Course summary
Physics with Astrophysics explores the structure of the universe to uncover the fundamental question: how did everything come to be? You will study the origins of the universe, the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets, and learn how to combine a knowledge of physics with advanced computational techniques to observe and understand the universe. 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
The use of various forms of assessment and learning environments facilitates the development of generic transferable skills enhancing student employability. 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.
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:
- F3F5
- Institution code:
- A20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)
For entry into Year 2: Satisfactory completion of HNC Applied Sciences (120 SCQF credit points). B in Graded Unit. Curriculum to include: Mathematics for Science (H8XP), Inorganic Chemistry (B) (H92Y), and Physical Chemistry (B) (H936).
International applicants
In addition to tuition fees, students will require money to cover their living costs including accommodation, food, books, entertainment, clothing, phone bills, local travel, and laundry. These expenses will vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. In keeping with UKVI rules, we recommend that students budget £1,023 per month to cover their living costs. International students who require a Student visa to study in the UK also have to pay the NHS health surcharge of £470 per year of study, plus £235 (any additional period of 6 months or less is charged at the rate of half the annual amount) when applying for a visa. International students who will be studying for more than 6 months are permitted to work for 20 hours per week during term-time, though this may be increased during the holiday periods. Please note that this must not be relied upon as a means to fund your studies.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
Scottish Higher - BBBB
Scottish Advanced Higher - ABB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
Scottish HNC - Pass
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass
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
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
Operated by the Office for Students
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 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Additional fee information
EU/International Fees have not been set for Academic Year 2025-26. The fee detailed above was for Academic Year 2024-25.
EU/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 arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs.
Sponsorship information
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen. View the University of Aberdeen Online Prospectus programme page to find out about any scholarships and funding you may be eligible to apply for.
Provider information
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of External Relations
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX