Astrophysics with Year Abroad (MPhys)

You don’t need to choose your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.

On this degree in astrophysics you’ll gain a robust understanding of core physics concepts and practical lab skills, while developing your knowledge of astronomy and astrophysics to an advanced level.

After transferring at the end of year 2, the third year is carefully coordinated to cover all the core physics and astronomy modules. This means you can spend year 4 focused on your research project at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA).

Right from the start you’ll apply and develop your analytical and problem-solving skills on mini-projects in the lab. You’ll also use our on-site observatory and telescopes to collect and analyse astronomical data.

Year 1 overview

This consists of core modules on the key principles of physics and experimentation.

These include topics on:

• physics skills

• mathematics

• waves and light

• energy and matter

• motion and relativity

• electricity and magnetism

You’ll also take an introductory module on astronomy and space science to prepare you for your specialist astronomy studies.

Year 2 overview

Core modules include topics on:

• electromagnetism

• quantum physics

• mechanics

• wave physics

• galaxies

You can also choose from a range of optional modules on topics like:

• equations

• medical physics

• practical photonics

• energy in the environment

Year 3 overview

Core modules in year 3 cover topics on:

• atomic physics

• photons in astrophysics

• nuclei and particles

• theories of matter

• space and time

• stellar evolution

You’ll also do an individual dissertation.

Year 4 overview

In your final year, you’ll relocate to the Center for Astrophysics (CfA)

This combines the resources of the Harvard College Observatory and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory to study the basic physical processes that determine the nature and evolution of the universe.

You’ll work alongside a CfA researcher on an agreed topic of astrophysics. These include star and planet formation, cosmology and extreme astronomical objects.

You’ll do a significant research project resulting in a thesis, ideally of publishable quality, under the guidance of a supervisor from the Harvard-Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

How you'll spend your course time:

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Malcolm Coe is the course leader.

This degree is the perfect preparation for a PhD and onward to a astrophysics career as a professional astronomer. However, it is also an eye-catching addition to your CV if you wish go directly into a different career.

Potential roles include:

• astrophysicist

• professional astronomer

• data analyst

• government science policy officer

• medical physicist

• satellite engineer

• systems analyst

• weather forecaster

If you decide on a career outside physics, you’ll be able to demonstrate transferable skills such as computation and coding, statistical analysis, communication and project management skills.

We work hard to help you get the career of your choice and make the process easier and more enjoyable. 

During year 2 you’ll have access to a programme of physics-focused career sessions, timetabled to fit in with your studies. These include application and interview workshops and talks from visiting professionals.

We can help you find a paid summer placement to give you valuable hands-on experience and the chance to make industry contacts.

If you’d like to gain extra astronomy research experience, you could do your placement in our labs, working alongside graduate students on an Astronomy Research Group project.

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes

• CV and interview skills and workshops

• networking events

• careers fairs attended by top employers

• a wealth of volunteering opportunities

• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK/EU students pay £9,250.
• International students pay £20,970.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Find out how to:

• pay your tuition fees

• calculate your student finances

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: F3FM
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for 2020 entry now

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• predicted grades
• academic achievements
• personal statement
• academic reference

If you’re successful, we’ll invite you to an optional applicant visit day. This will give the opportunity to learn more about the department and take an interview, which may lead to a lower offer. If you attend a visit day before Christmas, you can take the physics academic scholarship exam. 

We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.