This four-year degree expands on the Physics with Astrophysics BSc to prepare you for high-level entry into industry. It’s also a solid base for pursuing PhD research.
Physics is the study of matter, energy and the fundamental forces that govern the universe, from the tiniest subatomic particles to vast galaxies. Astrophysics is the study of the workings of stars, exoplanets, galaxies and black holes. The University of Leicester has a world-class reputation in astrophysics, particularly in the field of X-ray astronomy. In 1975 a Leicester-built instrument aboard the British Ariel 5 satellite identified one of the first confirmed stellar black holes; 34 years later a Leicester-led team of astrophysicists identified and studied the first ever intermediate mass black hole.
As well as Physics with Astrophysics, we offer three other specialist physics degrees and a more general course, all available as a three-year BSc or a four-year MPhys. This allows you to tailor your study to your own interests or to develop a broad knowledge across the whole subject. All five courses are similar enough through their first two years that you can switch between them. So if you like the sound of astrophysics but are not yet sure that’s where your passion for physics lies, this degree gives you two years to explore your options.
Leicester is Britain’s space city, home to two unique locations. Space Park Leicester is a world-leading hub for space research, innovation and enterprise. Founded through a collaboration between the University of Leicester, industry partners and government, SPL’s mission is to push the boundaries of space exploration, satellite technology and Earth observation to benefit society and the economy.
Next to Space Park Leicester is the National Space Centre, a unique space-based visitor attraction and education resource. The Centre’s incredible collection of exhibits (including an original Soyuz capsule and a vertically mounted Thor-Able rocket) and its extensive programme of events means you will want to visit again and again during your time studying in Leicester.
Is this the right degree for me?
Study for a BSc or MPhys in Physics with Astrophysics if you're passionate about the wonders of the Universe, from exoplanets, stars and galaxies to supermassive black holes and the evolution of the Universe on the largest scales imaginable. Transfer to one of our other physics degrees is possible at the end of your first or second year.
What's the difference?
Our three-year BSc degrees provide an excellent route to a very wide range of careers in industry and business.
Our four-year MPhys degrees are aimed at students considering a career in scientific research, or further training such as a PhD.
Transfer between an BSc and an MPhys (in either direction) is possible at the end of your first or second year.
For more information on this course and a full list of modules, visit the course information page on our website
For more information on the methods of assessment on this course, visit the course information page on our website
This course is available in Clearing. If you have submitted an application, you can add this course. If you haven’t sent us an application yet, you can do this until 24th September 2026.
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
University of Leicester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
The following entry points are available for this course:
Contact the Admissions Team at study@le.ac.uk with details of the course you are studying including modules taken, previous qualifications obtained with grades (at GCSE and A level or equivalent), the reason for your transfer request.
When considering your application, we will look for evidence that you will be able to fulfil the objectives of the programme of study and achieve the standards required. We will take into account a range of factors including previous examination results.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
For further details of our English Language requirements please see our websitehttps://le.ac.uk/study/international-students/english-language-requirements
The University of Leicester is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all applicants from all backgrounds. We make contextual offers to support students who may be impacted by the area they live in, their personal circumstances or who have completed one of our progression programmes. These offers are usually one or two grades lower than the standard entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must apply for an eligible course and meet specific criteria.
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).
It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.
Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
This report uses your grades to show how students with similar results have done when applying to this course in the past. Sometimes, there isn’t data for every possible set of grades. When that happens, universities and colleges occasionally fill in the gaps for sets of grades that are typically accepted.
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
This information will be updated as soon as the tuition fees for the academic year 2026/7 have been confirmed.
For further information about fees and funding please see the following page of the University website: https://le.ac.uk/student-life/undergraduates/fees-funding
Phone:01163736000
Thursday 13 August 7 am to 9 pm
Friday 14 August 8 am to 7 pm
Saturday 15 August 10 am to 4 pm
Sunday 16 August 10 am to 4 pm
From Monday 17 August open Monday to Friday 9-5
(Closed Monday 31 August)
Email:study@le.ac.uk
Phone:0116 2525281
University Road
Leicester
LE1 7RH
At University of Leicester
