BSc (Hons) Astrophysics

at Queen Mary University of London

Structure
You can complete your Astrophysics degree in three, four or five years. If you are a BSc student and choose to study abroad, your time abroad will be during Year 3 and Year 3 modules will instead be studied in Year 4. If you are an MSci student and choose to study abroad, this will take place in Year 4 and Year 4 modules will be studied in Year 5.

 

YEAR 0

Foundation

One Year-long double module allocated based on previous maths qualifications:

Mathematics A  or
Mathematics B

Semester 1

 

Compulsory

• Physics - Mechanics and Materials
• Essential Foundation Mathematics
• Communication in Science and Technology

Semester 2

 

Compulsory

• Physics - Fields and Waves
• Physics - Electricity and Atomic Physics
• Discrete Mathematics

 

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

 

YEAR 1

Compulsory

• Classical Physics
• Electric and Magnetic Fields
• Mathematical Techniques 1
• Mathematical Techniques 2
• Modern Physics
• Our Universe
• Professional Skills for Scientists (including introduction to programming)
• Scientific Measurement

 

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

 

YEAR 2

Compulsory

• Condensed Matter A
• Electromagnetic Waves and Optics
• Planetary Systems
• Quantum Mechanics A
• Stars
• Thermodynamics

Choose two from

• Introduction to Scientific Computing
• Mathematical Techniques 3
• Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics
• Physics of Energy and the Environment

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

 

YEAR 3

Compulsory

• Extended Independent Project (BSc)
• Physical Cosmology
• Physics of Galaxies
• Physics Review Project (MSci)
• Spacetime and Gravity
• Statistical Physics
• Synoptic Physics (study only)

Choose two (BSc) or three (MSci) from

• Elementary Particle Physics
• Fluid Dynamics
• Group Projects for Physicists
• Mathematical Techniques 3
• Quantum Mechanics and Symmetry
• Quantum Mechanics B
• Radiation Sensors
• Statistical Data Analysis

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

 

YEAR 4

MSci only
Compulsory

• Physics Research Project (30 credits)

 

Choose five from

Modules offered at Queen Mary

• Advanced Cosmology
• Advanced Quantum Field Theory
• Astrophysical Plasmas
• Collider Physics
• Differential Geometry in Theoretical Physics
• Electromagnetic Radiation in Astrophysics
• Extrasolar Planets and Astrophysical Disks
• Functional Methods in Quantum Field Theory
• Practical Machine Learning
• Phase Transitions
• Relativistic Waves and Quantum Fields
• Relativity and Gravitation
• Solar System
• Stellar Structure and Evolution
• Supersymmetric Methods in Theoretical Physics
• The Galaxy

 

Modules currently offered at other University of London institutions are subject to change at short notice.

 

Modules offered at King's College London

• Advanced Photonics 
• Molecular Biophysics 
• Dark Matter and Dark Energy 
• Dynamical Analysis of Complex Systems 
• Elements of Statistical Learning 
• Environmental Remote Sensing 
• Equilibrium Analysis of Complex Systems 
• Lie Groups and Algebras 
• Mathematical Biology 
• Mathematical Methods for Theoretical Physics 
• Modelling Quantum Many Body-Systems 
• Standard Model Physics and Beyond 
• String Theory and Branes 
• Supersymmetry 
• Theoretical Treatment of Nano-Systems 
• Theory of Complex Networks 

Modules offered at Royal Holloway

• Computer Simulation in Condensed Matter 
• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance 
• Particle Accelerator Physics 
• Physics at the Nanoscale 
• Quantum Electronics of Nanostructures 
• Statistical Data Analysis 
• Statistical Mechanics 
• Superfluids, Condensates and Superconductors 

Modules offered at University College London

• Advanced Physical Cosmology 
• Advanced Quantum Theory 
• Advanced Topics in Statistical Mechanics 
• Atom and Photon Physics 
• Galaxy Dynamics, Formation and Evolution 
• Molecular Biophysics 
• Molecular Physics 
• Order and Excitations in Condensed Matter 
• Particle Physics
• Planetary Atmospheres 
• Quantum Computation and Communication 
• Solar Physics 
• Space Plasma and Magnetospheric Physics

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Non-UK students
We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications in addition to A-levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications. 

 

Student Visa Regulations

If you will require a Student visa to study in the UK, you must meet the minimum English Language requirements to meet the UKVI regulations.  The minimum IELTS requirement is 5.5 in all four skills (Writing, Reading, Speaking and Listening).  However, many of our courses require higher grades.

 

Pre-sessional English Language Courses

If you fall slightly below our standard English language requirements, you may consider one of our Pre-sessional English courses.  Please note that you will require a UK government approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) for entry to our Thirteen week pre-sessional courses.  Currently, only IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic (UKVI), LanguageCert International ESOL SELT and Trinity College London, Integrated Skills in English (ISE) are accepted. The Pre-sessional English course requirements are published according to the academic department within which your chosen course of study is administere

Home fees £9,250

 

Overseas fees £25,150

 

Loans and grants
UK students accepted onto this course are eligible to apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans from Student Finance England or other government bodies.

 

Scholarships and bursaries
Queen Mary offers a generous package of scholarships and bursaries, which currently benefits around 50 per cent of our undergraduates.

 

Scholarships are available for home, EU and international students. Specific funding is also available for students from the local area. International students may be eligible for a fee reduction. We offer means-tested funding, as well as subject-specific funding for many degrees.

Many graduates continue their studies with a PhD or MSc, often as a precursor to a career in research. The flexibility of the programme can prepare you for careers in specialist areas of physics and science more widely, if you have a particular area of interest.

 

Skills developed through studying physics – such as numeracy, data analysis, coding and problem solving – are also highly transferable into other sectors, including energy, business, marketing, engineering, technology, IT and finance.

 

Recent graduates of the school of Physics and Astronomy have been hired by:

 

• UK Space Agency
• JP Morgan Chase & Co. (financial services)
• European Astronaut Centre
• Airbus (aeronautical)
• KPMG (financial services)
• CGI (IT consultancy)
• Toad A.I.
• Goldman Sachs (investment banking)
• IBM (technology)
• Bank of England (banking)
• Baclays Corporate (banking)
• UK Government Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy
• Tata Consultancy Services
• Fidessa (financial services)
• Jacobs (engineering and construction)
• Kubick (data consultancy)
• MediaCom (marketing)
• Yobota (banking software)