About this course
This specialist astrophysics course offers an unrivalled opportunity to study astrophysics with a year abroad. You'll spend your fourth year on a research project at the prestigious Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) in Boston, USA. We are the only UK university that partners with Harvard in this way.
This flagship course is offered to the best University of Southampton astrophysics students studying our MPhys Physics with Astronomy degree at the end of year 2.
Another feature is a 2-week field trip to Tenerife where you’ll take part in a space mission design project.
You’ll also spend a week at an observatory learning to use high-spec telescopes.
As part of your astrophysics degree, you’ll develop an in-depth understanding of:
- the make-up, dynamics and environment of galaxies
- the life cycle of stars
- how radiation is produced and detected in a cosmic setting
- the space environment and space weather
- concepts of modern cosmology, including the nature of dark matter
You’ll also learn the science behind powerful phenomena such as white dwarfs, black holes and neutron stars, the evolution of the universe, the formation of galaxies and space weather.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202122
A-levels
AAA-AAB including grades AA in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical
or
AABC including grades AA in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants may be invited to visit the department and have an optional interview; an optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
AAB including mathematics/further mathematics (minimum grade A) and physics (minimum grade A), with a pass in the physics Practical, plus grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA in A-level mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical
We do not accept the BTEC Diploma
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma
Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma or the BTEC Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
BTEC additional information
Access to HE Diploma
Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
Access to HE additional information
There are no additional requirements
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1,H1,H2,H2,H2,H2 including H1 in mathematics and physics - H1,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 including mathematics and physics (one of which must be at H1)
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1,A1,A2,A2,A2,A2, including mathematics at A1 and physics at A1
Irish certificate additional information
Applicants may be invited to visit the department and have an optional interview; an optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3,D3,D3 - D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects including mathematics/further mathematics (minimum grade D3) and physics (minimum grade D3)
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of A Level grade B.
Applicants may be invited to visit the department and have an optional interview; an optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAA-AAB including grades AA in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical
or
AA from two A-levels including mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical and A-B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate AABC including grades AA in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics PracticalorAA from two A-levels including mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical, and grades BC from a third A-level and the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants may be invited to visit the department and have an optional interview; an optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall including 8.5 in mathematics and physics, with at at least 5 in Maths as an elective subject. Applicants may be invited to visit the department and have an optional interview; an optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
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.
For Academic year 202223
A-levels
AAA-AAB including grades AA in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical
or
AABC including grades AA in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview; the optional interview could lead to a lower offer.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
AAB including mathematics/further mathematics (minimum grade A) and physics (minimum grade A), with a pass in the physics Practical, plus grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA in A-level mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical
We do not accept the BTEC Diploma
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma
Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma or the BTEC Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
BTEC additional information
Access to HE Diploma
Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
Access to HE additional information
There are no additional requirements
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1,H1,H2,H2,H2,H2 including H1 in mathematics and physics - H1,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 including mathematics and physics (one of which must be at H1)
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1,A1,A2,A2,A2,A2, including mathematics at A1 and physics at A1
Irish certificate additional information
Applicants may be invited to visit the department and have an optional interview; an optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3,D3,D3 - D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects including mathematics/further mathematics (minimum grade D3) and physics (minimum grade D3)
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of A Level grade B.
Applicants may be invited to visit the department and have an optional interview; an optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAA-AAB including grades AA in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical
or
AA from two A-levels including mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical and A-B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate AABC including grades AA in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics PracticalorAA from two A-levels including mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical, and grades BC from a third A-level and the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants may be invited to visit the department and have an optional interview; an optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall including 8.5 in mathematics and physics, with at at least 5 in Maths as an elective subject. Applicants may be invited to visit the department and have an optional interview; an optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
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.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
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.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
The major concepts covered are: - The abstraction from forces to fields using the examples of the electric and magnetic fields, with some applications - The connection between conservative forces and potential energy - How charges move through electri...
This course introduces the ideas of thermal physics, contrasting the complexity of a world composed of huge numbers of sub-microscopic particles with the simplicity of the thermodynamic laws that govern its large-scale behaviour.
The module shows how simple physical principles can be used to learn about the Universe. The focus is upon how one can measure physical quantities such as size, distance, temperature, age and mass for the variety of objects in the Universe. By its end stu...
To provide students with the necessary skills and confidence to apply a range of mathematical methods to problems in the physical sciences. We build on the methods developed in MATH1006 (or MATH1008) but extend many of the ideas from ordinary functions to...
To provide students with the necessary skills and confidence to apply a range of mathematical methods to problems in the physical sciences. Both MATH1006 and MATH1008 cover essentially the same topics in calculus that are of relevance to applications in t...
The first part of the module focuses on Newton’s laws of motion, potentials, conservation of energy, momentum and angular momentum, projectiles, circular motion, gravity and simple harmonic motion including damping. The second part of the module is an ...
The primary goal is to provide students with the practical programming and data analysis skills that are necessary for both their degree course and most careers in physics. Python is used as the introductory programming language, and numerical simulations...
The Physics Skills units develop a range of skills needed by a professional physicist, including facility in conducting experiments and in analysing and reporting their results. Physics Skills 1 runs in first semester and its companion Physics Skills 2 (P...
The Physics Skills units develop a range of skills needed by a professional physicist, including facility in conducting experiments and in analysing and reporting their results. Physics Skills 1 runs in first semester and its companion Physics Skills 2 (P...
It will arm students with a basic knowledge of optics, including ray propagation, polarization and diffraction, and introduce the dual wave and particle characteristics of light and matter. It provides a base for further study of optics, wave physics and ...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
Beginning with a review of Newton's Laws applied to systems of particles, the course moves on to rotational motion, dynamical gravity (Kepler's Laws) and motion in non-inertial reference frames. Systems of coupled oscillators are studied.
The course takes place during the Easter vacation at La Laguna University, Tenerife, Spain. The course consists of two separately assessed modules. Module 1 is a one week design study of an astronomical spacecraft. Module 2 is a week of practical o...
Electromagnetism is one of the brilliant successes of nineteenth century physics and the equations formulated by Maxwell are believed to account exactly for all classical electromagnetic phenomena. The aim of this course is to present the laws of elect...
We will start from outlining fundamental questions we must answer in order to build up a picture of an astrophysical object, e.g., what is it made of? How luminous? How big? How old? How fast? How heavy? These seemingly simple questions are surprisingly d...
The PHYS2022 Physics from Evidence I module consists of three parts: Teaching Lab, Computing Module and Student Conference. The Teaching Lab and Computing Modules run through the first 10 weeks of the semester and the Student Conference is in week 12.
After studying this course students should be able to explain the concept of quantum mechanical wave function and its basic properties, the Schrödinger equation, the concepts of operator, eigenstates and the significance of measurements, and describe the ...
Statistical mechanics links the microscopic properties of physical systems to their macroscopic properties. Thermodynamics, which describes macroscopic properties, can then be derived from statistical mechanics with a few well motivated postulates. It lea...
This course introduces the properties and mechanics of waves, from the derivation and solution of wave equations, through the origins of the classical processes of refraction, dispersion and interference, to the quantum mechanical phenomenon of the uncert...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
The aim of this course is to apply quantum physics to the study of atoms.
This Computational Physics course is designed for students with definite interest in tackling physics problems that are only tractable through the use of computers. It covers all types of application of computers by physicists, except the control of equip...
Modern cosmology is a fascinating and fast-developing field, with intense research activity fuelled by major discoveries made in the last decade. These have overturned our understanding of the Universe’s properties and established a new standard cosmologi...
This course builds upon the Second Year Quantum Physics of Matter Course (PHYS2024) to form a complete basic course on the fundamentals of the physics of solids. After the course the student should have developed the necessary theoretical knowledge to ena...
Students will learn about Nuclear Scattering, various properties of Nuclei, the Liquid Drop Model and the Shell Model, radioactive decay, fission and fusion. By the end of the course, the students should be able to classify elementary particles into hadro...
The main radiation mechanisms are discussed and examples are given of the situations in which they are most important. We show how the physical conditions, e.g. the temperature, density and magnetic field strength, can be determined from the emitted radia...
This course is a showcase for how the various branches of physics come together to give rise to real life phenomena. Using the example of stars, we will revisit a wide range of different physics and see how the various ingredients interact and thus how al...
Variational methods in classical physics will be reviewed and the extension of these ideas in quantum mechanics will be introduced.
Year 4 modules
You must study the following module in year 4:
This module forms the final year of their Astrophysics with a Year Abroad MPhys degree. The student will have completed a significant research project, ideally of publishable quality, under the guidance of a supervisor from the Smithsonian Astrophysical O...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Year 4
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 4:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 4:
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.
Careers
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.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £22,760.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
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 EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: F3FM
- UCAS institution code: S27
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?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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