MPhys (Hons) Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology

95% of the universe exists in a form we still don't understand. Explore stars, galaxies, black holes and gravitational waves – joining an international community looking for answers.

In this Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology degree course, you’ll deepen your understanding of the fundamental laws of physics and apply this knowledge to the structure and behaviour of some of the largest and smallest elements of existence.

You'll be taught by and study alongside researchers from the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation (ICG). They lead major international projects, such as the European Space Agency Euclid satellite. You’ll graduate with mathematical and computational knowledge sought after by employers in many industries, from aerospace to finance.

BSc or MPhys?

You can study this course as a 3-year Bachelor's degree (BSc) or a 4-year integrated Master's degree (MPhys). The MPhys allows you to achieve a Master’s degree with just one extra year of undergraduate study, further enhancing your career prospects.

Course highlights

• See physics theory in practice through visits to aerospace companies such as BAE Systems, Airbus Defence and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL).
• Access Hampshire Astronomical Group facilities at Clanfield Observatory, including various telescopes such as a 24-inch reflector, to observe the stars and galaxies and collect project data.
• Study alongside researchers from the University's physics research teams (and contribute to their work in your final project), whose research was ranked 6th in the UK for quality.
• Use advanced technical equipment with the help of expert technical staff, including x-ray diffraction, x-ray fluorescence, electron and atomic force microscopes, various types of spectroscopy and the SCIAMA supercomputer.
• Develop the professional skills and standards you need as a practising physicist through a major research project in your final year.
• Access large datasets produced by international-level sky surveys, including the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, when you take the MPhys degree course.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IoP).

As a supporter of the Institute of Physics Project Juno, we're committed to addressing the under-representation of women in physics and gender equality in higher education and research.

We’re proud to be a breath of fresh air in the academic world – a place where everyone gets the support they need to achieve their best. We’re always discovering. We don’t fit the mould, we break it. Just as the world keeps moving, so do we.

We’re closely involved with our local community, and we take our ideas into the global marketplace. We partner with businesses, industry, and government to set the course for a better future. And we educate and transform the lives of our students to help them achieve their potential. We stand out, not just in the UK but in the world. We excel in research areas from cosmology and astrophysics to cybersecurity, forensics, and sport science. Since the first day we opened our doors, we've looked towards the future. And we're here to help you shape it.