- UCAS course code
- F3FA
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course description
Take your studies sky-high and to master's level with our MPhys Physics with Astrophysics course - ideal if you want both a solid grounding in physics and a greater understanding of astronomy.
Astrophysics principally involves applying the laws of physics to distant regions where physical conditions can only be inferred from the emission of electromagnetic radiation. During the course you will learn about the Sun and the Solar System, the stars and the Galaxy, distant galaxies and quasars, and the beginning of the Universe.
You will learn how to apply basic physics in situations that are often extreme compared to those found on Earth.
Our Department of Physics and Astronomy is renowned around the world, and our facilities - including the famous Jodrell Bank - are second to none.
Aims
- We will provide you with a solid foundation in physics, and skyrocket your learning through astrophysics - leading to a master's qualification.
- You will have the opportunity to conduct experiments at Jodrell Bank, home to the world's second largest fully-steerable radio telescope: the 76-metre diameter Lovell Telescope.
- You will learn how to apply basic physics in situations different to - and much more extreme than - those on Earth.
Special features
Incredible facilities
Make use of the fantastic, unique facilities available at Manchester - including the much-loved Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre.
A range of study options
At the beginning of your third year there is the possibility of transferring to the three-year BSc Physics with Astrophysics course.
Studying abroad
You will have the opportunity to study abroad during your third year - benefitting your studies and providing exciting, invaluable life experience.
Outstanding reputation
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Manchester has an excellent international reputation, and a qualification from us can be your passport to a successful career anywhere in the world.
Teaching and learning
Coursework and assessment
Course unit details
You can find out more information about the course units included in your chosen degree course below.
Note that not every combination of option choices may be possible due to timetable clashes.
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 | 20 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Astrophysics and Cosmology | PHYS10191 | 10 | Mandatory |
Vibrations & Waves | PHYS10302 | 10 | Mandatory |
Electricity & Magnetism | PHYS10342 | 10 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Programming | PHYS10362 | 10 | Mandatory |
Mathematics 2 | PHYS10372 | 10 | Mandatory |
Fundamentals of Management | BMAN10011 | 10 | Optional |
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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 |
Properties of Matter | PHYS20151 | 10 | Mandatory |
Mathematics of Waves and Fields | PHYS20171 | 10 | Mandatory |
Year 2 Lab Work (All Yr) | PHYS20180 | 20 | Mandatory |
Quantum Mechanics 2 | PHYS20302 | 10 | Mandatory |
Electromagnetism 2 | PHYS20342 | 10 | Mandatory |
Statistical Mechanics | PHYS20352 | 10 | Mandatory |
Galaxies | PHYS20491 | 10 | Mandatory |
Exoplanets | PHYS20792 | 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 |
General Physics Skills | PHYS30302 | 10 | Mandatory |
Cosmology | PHYS30392 | 10 | Mandatory |
Stars and Stellar Evolution | PHYS30692 | 10 | Mandatory |
Quantum Computing | COMP39112 | 10 | Optional |
Meteorology and Forecasting | EART31201 | 10 | Optional |
Origin of the Solar System | EART32201 | 10 | Optional |
Planetary Evolution | EART35202 | 10 | Optional |
Climate and Energy: Past, Present and Future | EART36002 | 10 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 37 course units for year 3 | |||
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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 |
Meteorology and Forecasting | EART31201 | 10 | Optional |
Origin of the Solar System | EART32201 | 10 | Optional |
Planetary Evolution | EART35202 | 10 | Optional |
Climate and Energy: Past, Present and Future | EART36002 | 10 | Optional |
The Nuclear Age: Global Nuclear Threats from Hiroshima to Today | HSTM31212 | 10 | Optional |
Wave Motion | MATH35012 | 10 | Optional |
Mathematical Modelling in Finance | MATH39032 | 10 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 45 course units for year 4 | |||
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Scholarships and bursaries
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 .
What our students say
Find out what it's like to study at Manchester by visiting the Department of Physics and Astronomy blog .
Facilities
Make the most of a fantastic array of facilities that rival those of leading departments across the world. They include the world-famous Jodrell Bank Observatory and a new £10 million extension to our Schuster Laboratory.
The University of Manchester also offers extensive library and online services , helping you get the most out of your studies.