Course summary
Astrophysics introduces you to the basics of physics and demonstrates how this knowledge can be applied to the physics of astronomy. Recent astronomical discoveries have made it an increasingly popular area of study. The School of Physics and Astronomy has close links with the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh, one of the UK's major centres of astronomical research. The Institute for Astronomy (IfA), one of the School's research institutes, is based at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh. Recently there have been dramatic astronomical discoveries and gathering of large amounts of data. Therefore, this is a very exciting time to study astrophysics. We try to provide a unique and deep insight into the major scientific controversies of our time.
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:
- F361
- Institution code:
- E56
- Campus name:
- Central area campus
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAA - ABB
Scottish Higher - AAAA
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 37 - 32 points
Direct entry to second year is available; see our website for entry requirements. Please apply for only one Physics degree as we are only able to consider one application to this subject area. You will have the opportunity to switch between programmes in later years provided the required courses have been passed. We normally make offers to the highest qualified applicants. If competition for places is high this may mean that offers will only be made to applicants who are predicted, or who have achieved, above the single set of grades or the upper grade level in a range. Any conditional offer made may require you to achieve grades above the upper grade level. Therefore, achieving the top of our standard entry requirements does not guarantee a place on the relevant degree. Detailed entry requirements, including typical offer levels, and information about other qualifications we accept, are available on the University of Edinburgh’s website. You’ll also find important information on how to apply. You must submit a fully completed UCAS application that includes details of the qualifications you are taking, including full predicted grades for qualifications not yet completed, your personal statement and your reference.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Minimum Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - ABB
Scottish Higher - AABB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
Please click the following link to find out more about minimum qualification requirements for this course
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 92 | Total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | Total 176 with at least 162 in each component. | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | Total 176 with at least 162 in each component. | |
| Trinity ISE | ISE II with distinctions in all four components. | |
| PTE Academic | 65 | Total 65 with at least 54 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online. |
Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies. For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher: SQA National 5 at C; SQA Standard Grade at 3; SQA Intermediate 1 at A; SQA Intermediate 2 at C; GCSE/IGSCE at C or 4; Level 2 Certificate Grade C or IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry). Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.
Full details of our English language requirements can be found on our website:
https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/undergraduate/entry-requirements/english-language
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
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
| Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
| EU | £36800 | Year 1 |
| International | £36800 | 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
Scottish students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees.
England/Wales/Northern Ireland - Due to UK Government announcements in relation to RUK Undergraduate Fees the UoE UG RUK fee will be confirmed later in 2024.
EU On 9th July 2020 the decision was made by the Scottish Government to end free university tuition for European Union (EU) students starting in 2021-22. Funding policy for EU nationals and associated groups starting a course of study in academic year 2022-23 or later will be in line with international fees.
Full time international and EU students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme.
Provider information
The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh
Old College
South Bridge
Edinburgh
EH8 9YL