About this course
This MPhys Physics with Astronomy degree covers all aspects of astronomy over 4 years. It will prepare you for a range of careers in physics or fuel a life-long passion for the subject if you choose a different profession. As well as investigating awe-inspiring astronomical events, you’ll study advanced physics. You’ll be taught by academics directly involved in world-leading research.
You’ll study in our labs and clean rooms and use our on-site rooftop observatory, equipped with 2 high-spec telescopes and CCD detectors for astronomy imaging.
There will also be a chance to spend a week using research-grade telescopes at an observatory in Tenerife.
You’ll develop an in-depth understanding of:
-
the make-up, dynamics and environment of galaxies
-
white dwarfs, black holes and neutron stars
-
how radiation is produced and detected in a cosmic setting
-
the space environment and space weather
-
concepts of modern cosmology, including dark matter
If you’re a high-performing student, you may also be invited to join our flagship Astrophysics with a Year Abroad programme. This 4-year, MPhys Masters course offers a unique opportunity to conduct research at the prestigious Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) in Boston, USA. It is the world’s largest centre for the study of the universe.
Physics also offers an academic scholarship scheme worth up to £20,000, plus an unconditional offer based on a competitive exam taken at applicant visit days.
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.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 36-34 points overall, with 18-17 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) and 6 at Higher Level in physics
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Applicants may be invited to visit the department and have an optional interview; an optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
International 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.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
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.
On this course you’ll gain a robust understanding of core physics concepts and practical lab skills, while developing your astronomy knowledge to an advanced level.
There are a number of core modules each year, but you’ll have the freedom to shape your degree to suit your interests by choosing from a wide range of options. These include modules outside physics.
Right from the start you’ll do mini-projects in the lab and apply your analytical and problem-solving skills. You will also be using the on-site observatory and telescopes to collect and analyse astronomical data.
Year 1 overview
This year consists of core modules to give you a grounding in 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 also take an introduction to astronomy and space science to prepare you for your specialist astronomy studies.
Year 2 overview
Core modules include:
-
electromagnetism
-
quantum physics
-
mechanics
-
wave physics
-
galaxies
You can choose from a range of optional modules such as:
-
equations
-
medical physics
-
practical photonics
-
energy in the environment
Year 3 overview
Core modules in year 3 cover:
-
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
You’ll do an extended research project with another student or one of our astronomers using our on-site observatory. You could also work with data from other ground or space-based telescopes.
A wide range of advanced optional modules includes study of:
-
space plasma physics
-
cosmology and the early universe
-
relativity
-
black holes and cosmology
-
nanoscience
-
particle physics
High-performing students have the opportunity to apply for MPhys Astrophysics with a Year Abroad for year 4.
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
Your experimental, theoretical and analytical skills will be a strong foundation for further study at PhD - a path followed by around a third of our graduates.
You could also take on an industry research role or embark on almost any career you choose.
We can help you to find a paid summer placement through the South East Physics Network scheme, giving you valuable real-world experience and the chance to make industry contacts.
If you’d like to gain additional hands-on astronomy research experience, you could do your placement in our labs, working alongside graduate students on an Astronomy Research Group project.
Types of roles include:
-
astrophysicist
-
air traffic controller
-
bioinformatics specialist
-
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.
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
