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Astrophysics (with Foundation Year)

BSc (Hons) · 4 Years · Full-time · 21/09/2026 · UndergraduatePreston Campus

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

Course Overview

Do you ever wonder how our universe came to be? Our Astrophysics Foundation Year degree course will help you find the answers and lead to a rewarding career in this field.

Why study with us

  • You’ll also develop your mathematical skills, and benefit from a state-of-the art learning environment for practical analysis, interpretation and modelling of astronomical data.

  • You’ll gain excellent observational, mathematical and logical skills as well as problem-solving abilities.

  • Learn at one of the UK’s best-equipped teaching observatories, with our recent £200,000 investment in probably the most powerful modern optical telescope available in the country.

What you’ll do

  • In the 2022 National Student Survey, 92% of Physics and Astrophysics respondents were overall satisfied with their course, with a 90% rating for the teaching on the course.

  • The University has its own observatory, the Alston Observatory, one of the largest teaching observatories in the UK, which you’ll get to use during your BSc (Hons) Astrophysics course.

  • You’ll also benefit from an excellent learning environment, with state-of-the-art facilities used for practical analysis, interpretation, modelling astronomical data and specialised research software.

Accreditations

  • This course is accredited by the IOP, the professional body and learned society for physics in the UK and Ireland. On completion of this course graduates can progress towards Chartered Physicist (Phys) status.

Future careers

Graduates of our BSc (Hons) Astrophysics degree are amongst the most employable around because of their analytical and mathematical skills. Your skills make you particularly attractive to employers, not just in astrophysics, but in a wide range of fields including oil and gas, and medical physics.

Modules

Please visit The University of Lancashire’s website for the latest information about our modules.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Physics, Institute of

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Preston Campus

Study options

  • BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 21/09/2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
F471
Institution code:
C30
Campus name:
Preston Campus
Campus Code:
U
Points of Entry:
Foundation

University of Lancashire 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?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
F471
Institution code:
C30
Campus name:
Preston Campus
Campus Code:
U

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 64 points

including 32 from A2 or AS Maths and/or Physics

A level

64 UCAS Points including 32 from A-Level or AS-Level Maths and/or Physics

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMP

only accepted alongside 32 points from A Level or AS Level Maths and/or Physics. BTEC Applied Science or Engineering MPP is accepted alongside GCSE Maths at grade A/7, AS Maths or alternative proof of mathematical ability on a case-by-case basis.

Access to HE Diploma

64 UCAS points including15 credits at level 3 in each of maths and physics

Scottish Higher

64 UCAS points including 32 points from Maths and Physics

AS

AS Maths and AS Physics at grade C accepted to meet subject requirements only. We do not accept UCAS points gained from AS grades

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

Pass IB Diploma including 64 UCAS points from Higher Level subjects, including 32 points from Higher Level or Standard Level Maths and Physics

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

64 UCAS points including 32 points from Maths and Physics

GCSE/National 4/National 5

5 GCSEs at Grade C or above including Maths and English or equivalent. Equivalent qualifications are Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English or Level 3 Key Skills in Maths and Communication. GCSE Maths grade A/7 accepted in place of Maths/Physics study at level 3.

T Level - P

P (D or E) required. T Level in Science or Engineering is accepted alongside GCSE Maths at grade A/7, AS Maths or alternative proof of Mathematical ability on a case-by-case basis. T Level in any subject is accepted alongside 32 UCAS points from A Level or AS Level Maths and Physics

We offer the opportunity to attend a maths diagnostic assessment for applicants who have not demonstrated clear enough evidence of mathematical ability within their application.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6with no component score less than 5.5 (To have been taken within two years of the course commencement date)

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Our Fair Access Scheme recognises barriers into education and allows us to make an offer with lower entry requirements. At the University of Lancashire, we are proud to help people seize every opportunity to flourish in education, at work and for life. We recognise that students from disadvantaged backgrounds often face significant challenges to access and succeed in higher education. Our Fair Access Scheme ensures that students aren’t limited by circumstances and can achieve their potential.

Learn more on the University of Lancashire website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted 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.

Not enough data available

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.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

45 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

80 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9535Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535Year 1
Scotland£9535Year 1
Wales£9535Year 1
Channel Islands£9535Year 1

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.

Additional fee information

Please note fees for the foundation year will be £9,535, and then £9,535 per year for the remainder of the course.

*subject only to annual increase in line with UK Retail Price Index Inflation rate and increases permitted by the Government

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