MSc Astrophysics

2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics or Maths with at least 2 credit bearing modules in Introductory Astrophysics and Modern Physics at an average grade of pass.

We may also accept degrees in Meteorology, Physics combined with Chemistry/Engineering, or a related subject with significant astrophysics content at 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent).

Those with a 2:2 in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics or Maths with core modules at a 2:1 level or substantial relevant work experience may be considered on a case by case basis.

Career opportunities include academic research, based in universities, research institutes, observatories and laboratory facilities; industrial research in a wide range of fields including energy and the environmental sector, IT and semiconductors, optics and lasers, materials science, telecommunications, engineering; banking and commerce; higher education.

Core courses include:

Research Skills
Gravitational Wave Detection
Advanced Data Analysis For Physics And Astronomy
The Sun's Atmosphere
MSc Project

These core courses run on alternate years:

General Relativity and Gravitation (running 2026-27)
Pulsars and Supernovae (running 2026-27)
Plasma Theory and Diagnostics (next running 2027-28)
Statistical Astronomy (next running 2027-28)
Optional courses include
Particle Physics
Electromagnetic Theory 2
Quantum and Atom Optics
Statistical Mechanics
Mathematical Methods 2
Nuclear Physics
Quantum Theory
Analytical Mechanics
Imaging and Detectors
Quantum Information
Fundamentals of Sensing and Measurement

These optional courses run on alternate years:

Galaxies (running 2027-28)
Heliophysics and Stellar Atmospheres (running 2027-28)
Stellar Structure and Evolution (running 2027-28)
Cosmology (running 2026-27)
Exploring Planetary Systems (running 2026-27)
Instruments for Optical and Radio Astronomy (running 2026-27)
High Energy Astrophysics (running 2027-28)
Astronomical Data Analysis (running 2027-28)