Course summary

The Physics with Astrophysics (faster route) offers focused, high achieving candidates joining us straight from school the option to complete the Honours Degree in three years or MSci degree in four years. This degree programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics. Lectures are complemented by our observatory, planetarium and telescope facilities at our Garscube Campus. Many of our staff play leading roles in major international research projects, such as the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and the gravitational wave observatory LIGO. The school has two active societies, PhySoc and AstroSoc, run by students, for students. FASTER ROUTE The Science Faster Route offers focused, high-achieving students the option to complete the Honours Degree in 3 years or the MSci degree in 4 years - without missing out on opportunities like studying abroad, internships, and accredited programmes. The only difference? Less flexibility in course choices and no joint honours option. If you don't meet the entry requirements, we'll automatically consider you for the standard 4-year degree. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE YEAR 1 Students on the Physics with Astrophysics (faster route) do not undertake Year 1. YEAR 2 Entering Year 2 you will be a part of a bespoke course for Faster Route students developing practical, problem solving, and communication skills. You will build on your foundational understanding of core principles and experimental methods in physics, progressing to more advanced techniques and contemporary developments in the field. The curriculum covers a range of areas, including fundamental concepts, wave phenomena, material properties, thermal and optical physics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and modern research topics, along with essential mathematical methods. You will gain a basic understanding of the core theoretical and observational principles of modern astronomy. Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy are compulsory in Year 2. YEARS 3, 4 AND 5 If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) you will continue to study in greater depth core topics spanning all areas of physics and explore a range of specialist topics of your choice. In the final year, you will work on an independent research project embedded in one of the school’s active research groups. The main astrophysics components of the Honours programme include: stellar structure and evolution; high-energy astrophysics; galaxies and cosmology; instruments for optical and radio telescopes; exploring planetary systems. The Physics degree programmes emphasise technological applications such as laser physics, semiconductor physics and devices, modern signal processing technology, and magnetic and superconducting materials. There is an opportunity to take an MSci degree, which explores physics topics in greater depth and includes a more extensive individually supervised project working at the cutting edge of international research. CAREER PROSPECTS The scientific knowledge and mathematical and analytical skills you acquire will equip you to work across a wide range of industries including aerospace, electronics, semiconductors, petroleum, communications, computing, medical physics, education, commerce and the Civil Service. ACCREDITATION Our Physics single and joint honours programmes are accredited by the Institute of Physics. Graduating from the MSci programme sets you on the path to becoming a Chartered Physicist.