- UCAS course code
- F3F5
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
BSc Physics with Astrophysics
Combine physics and astrophysics at a Department with a stellar reputation for both.
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Duration: 3 years
Year of entry: 2025
UCAS course code: F3F5 / Institution code: M20
- Key features:
Scholarships available
Accredited course
- Typical A-level offer: A*A*A including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: A*AA including specific subjects
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: AAA including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 38 points overall with 7,7,6 at HL, including specific requirements
Course description
Take your studies sky-high with our BSc 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.
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
You can extend your degree by a year to undertake an integrated master's: at the beginning of your third year there is the possibility of transferring to the four-year MPhys course.
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 |
| Technology, Strategy and Innovation | BMAN20792 | 10 | Optional |
| Displaying 10 of 22 course units for year 2 | |||
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yr3 Physics Laboratory Work (All Year) | PHYS30180 | 20 | Mandatory |
| General Physics Skills | PHYS30302 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Cosmology | PHYS30392 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Astrophysical Processes | PHYS30591 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Stars and Stellar Evolution | PHYS30692 | 10 | Mandatory |
| BSc dissertation | PHYS30880 | 10 | Mandatory |
| 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 29 course units for year 3 | |||
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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.