Course summary

Our physics and astrophysics degree has more astrophysics content than most, taking you from stars and galaxies, to the origin of the universe. You’ll be trained to use the telescopes on our roof, and there is an annual field trip to an international telescope facility in the Canary Islands. Gaze at the stars from the roof of the faculty building, or our observatory in the Canary Islands, as you study the very matter of our universe and the laws that govern it. The University of Sheffield BSc in Physics and Astrophysics has more astrophysics content than other physics departments. Along with essential physics modules, 50% of your time here will be dedicated to studying everything from the formation of our solar system, to stars and galaxies and the evolution of our universe. There are two telescopes on the roof of our building, which you’ll be able to use from your first year. We also run a telescope on La Palma in the Canary Islands, which students use during our annual field trip. You’ll explore essential physics in even more depth in your second year, and continue to specialise in astrophysics with modules on the structure and evolution of stars and galaxies. Because we shape you into fully rounded scientists, you’ll learn through practical work with telescopes, and continue to develop your programming skills. And because curiosity is what makes great astrophysicists, we’ll encourage you to dive into optional modules during your third year – exploring topics like dark matter and nuclear astrophysics, alongside core modules on cosmology. After completing your own research project, you’ll graduate with all the tools you need to shoot for a stellar career in astrophysics – and beyond. Why study this course?

• No. 1 physics department in the UK - 100% of our research and impact was rated world-leading or internationally excellent by REF 2021.

• More astro content than most degrees - you can study 50% astrophysics content throughout your degree, more than most universities offer.

• Research opportunities - physics students can access incredible research projects, including a summer research placement, work placements and field trips, thanks to our links with organisations like CERN and the observatories on La Palma in the Canary Islands.

• Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) - our courses meet the educational requirement for you to become a Chartered Physicist.

• Graduate to a career - our graduates solve practical problems at major employers – they include data scientists at Channel 4 and Manchester United FC, researchers at CERN and the European Space Agency, and technology experts at IBM and Nissan.