- UCAS course code
- F305
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Master of Physics (MPhys)
MPhys Physics
Join a physics Department of international renown that offers great choice and flexibility, leading to master's qualification.
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Duration: 4 years
Year of entry: 2025
UCAS course code: F305 / 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
Fees and funding
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2025 will be £9,535 per annum (subject to Parliamentary approval). Tuition fees for international students will be £36,500 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
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 .
Course unit details:
Astrophysical Processes
| Unit code | PHYS30591 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 10 |
| Unit level | Level 3 |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | Yes |
Overview
Astrophysical Processes
Pre/co-requisites
| Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamics | PHYS10101 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
| Introduction to Astrophysics and Cosmology | PHYS10191 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
| Properties of Matter | PHYS10352 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
| Electromagnetism | PHYS20141 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Aims
To introduce a wide range of fundamental astrophysical processes and their role in modern astrophysics. These processes range from those which control the structure of the interstellar medium to those associated with supermassive black holes in the centre of galaxies. The observational signatures of these processes are identified, which cover the entire electromagnetic spectrum from radio to gamma-ray and include non-photonic tracers such as cosmic rays.
Learning outcomes
On completion successful students will be able to:
1.
Explain fundamental physical processes, such as
a) shock waves
b) accretion
c) radiative transfer
d) he physical mechanisms controlling the ionisation and temperature of atoms, molecules and dust and the processes responsible for the formation of complex species in space
2. Apply fundamental physical processes in contexts relevant in astrophysics
3. Describe the sky as seen across the electromagnetic spectrum and non-photonic messengers and the involved radiation mechanisms
4. Relate observations of a wide range of astrophysical sources to their physical conditions
Syllabus
a) Introduction: observations and astrophysical processes
b) Absorption and emission: radiative transfer and blackbody radiation
c) Grains and molecules in space
d) Shocks waves, supernovae and supernova remnants
e) Spectral lines: their formation and diagnostics
f) The composition and dynamics of the ISM, heating/cooling mechanisms and ionisation
g) Non-thermal emission processes
h) Compact objects and accretion on neutron stars and black holes
i) Supermassive black holes, and Active Galactic Nuclei
j) Multi-messenger astrophysics
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Written exam | 100% |
Feedback methods
Feedback will be offered to the cohort on the common difficulties on the weekly questions sheets, model answers will be issued.
Recommended reading
Dyson, J.E. & Williams, D.A. The Physics of the Interstellar Medium (2nd ed.) (IOP Publishing)
Rosswog, S. & Bruggen, M. Introduction to High-Energy Astrophysics (CUP)
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Assessment written exam | 1.5 |
| Lectures | 24 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 74.5 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Rebecca Bowler | Unit coordinator |
| Rene Breton | Unit coordinator |