Physics with Astronomy at University of Southampton - UCAS

Course summary

Enter the realm of extreme physics and learn the science behind powerful phenomena such as white dwarfs, black holes and neutron stars, the evolution of the universe, the formation of galaxies and space weather. You’ll gain the skills and knowledge of a professional astronomer, taught by academics who are directly involved in astronomy research. Whether you choose to do a PhD and become an astronomer, or use your advanced computing and data analysis skills in another profession, the knowledge you gain will underpin your lifelong passion for astronomy. A special feature of this programme is the study visit to Tenerife, where our top 12 students have the opportunity to visit the Izana Observatory for a period of astronomical observation. This degree is also the gateway to our MPhys Astrophysics with a Year Abroad flagship programme, which offers a unique opportunity to spend your fourth year at the prestigious Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Boston, USA. Our top-performing students can transfer onto this programme at the end of second year. Your degree will open the door to a wide range of careers, with recent graduates employed in roles ranging from physicists and engineers, to actuaries and statisticians, scientific journalists and medical researchers. Many students go onto further study. You’ll have access to exceptional research-grade facilities, including an observatory on the rooftop of the physics building.

Modules

Typical modules include: Year one: Electricity and Magnetism; Energy and Matter; Introduction to Astronomy and Space Science; Mathematical Methods for Physical Scientists; Motion and Relativity; Physics Skills; Waves, Light and Quanta. Year two: Classical Mechanics; Electromagnetism; Galaxies; Physics from Evidence I; Quantum Physics; Statistical Mechanics; Wave Physics; plus additional module options. Year three: Atomic Physics; Computer Techniques in Physics; Crystalline Solids; Dissertation; Nuclei and Particles; Photons in Astrophysics; Physics from Evidence II; Stellar Evolution; Theories of Matter, Space and Time. Year four: Cosmology; MPhys Final Year Synoptic Examination; MPhys Project; Space Plasma Physics; plus additional module options. Throughout your degree, you’ll also develop key transferable skills such as problem solving, data analysis and computing, which are sought after by a range employers. During year two, you’ll also have access to a programme of physics-focused career sessions, timetabled to fit in with your studies, which include application and interview workshops as well as talks from visiting professionals.

Assessment method

For MPhys programmes, assessment in the first and second year is a mixture of unseen written examinations, marked problem-based coursework and laboratory work. In the third year assessment is mainly by examination, although laboratory-based, computer-based and dissertation modules will use different assessment methods, as appropriate. In the fourth year of the MPhys programmes, laboratory work is replaced by a project which involves continuous assessment, written reports and an oral examination.


How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
F3FM
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Find out about equivalent entry requirements and qualifications for your country: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/international/your-country.page

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

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

https://www.phys.soton.ac.uk/programmes/f3fm-mphys-astronomy-4-yrs


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5with no component below 6.0

All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.

Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
100%
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

Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
EU £27400 Year 1
International £27400 Year 1
England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
Channel Islands £9250 Year 1

Additional fee information

The tuition fees for courses starting in September 2025 will not be confirmed until August 2024. The fees shown are applicable to 2024 entry and are for illustrative purposes only. Please see our website for further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page
Physics with Astronomy at University of Southampton - UCAS