MPhys Physics with Astrophysics

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our undergraduate student finance pages and our Department funding pages .

Grades A*A*A including Physics and Mathematics

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken.

Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available.  Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application.  Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.

38-37 points overall with 7,7,6 at Higher Level (to include Physics and Maths)

Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021. We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from: Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.

For this programme of study we will accept either Mathematics: analysis and approaches or Mathematics: applications and interpretation at HL, provided the required grade is achieved.

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see Accepted entry qualifications from your country .

Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:

• Three Advanced Highers with grades AAB (to include Physics and Maths)
• Two Advanced Highers in Physics and Maths, Grades AA plus 2 additional Highers in other subjects with Grades AA

English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Department of Physics and Astronomy .

We welcome and recognise the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent in Maths and Physics  to be included within this We require minimum grade A from the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the  Department of Physics and Astronomy .

The Department of Physics and Astronomy welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

Following interview, we normally require: at least 85% overall with 9 in (Advanced Higher Level) Physics and Maths

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, we will focus on the three A levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate, two of which must be Physics and Maths.

We recognise a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve grades A*A*A to include Physics and Maths and a B grade in EAP.     INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester students will be invited to attend an interview.

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve grades A*A*A to include Physics and Maths and a B grade in EAP.

Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic department to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma:

• We require D*D*D-DDD plus A Level Maths and Physics at grade A*/A.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma:

• We require D*D*-DD plus A Level Maths and Physics at grade A*/A.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma:

• We require D*D*-DD plus A Level Maths and Physics at grade A*/A.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate:

• We require D*/D plus A Level Maths and Physics at grade A*/A.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma:

• We require D*D*D-DDD plus A Level Maths and Physics at grade A*/A.

Cambridge Technical Diploma:

• We require D*D*-DD plus A Level Maths and Physics at grade A*/A.

Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma:

• We require D*-D plus A Level Maths and Physics at grade A*/A.

Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate:

• We require D*/D plus A Level Maths and Physics at grade A*/A.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Department of Physics and Astronomy . 

Given that it is not possible to meet our published offer conditions within an Access course, we would not recommend an Access course as the best way of preparing for our courses. However, we would look very carefully at any applications from exceptional Access students who were on track to gain the AAA equivalent (45 credits at level 3 awarded at distinction). We would treat any such exceptional students on a case-by-case basis, looking very carefully at past academic history and the academic reference; promising candidates would be invited to interview to add supplementary information. A decision would be made about entry holistically on the basis of all information (including details of the course undertaken) and would usually be conditional on the above standard.

We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken (to include Physics and Maths).

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview.

The University recognises the value of Level 3 Core Mathematics qualifications. Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer we make. Where a course requires applicants to have at least grade 6/B or higher in GCSE Mathematics we would be likely to consider a pass in Core Mathematics at a minimum grade C or B as an alternative way to fulfil this requirement. Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A Level.

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the Department of Physics and Astronomy .

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.  Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest.  There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.  The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.  If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Further information for mature students can be found here .

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency.  The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

• GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade 4/C
• IELTS 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in each subtest)
• An acceptable equivalent qualification.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the the department of Physics and Astronomy for clarification.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.

Additionally, our individual departments may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found  here .

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

We would be interested in any work experience, although we realise that this is very difficult to find in relevant areas.

Promising applicants based in the UK and the EU will be invited to attend one of our UCAS visit days, to meet staff and current students, take part in an academic interview and find out what it's like to be a student here.

Due to the current situation, interviews will be held online.

We welcome applicants who are returning to education and are as flexible as possible when making offers. 

We are happy to consider applicants from overseas. We have no quota limitations for overseas applicants.

We will consider applicants who wish to defer on a case by case basis. We normally guarantee a place in the current year should the applicant's gap year plans change.

If you have re-sat individual modules to improve your grades, we will consider your application according to the standard selection process. If you are planning to re-sit the final Year 13 examinations, or have already done so, the University will consider your application, but we may require further information in order to make an informed judgment on your application.

We are happy to consider applicants who are taking their examinations in different sittings.

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.  In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

We are happy to consider students who want to transfer from other courses within the University. Transfers from other institutions are considered on a case-by-case basis.

You can find out more information about the course units included in your chosen degree programme here

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our undergraduate student finance pages and our Department funding pages .

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Institute of Physics.

All undergraduate students are offered free membership of the Institute of Physics.