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Physics and Astronomy at Durham University - UCAS

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2025 - 2026
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Durham University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Course summary

If you are fascinated by the relationship between mathematics, the cosmos and the scientific world this MPhys could be for you. This integrated Master's degree is the first step towards Chartered Physicist status. It will suit those looking for an accredited course that leads to higher level education or a research role in physics, while also providing the knowledge, analytical and problem-solving skills for a career in the sciences, engineering, finance or IT. Physics degrees at Durham offer a high level of flexibility. We offer four Institute of Physics accredited courses - MPhys qualifications in Physics, Physics and Astronomy, and Theoretical Physics and the three-year BSc in Physics - which follow the same core curriculum in Year 1. Subject to the optional modules chosen, it is possible to switch to one of the other courses until the end of the second year. You can also apply for a one-year work placement or study abroad opportunity with one of our partner organisations, increasing the course from four years to five or substituting the existing Year 3. The first year lays the foundation in physics theory, mathematical skills and laboratory skills that you will need to tackle more complex content later in the course. From Year 2 the focus on astronomy and astrophysics increases. As you progress through the course, learning is more closely aligned to real-world issues through project work and optional modules that are tailored to your interests and aspirations. Your knowledge is further extended with a project based on a live research topic, and higher-level modules which take your study of physics and astronomy to a greater depth.

Modules

Year 1 Core modules: Foundations of Physics introduces classical aspects of wave phenomena and electromagnetism, and basic concepts in Newtonian mechanics, quantum mechanics, special relativity and optical physics. Discovery Skills in Physics provides practical introduction to laboratory skills development with emphasis on measurement uncertainty, data analysis and written and oral communication skills. Includes an introduction to programming. Year 2 Core modules: Foundations of Physics A develops knowledge of quantum mechanics and electromagnetism. You will learn to apply the principles of physics to predictable and unpredictable problems and produce a well-structured solution, with clear reasoning and appropriate presentation. Foundations of Physics B extends knowledge of thermodynamics, condensed matter physics and optics. Stars and Galaxies introduces astronomy and astrophysics. You will develop an understanding of the basic physics of stellar interiors and learn why we see stars of differing colours and brightness. Module extends knowledge of pulsating and binary stars and introduces galactic and extragalactic astronomy. Mathematical Methods in Physics provides necessary mathematical knowledge to successfully tackle the Foundations of Physics modules. It covers vectors, vector integral and vector differential calculus, multivariable calculus and orthogonal curvilinear coordinates, Fourier analysis, orthogonal functions, the use of matrices, and the mathematical tools for solving ordinary and partial differential equations occurring in a variety of physical problems. Laboratory Skills and Electronics builds lab-based skills, such as experiment planning, data analysis, scientific communication and specific practical skills. It aims to teach electronics as a theoretical and a practical subject, to teach the techniques of computational physics and numerical methods and to provide experience of a research-led investigation in physics in preparation for post-university life. Year 3 Core modules: Foundations of Physics A further develops knowledge to include quantum mechanics and nuclear and particle physics. You will learn to apply the principles of physics to complex problems and produce a well-structured solution, with clear reasoning and appropriate presentation. Foundations of Physics B extends knowledge to include statistical physics and condensed matter physics. Planets and Cosmology explains the astrophysical origin of planetary systems and the cosmological origin of the Universe. You will learn about the formation and workings of our Solar System, its orbital dynamics and the basic physics of planetary interiors and atmospheres. The Computing Project is designed to develop computational and problem-solving skills. You work on advanced computational physics problems using a variety of modern computing techniques and present your findings in a project report, poster and oral presentation. Year 4 Core modules: The research-based MPhys Project provides work experience in a research environment on a topic at the forefront of developments in a branch of either physics, applied physics, theoretical physics or astronomy, and develops transferable skills for the oral and written presentation of research. The project can be carried out individually or as part of a small group in one of the Department’s research groups or in collaboration with an external organisation. Advanced Astrophysics covers astronomical techniques and radiative processes in astrophysics. Module provides working knowledge of the advanced optical techniques used in modern astronomy and of the radiative processes that generate the emission that is studied in a wide range of astronomical observations. Theoretical Astrophysics examines cosmic structure formation and general relativity. Module provides overview of our current understanding of the formation and evolution of cosmic structure and an introduction to Einstein’s general theory of relativity.

Assessment method

Assessment is mainly by end-of-year examinations and by project reports and presentations. The range of assessment methods is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the course content, test your capacity to solve problems, enhance your written and oral communication skills, and assess your ability to relate your learning to real-world scenarios.

How to apply

29Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
FF3N
Institution code:
D86
Campus name:
Durham City
Campus code:
O

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Durham has a long and proud history of welcoming students from countries across the globe.https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/international/

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Our contextual offer for this programme is A level A*A in Mathematics and Physics and B (or equivalent). To find out if you’re eligible, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/what-happens-to-your-application/contextual-offers/

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/ug/apply/entry/

English language requirements

Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.

English language requirements

https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
90%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
100%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
Channel Islands £9250 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
EU £33250 Year 1
International £33250 Year 1

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

The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government. The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees are subject to an annual inflationary increase. In deciding the annual level of increase the University will take into account inflationary pressures on the costs of delivery. Tuition fees will rise annually by up to the higher of 6% or the latest annual percentage increase in the Consumer Prices Index. There may also be additional course costs for things like books (if you want to purchase them), field trips etc.

Sponsorship information

We're committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances. https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/scholarships/

Physics and Astronomy at Durham University - UCAS