About this course

Fuel your fascination for space and the technologies used to investigate it. On this MPhys Physics with Space Science degree you’ll explore a wide range of subjects, from the essentials of astronomy through to satellite design and space weather. You’ll also benefit from the latest research.

With the global space market set to almost double by 2030, your skills will be in high demand. This degree will also prepare you for further study at PhD level.

You’ll examine phenomena that can only be monitored from space, such as geomagnetic storms and solar wind, and combine your physics knowledge with space engineering principles to learn about spacecraft design.

A Tenerife study trip is another high point. Working as part of an international and interdisciplinary team, you’ll design a space-based telescope and its instrumentation, and plan its launch.

Throughout your degree you’ll study the core physics subjects of the Masters degree course, but with an emphasis on space science.

The course is accredited by the Institute of Physics and 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 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 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.

Find out more on our COVID advice page.

ODT

Download 2022-23 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

A-levels

AAA-AAB including grades AA in mathematics or further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) or AABC including grades AA in mathematics or further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed)

A-levels additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. 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 may lead to a lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

More information about A-levels

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 or further mathematics (minimum grade A) and physics (minimum grade A), with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) 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

Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to a lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics and/or physics at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

More information about International Baccalaureate Diploma

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 National Extended Certificate plus grades AA in A-level mathematics or further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed).

We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics.

We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics

RQF BTEC

Additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

More information about BTEC

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA in A-level mathematics or further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed).

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics.

We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics.

Entry requirements filter options

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

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

You’ll study core physics subjects and space science modules.

Right from the start you’ll do mini-projects in the lab and apply your analytical and problem-solving skills.

Year 1 overview

This consists of core modules to give you a grounding in the key principles of physics and experimentation.

These include:

physics skills
mathematical methods
waves and light
energy and matter
motion and relativity
electricity and magnetism

There will also be an introduction to astronomy and space science.

Year 2 overview

Core modules include topics on:

electromagnetism
quantum physics
classical mechanics
practical photonics

You’ll also study the 'European dimension in space and astronautics' module.

Year 3 overview

Core modules in year 3 cover everything from particle physics to theories of matter, space and time and atomic physics.

There is also an individual dissertation and space science modules on space plasma physics and advanced astronautics.

Year 4 overview

In the fourth year you’ll work with another student on an extended research project on as aspects of space science that interests you.

You’ll have access to research data, for example, from the European Space Agency and NASA space missions, or our monitoring instrumentation in the Arctic.

Optional modules include study of:

nanoscience
applied nuclear physics
cosmology and the early universe
relativity
black holes
astrophysics
advanced quantum physics
particle physics
spacecraft orbital mechanics and control

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

Modules

For entry in Academic Year 2022-23

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Electricity and Magnetism

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...

Energy and Matter

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.

Introduction to Astronomy and Space Science

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...

Mathematical Methods For Physical Scientists 1b

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...

Mathematical Methods for Physical Scientists 1a

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...

Motion and Relativity

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 ...

Physics Skills - Programming and Data Analysis

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...

Physics Skills 1

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...

Physics Skills 2

Waves, Light and Quanta

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 ...

You must study the following modules in year 2:

Astronautics

This module introduces the fundamental concepts of astronautics and spacecraft engineering and applies the design approach to two separate case studies: the first for an interplanetary mission and the second for an Earth observation mission.

Classical Mechanics

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.

Electromagnetism

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...

European Dimension in Space

This module will provide students with an insight into the advantages of collaboration within Europe for the promotion of Space Science. The mechanism for the selection of missions and their subsequent development will be illustrated using a number of top...

Physics from Evidence I

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.

Quantum Physics

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

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...

Wave Physics

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...

You must study the following modules in year 3:

Advanced Astronautics

This module is essential for anyone interested in pursuing space in the spacecraft theme or as an individual project. It builds on the basics first introduced in Part 2 and looks at each of the key subsystems of a spacecraft in detail. The module includes...

Atomic Physics

The aim of this course is to apply quantum physics to the study of atoms.

Computer Techniques in Physics

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...

Crystalline Solids

This course builds upon the Statistical Mechanics 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 enable them to unde...

Dissertation

The first part of the course is devoted to exploring a given topic via group work, assessed via short, written summary (extended abstract) and oral presentation. The second part consists of an individual dissertation that is assessed via a written report...

Nuclei and Particles

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...

Physics from Evidence II

A wide variety of physics topics is covered, showing the experimental evidence underlying a number of topics in physics encountered in lecture courses and textbooks. Students are also introduced to techniques they might encounter in a physics-related care...

Space Plasma Physics

The aim of this course is to explore the physical processes which occur in the space environment. Theories of solar wind propagation and its interaction with the earth are developed and compared with data from satellites and ground based observatories. ...

Theories of Matter, Space and Time

Variational methods in classical physics will be reviewed and the extension of these ideas in quantum mechanics will be introduced.

You must study the following modules in year 4:

MPhys Final Year Synoptic Examination

Students in the synoptic exam will be expected to display a broad knowledge and understanding of the core first, second and third year courses, to understand the inter-relations between those courses and to display problem solving skills in novel problem ...

MPhys Project

In this module, students undertake a research project which extends over both semesters of the final year. Students normally work in pairs, in close collaboration with a member of staff.

Spacecraft Orbital Mechanics

This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts of spaceflight orbital mechanics and then elaborates on trajectory design for planet centred and interplanetary missions. Starting from a review of Keplerian motion introduced in earlier modules,...

You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:

Advanced Quantum Physics

This course will cover advanced topics of quantum mechanics including postulates of quantum mechanics, tools of quantum mechanics, Dirac notation, Simple Harmonic oscillator (studied using raising and lowering operators), orbital and spin angular momentum...

Applied Nuclear Physics

The aim of this course is to communicate knowledge of physical techniques which exploit nuclear particles, and to develop an understanding of the underlying physics. Important themes are nuclear processes and the interaction of nuclear radiation with the ...

Cosmology

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...

Lasers

Lasers and photonic techniques are used in all branches of science and technology. The principles of laser operation will be discussed, with reference to commonly used laser systems. The course provides knowledge of the laser as a fundamental tool of cont...

Nanoscience: technology and advanced materials

This course will focus on nanomaterials, chemical synthesis and technological developments. This is a multidisciplinary module involving chemistry, physics, materials and biology. Students will be given non-assessed problems sheets and are expected to ...

Particle Physics

Relativistic wave equations with their predictions of anti-particles and fermion spin will be explored. The fundamental role of gauge symmetries in current theories of force will lead to the study of the standard model of particle physics, including the s...

Physics of the Early Universe

Since the end of the 1990s, cosmology has experienced one of the most impressive advances among all scientific disciplines. This happened mainly because of astonishing progress in the precision and accuracy of astronomical and cosmological observations ...

Physics of the Upper Atmosphere

The upper atmosphere consists of the outermost layers of Earth's atmosphere, above about 90 km altitude, on the edge of space. It is a very different place to the atmosphere we live in at ground level; temperatures reach extremes of cold (< 200 K) and ext...

Quantum Information

Quantum information combines information science with quantum effects in physics to study of how to process and transmit information using quantum systems. This includes quantum computation, quantum teleportation and quantum cryptography. Quantum metrol...

Quantum Optics

While coherence phenomena have long been familiar in the context of light waves, their manifestation in the context of matter waves is an exciting development of modern quantum science. This course aims to introduce the basic concepts needed to understand...

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)

How you'll spend your course time:

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

39%

Scheduled learning & teaching

61%

Independent learning

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:

44%

Written exam

33%

Coursework

23%

Practical exam

Academic support

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

Course leader

Robert Fear is the course leader.

Careers

Space science career jobs are in high demand. The global space economy is expanding, the government is planning to increase the UK’s share of the space market, and there’s a proliferation of new commercial space ventures.

In addition, the importance of monitoring space weather is increasingly recognised - severe space weather is now listed as one of the highest priority natural hazards in the UK National Risk Register.

The UK space sector has trebled in size in the last decade and the global space economy is set to double to £400 billion by 2030, so this is a dynamic and growing sector of the economy.

You’ll be able to apply your knowledge in a growing number of fields, including space-based scientific research, telecommunications and satellite imaging. Or you could choose to go on to further study at PhD level - a path followed by around a third of our physics and astronomy graduates.

A physics degree also opens up a huge range of other career options. Types of roles include:

astrophysicist
air traffic controller
science policy officer
medical physicist
satellite engineer
systems analyst

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 2022). 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.

Work in industry

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

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £25,000.

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 to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented 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.

Physics with Space Science (MPhys)