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 programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
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
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
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
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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:
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physics skills
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mathematics
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waves and light
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energy and matter
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motion and relativity
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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:
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electromagnetism
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quantum physics
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mechanics
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wave physics
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galaxies
You can also choose from a range of optional modules on topics like:
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equations
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medical physics
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practical photonics
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energy in the environment
Year 3 overview
Core modules in year 3 cover topics on:
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atomic physics
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photons in astrophysics
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nuclei and particles
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theories of matter
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space and time
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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
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
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
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
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:
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astrophysicist
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professional astronomer
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data analyst
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government science policy officer
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medical physicist
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satellite engineer
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systems analyst
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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 £20,970.
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