- UCAS course code
- F3FA
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- MPhys
- Duration
- 4 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
A*A*A (to include Physics and Maths). We would normally require a pass in the Practical Assessment in science A levels.
- Typical contextual A-level offer (what is this?)
-
WP+ Grades A*AA (to include Physics and Maths with A* in Physics or Maths). We would normally require a pass in the Practical Assessment in science A levels.
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
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.
- Number of places/applicants
- For entry in September 2020 there were 330 places/1800 applicants.
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS .
- UCAS course code
- F3FA
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course description
This course is designed for students wishing to obtain a solid grounding in physics but who also want to study astronomy. Astrophysics principally involves the application of the laws of physics to distant regions in which the physical conditions can only be inferred from the emission of electromagnetic radiation. During the course you can learn about the Sun and the Solar System, the Stars and the Galaxy, distant galaxies and quasars and the beginning of the universe in the Big Bang. You learn how to apply basic physics in situations that are often extreme compared to those available on earth.
It is possible to transfer to the 3-year BSc course at the beginning of your third year.
See more in our undergraduate handbook where you can find out more information about the course content of your chosen degree programme.
Open days
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2021 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £25,500 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
Contact details
- Department
- Department of Physics & Astronomy
- Contact name
- Admissions Office
- Telephone
- +44 (0) 161 543 4021
- ug.physics@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- http://www.manchester.ac.uk/physics
- School/Faculty overview
-
Our internationally-renowned expertise across the School of Natural Sciences informs research led teaching with strong collaboration across disciplines, unlocking new and exciting fields and translating science into reality. Our multidisciplinary learning and research activities advance the boundaries of science for the wider benefit of society, inspiring students to promote positive change through educating future leaders in the true fundamentals of science. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
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
Unit grade information
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.
GCSE
International Baccalaureate
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.
Other international entry requirements
Scottish requirements
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 .
Welsh Baccalaureate
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 .
European Baccalaureate
Following interview, we normally require: at least 85% overall with 9 in (Advanced Higher Level) Physics and Maths
AQA Baccalaureate
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.
Foundation year
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 qualifications
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 qualifications
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 .
Access to HE Diploma
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.
Cambridge Pre-U
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).
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Core Maths
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.
Home-schooled applicants
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 .
Non-standard educational routes
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 .
English language
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 .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Skills, knowledge, abilities, interests
Interview requirements
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.
Returning to education
Overseas (non-UK) applicants
Deferrals
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Policy for applicants who take their examinations in more than one sitting
Re-applications
Transfers
Course details
Course description
This course is designed for students wishing to obtain a solid grounding in physics but who also want to study astronomy. Astrophysics principally involves the application of the laws of physics to distant regions in which the physical conditions can only be inferred from the emission of electromagnetic radiation. During the course you can learn about the Sun and the Solar System, the Stars and the Galaxy, distant galaxies and quasars and the beginning of the universe in the Big Bang. You learn how to apply basic physics in situations that are often extreme compared to those available on earth.
It is possible to transfer to the 3-year BSc course at the beginning of your third year.
See more in our undergraduate handbook where you can find out more information about the course content of your chosen degree programme.
Special features
- You get the chance to conduct experiments based at Jodrell Bank, the home to the world's second largest fully-steerable 76-metre diameter Lovell radio telescope.
- There is an opportunity to spend a period of time studying abroad in Year 2 or 3.
- It is possible to transfer to the 3-year BSc course at the beginning of your third year.
Coursework and assessment
Course unit details
You can find out more information about the course units included in your chosen degree programme here
Course content for year 1
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Mathematics 1 | PHYS10071 | 10 | Mandatory |
Dynamics | PHYS10101 | 10 | Mandatory |
Quantum Physics and Relativity | PHYS10121 | 10 | Mandatory |
Year 1 Lab Work (All Yr) | PHYS10180 | 10 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Astrophysics and Cosmology | PHYS10191 | 10 | Mandatory |
Vibrations & Waves | PHYS10302 | 10 | Mandatory |
Electricity & Magnetism | PHYS10342 | 10 | Mandatory |
Properties of Matter | PHYS10352 | 10 | Mandatory |
Mathematics 2 | PHYS10372 | 10 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Data Science | PHYS10791 | 10 | Mandatory |
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Course content for year 2
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | PHYS20101 | 10 | Mandatory |
Electromagnetism | PHYS20141 | 10 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Programming for Physicists | PHYS20161 | 10 | Mandatory |
Mathematics of Waves and Fields | PHYS20171 | 10 | Mandatory |
Year 2 Lab Work (All Yr) | PHYS20180 | 20 | Mandatory |
Fundamentals of Solid State Physics | PHYS20252 | 10 | Mandatory |
Wave Optics | PHYS20312 | 10 | Mandatory |
Statistical Mechanics | PHYS20352 | 10 | Mandatory |
Galaxies | PHYS20491 | 10 | Mandatory |
Astrophysical Processes | PHYS20692 | 10 | Mandatory |
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Course content for year 3
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics | PHYS30121 | 10 | Mandatory |
Yr3 Physics Laboratory Work (All Year) | PHYS30180 | 20 | Mandatory |
Cosmology | PHYS30392 | 10 | Mandatory |
Stars and Stellar Evolution | PHYS30692 | 10 | Mandatory |
Particle Physics | PHYS40222 | 10 | Mandatory |
Nuclear Physics | PHYS40322 | 10 | Mandatory |
Quantum Computing | COMP39112 | 10 | Optional |
Comparative Planetology | EART30232 | 10 | Optional |
Meteorology & Atmospheric Physics P511 | EART30351 | 10 | Optional |
Climate and Energy P607 | EART30362 | 10 | Optional |
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Course content for year 4
Course units for year 4
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
MPhys Project | PHYS40181 | 20 | Mandatory |
MPhys Project | PHYS40182 | 20 | Mandatory |
Quantum Computing | COMP39112 | 10 | Optional |
Comparative Planetology | EART30232 | 10 | Optional |
Meteorology & Atmospheric Physics P511 | EART30351 | 10 | Optional |
Climate and Energy P607 | EART30362 | 10 | Optional |
The Nuclear Age: Global Nuclear Threats from Hiroshima to Today | HSTM31212 | 10 | Optional |
Climate Change & Society | HSTM33201 | 10 | Optional |
Reactor Systems | MACE31642 | 10 | Optional |
Applied Complex Analysis | MATH34001 | 10 | Optional |
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Scholarships and bursaries
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
Manchester Physics with Astrophysics graduates often go on to do research in astrophysics or other branches of physics; other possibilities include teaching or science-related careers in industry or the Civil Service. Some graduates use the analytical and numerical skills they have acquired to pursue careers in the commercial and financial sectors.
Find out how you can gain work experience to enhance your CV.