Astrophysics with Year Abroad (MPhys)

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

English language requirements

All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK who do not offer GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at the required level will need to meet the following English language proficiency requirement. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements.

Band B IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in all components

We also accept other English language tests.

Non-academic entry requirements

There are no additional requirements

International qualifications

Find a list of accepted international qualifications listed by country.

This is a list of the international qualifications that are recognised by the University of Southampton. If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.

Other ways to qualify

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

• our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)

• skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)

Find out more about our Admissions Policy.

Year 1

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

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

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

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.

Support for your studies

You’ll have your own personal academic tutor who will be a physicist or astronomer. They will meet with you once a week in your first year and remain your personal contact at the university throughout your degree. 

How you’ll spend your study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study, year by year:

How we’ll assess you

We’ll assess you using:

• coursework, laboratory reports and essays
• design and problem-solving exercises
• individual and group projects
• oral presentations
• written and practical exams

Your assessment breakdown, year by year:

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.

UK/EU fees

You'll pay £9,250 in tuition fees for the academic year 2020 to 2021. This fee might change for further years of your course.

International student fees

You’ll pay £20,970 each year. This fee will stay the same throughout your studies.

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

Extra costs you might have to pay

• Placements (including Study Abroad Programmes)
• Stationery
• Textbooks
• Printing and Photocopying Costs
• Approved Calculators
• Fieldwork: logistical costs

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.

Clubs, societies and facilities

Our campuses have:

• cafes and restaurants

• bars

• health centres

• banks

• a post office

• student shops

• a hairdresser

Our sports facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with 140 fitness stations, squash courts, a bouldering wall, outdoor pitches and much more. There are over 80 sports clubs you could join, and activity classes including yoga and spin.

We have an internationally known theatre, concert hall, art gallery and cinema showing everything from mainstream blockbusters to international arthouse classics. You could perform at a gig, concert or show, take part in an exhibition or join a writers’ workshop. Find out more about arts and culture at Southampton.

Whatever your passion or community, you can find like-minded people at one of the Students’ Union clubs and societies. There are more than 200 to join, and social activities in every hall of residence.

Support while you study

We aim to help you deal with any problems you might come across, so you can make the most of your time at university. We offer support with:

• mental health, learning difficulties and disability

• money and accommodation

• childcare

• computers and IT

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.