Astrophysics (Taught)

The programme offers three award routes that you can choose to study:

• MSc Astrophysics

• MSc Astrophysics with Placement Year

• MSc Astrophysics Advanced Research

You’ll develop a thorough grounding in fundamental physics while exploring cutting edge topics about the Universe, its constituents and structure, and humanity’s place within it.

You’ll be trained in observational astrophysics and in the use of theory by carrying out a major research project supervised by a leading expert. Throughout the course, you’ll develop specialised skills in physics research enquiry and problem-solving, critical thinking, scientific writing, communication and presentation, and programming and software application.

The course gives you the unique opportunity to study a wide variety of astrophysical phenomena across many scales enabling you to explore all corners of the Universe. You'll study galactic topics, including extra-solar planets, the life cycle of stars, gamma-ray bursters and supernovae. You’ll also have the opportunity to study extra-galactic topics, including active galaxies at high redshift, cosmological theory and the evolution of the universe. You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake a placement year, or a year-long advanced research project through the different course pathways.