Course summary
Fuel your fascination for space and the technologies we use to investigate it. As well as studying the fundamentals of physics, you’ll explore a range of space-related fields, including the essentials of astronomy, spacecraft design and space weather. You’ll be prepared for a wide range of careers, from fundamental research to commercial space activities. With the global space market set to increase rapidly, your skills will be in high demand. You will have access to exceptional research-grade facilities, including a rooftop observatory. We also provide an exciting opportunity in the second year; our top students visit La Laguna University in Tenerife to participate in a design study of a scientific spacecraft. 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.
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; European Dimension in Space; Physics from Evidence I; Quantum Physics; Statistical Mechanics; Wave Physics. Year three: Advanced Astronautics; Atomic Physics; Computer Techniques in Physics; Crystalline Solids; Dissertation; Nuclei and Particles; Physics from Evidence II; Space Plasma Physics; Theories of Matter, Space and Time. Year four: MPhys Final Year Synoptic Examination; MPhys Project; Spacecraft Orbital Mechanics; 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.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Physics, Institute of
How to apply
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:
- F3FX
- 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
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - A*AA - AAA
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - Not accepted
Access to HE Diploma - Not accepted
Scottish Higher
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D* - D
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) - D
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 36 - 38 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - A - B
Extended Project - A
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H1, H1, H2, H2, H2 - H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H2
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D2, D3, D3 - D3, D3, D3
GCSE/National 4/National 5
If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/study/subjects/physics-astronomy
English language requirements
Test | Grade | Additional details |
---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | with 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
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
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
EU | £29400 | Year 1 |
International | £29400 | 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
Provider information
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ