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Physics with Astrophysics

  • Master of Science (with Honours)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-Time
  • September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Clifton Campus
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Course options

2025-20262026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Join a university ranked in the UK top five for physics research (THE analysis of REF 2021) with an excellent reputation for teaching and learning.

Our course provides a thorough grounding in physics, with astrophysics as a key component. This course is led by an internationally renowned astrophysics research group and covers a broad range of contemporary astrophysics topics alongside the same core physics subjects as our MSci Physics degree.

In years one and two, you will be introduced to key concepts in astrophysics and cosmology alongside the same core of physics as our Physics degrees. In your third year, you will progress to more advanced topics such as galaxies and high-energy astrophysics.

In your fourth year, you will undertake a major project with a member of the astrophysics research group. Our research specialisms currently include:

  • galaxy cluster astrophysics

  • galaxy evolution

  • black holes and active galaxies

  • the formation and atmospheres of extrasolar planets.

In addition to developing the broad skills expected of a physicist (including problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills), you will also gain the skills needed for astronomical observations and theoretical modelling. These may be used to analyse data from international ground and space-based observatories.

MSci courses allow you to study advanced research-led material in your final year, developing originality in your application of knowledge and development of advanced techniques to solve problems.

Join our friendly department with an active, award-winning student society. We provide physics-specific employability sessions and we support you to develop a broad range of transferable skills. These include problem-solving and the ability to communicate complicated concepts.

Our graduates have an excellent record of employment across a range of industries. This is a testament to the value that employers place on these skills.

Our Think Big international scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students could help you fund your UK study at the University of Bristol.

Professional bodies

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

  • Physics, Institute of

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Clifton Campus

Study options

  • Master of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

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:
F3FM
Institution code:
B78
Campus name:
Clifton Campus
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Bristol 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
13 January 2027

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:
F3FM
Institution code:
B78
Campus name:
Clifton Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
A*AA

Standard offer: A*AA including A*A (in any order) in Mathematics and Physics.

Contextual offer: AAB including AA in Mathematics and Physics.

Please visit bristol.ac.uk/contextual-offers for more information about contextual offers.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher
AAAAA

Higher: AAAAA.

Access to HE Diploma
Distinction: 30 Merit: 15

Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, Science, or Computing (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include:

at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; and
at least 12 credits at Distinction from Mathematics units (including algebra, calculus and trigonometry); and
at least 12 credits at Distinction from specified Physics units.

Plus successful completion of a University of Bristol test and interview (or A at A-Level or equivalent in Mathematics and Physics).

Mature students can contact mature-students@bristol.ac.uk to check the suitability of their Access course.

Scottish Advanced Higher
AA

Advanced Higher: AA in Mathematics and Physics.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 38

Standard offer: 38 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 7, 6 (in any order) at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and Physics.

Contextual offer: 34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 6, 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and Physics.

Please visit bristol.ac.uk/contextual-offers for more information about contextual offers.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
D*DD

D*DD in Engineering BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in four specified Physics units, AND A in Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent).

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)

Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/ D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/ M2 is B, and M3 is C.

https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/2027/physics/msci-physics-with-astrophysics/#entry-requirements

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.

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. We consider a large range of contextual factors when making application decisions.

If you receive and accept an offer from the University of Bristol, and you meet the terms of your offer in full, you will be accepted.

Learn more on the University of Bristol website

International entry requirements

The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students and accepts a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate study. If you studied at a school, college or university outside the UK, please select the relevant page for further information on qualification equivalences, scholarships and details of our education representatives in your country/region. https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/

Historical entry grades data

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.

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.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland & InternationalTBC

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

Fees are subject to annual review and are liable to rise each year. Home fees will be set in line with UK government policy and updated as per their guidance, while international fees increase annually in line with expected inflation rises. Visit bristol.ac.uk/ug-fees-funding for further information, including estimated fees for subsequent years and typical total costs.

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