Course summary

If you are fascinated by astronomy and have the drive to solve the mysteries of the universe through scientific study, mathematics, computing and experimental work, then this Physics and Astrophysics MSci degree has been created for you. Our Physics and Astrophysics MSci programme is for those who are fascinated by astronomy, and are looking for an in-depth treatment that also gives a good grounding in physics. You will have access to excellent astronomy facilities during your degree, such as our special Astro laboratory which provides astronomical data from observatories around the world. We also have a purpose-built Observatory, which you could use during your project work. All of which make Birmingham a great place for studying Astrophysics. A large part of your time in the fourth year will be devoted to an independent research project where you have the opportunity to work alongside our world-leading research groups.There are many opportunities to undertake project work during your degree. For those who take laboratories this will be as part of your lab work in the first two years. A project develops a wide range of skills including planning and report writing. Group studies in your third year is a major project which is undertaken in groups of 10-20 students. The task requires the group to work as a team and enables you to solve a problem of much greater magnitude than could be attempted by an individual. The team work skills learnt here are invaluable in success in a future career. You will be taught by academics who are global experts in their field, you'll gain a broad understanding of the essential concepts of physics, ranging from entropy to quantum mechanics and beyond. The transferable skills you’ll also learn will make you very employable; including problem solving, computing and giving presentations.