Course summary
Astrophysics is one of the most exciting and highly active research areas in all of science. It is the study of the structure of our universe and everything in it and attempts to answer perhaps the most fundamental question: how did this all come to be? You will study the birth of the universe, as well as the formation of galaxies, stars and planets, as our course explores this vast topic. Physics with Astrophysics is a comprehensive programme that introduces the core concepts of physics and demonstrates how they can be applied to the field of astrophysics. This programme will give you valuable skills in the various facets of observational, computational and theoretical astrophysics that enable the study of the cosmos. This will include the usage of telescopes for precise observation, rigorous treatment of the laws of optics and electromagnetism that have enabled our study of the unimaginably distant stars, and computational modelling techniques. You will also undertake a project that will include simulation of large scale gravitational effects. The programme includes a field trip in the fourth year, where members of staff will take you to a Dark Sky Park in the Cairngorms National Park for a weekend of astronomical observation. We also offer a case study the preparations required for a rocket launch, informed by discussions with local launch platform companies in Shetland and western Scotland. The University of Aberdeen has a long association with astronomy. The local Aberdeen Astronomical Society (AAS) was formed in 1969, led by University of Aberdeen’s Professor RV Jones, who is most famously remembered for his work on the development of radar during the Second World War. AAS maintain a close partnership with the University and have been actively engaged with the use of the Cromwell Tower Observatory located in King’s College on the main Old Aberdeen campus. Other eminent astrophysicists associated with Aberdeen include the Astronomer Royal, Sir David Gill (1843 – 1914), who first measured precisely the distance of the Sun from the Earth and who studied under James Clerk Maxwell (1831 – 1879) who is widely regarded as one of the greatest scientists of all time due to his revolutionary work on the theory of electricity and magnetism. **We are ranked 6th in the UK for Physics - The Guardian University Guide 2024 We are ranked 2nd in Scotland for Overall Satisfaction - NSS 2023**
Modules
View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.
Assessment method
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods: coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course; practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and written examinations at the end of each course. The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses. Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Physics, Institute of
How to apply
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:
- F3F5
- Institution code:
- A20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country and to arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBB
Scottish Higher - BBBB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
Scottish Advanced Higher - ABB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/find-a-degree.php#sciences
English language requirements
Test | Grade | Additional details |
---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 6 | Overall - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
TOEFL (iBT) | 78 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition (online) - DI code is 0818: Overall 78 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. |
PTE Academic | 59 | Overall - 59 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted. |
Trinity ISE | Pass | Pass overall at ISE II with a distinction in writing and merit in the other three skills. |
Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programmes - Pass (valid for one year) OR Academic English Preparation Programme - Pass at Level Four (valid for one year) | |
Cambridge English Advanced | C | Overall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169. |
Cambridge English Proficiency | C | Overall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169. |
To study for an undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, or through a recognised English language test. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/undergraduate-degrees-english-requirements-268.php
Student Outcomes
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
International | £24800 | Year 1 |
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
EU | £24800 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £1820 | 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
Sponsorship information
View the University of Aberdeen Online Prospectus programme page to find out about any scholarships and funding you may be able to apply for.
Provider information
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of External Relations
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX