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Astrophysics

Course details
  • BSc (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Preston Campus

Course summary

Course Overview

Did you ever wonder how stars and galaxies came to be? An Astrophysics degree can provide the answer. You'll gain the skills, methods and knowledge to investigate the physics of our universe.

Why study with us

  • 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.

  • You’ll have access to specialist laboratory facilities for the study of nuclear physics, mechanics, optics, quantum physics, laser physics, spectroscopy and astrophysics .

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

What you’ll do

  • This course begins with the same introductory modules as both our Physics and Physics with Astrophysics courses, so you’ll have the flexibility to switch within your first year.

  • We collaborate with some of the world’s leaders in the field, including NASA and the Southern African Large Telescope: you’ll become an active part of our vibrant research culture, learning from research-informed teaching, working on projects and even joining funded internships.

  • If you’re doing well on the BSc programme, you can step up to the MPhys route – an ideal option for a career in scientific research.

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

Our BSc (Hons) Astrophysics degree course provides the analytical and mathematical skills which are prized across a range of industries, as well as a strong foundation for a career in research.

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

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:
F510
Institution code:
C30
Campus name:
Preston Campus
Campus Code:
U

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 120 points

including A-Level BB in Physics and Maths

A level

120 UCAS Points including A-Level BB in Physics and Maths. Use of Maths and General Studies not accepted

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

only accepted alongside A-level Maths and Physics at grade BB

Access to HE Diploma

120 points including 15 level 3 credits at D in Maths and 15 level 3 credits at D in Physics

Scottish Higher

120 UCAS Points including Physics and Maths at grade BB.

AS - Not accepted

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

Pass IB Diploma including 120 UCAS points from Higher Level subjects, including HL5 in Physics and Maths

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

120 UCAS Points including Physics and Maths at H1

GCSE/National 4/National 5

5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 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.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - DDM

only accepted alongside A-level Maths and Physics at grade BB

T Level - Not accepted

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.

Data from:
This course and 10 other physical sciences courses
Date range:
2022-2024

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

97% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

This course has a required grade that may not be listed in the data. Check the entry requirements for the full qualification requirements.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

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

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

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