and astronomy you will develop the essential core and transferable skills required by employers in this discipline that includes education, business, and industry. On completion of this degree, you will leave with accreditation by the Institute of Physics (IOP). Physics has been taught at Aberystwyth since its foundation and it continues to be an innovative learning experience for all. Our researchers are involved in the current European Space Agency ExoMars 2020 Project. Throughout this degree, you will be introduced to classic and modern physics, the basic principles of gravitational and electrostatic fields, stars, planets, algebra and calculus, quantum mechanics, optics, space plasmas, electromagnetism, data handling, statistics, cosmology, galaxies and the heliosphere. Career planning and skills development will also form a key element in some modules. Students wishing to study through the medium of Welsh may do so with our Welsh-medium modules. Further details regarding Welsh-medium study are available from the department. Our students learn through lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, practicals, individual and group-based project work. We assess our students through coursework, presentations, lab reports, lab diaries and examinations. You will be assigned a personal tutor, who can help with any difficulties you might have with the degree or with university life. Employability is embedded across all our teaching and ethics. We instil these skills in our students: research and data analysis, problem-solving, creative thinking, independent working, time management, organisation, self-motivation, communication and team working. The ability to discuss concepts with peers, accommodate different viewpoints, meet deadlines and communicate ideas in a clear, concise manner in both written and oral form are highly desirable skills in industry. You are encouraged to contact the University’s Careers Service in relation to work experience opportunities. Year in Employment Scheme (YES) and GO Wales are administered by the Career Service which works with local businesses to create paid work placements for students. This helps you gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV. The skills you will learn are highly pertinent to employers. Typical careers include medical physicist, radiation protection practitioner, research scientist, systems developer, product development, technical publishing and meteorology. In addition, you will acquire transferable skills, such as problem-solving abilities, needed for success in a wider range of careers.