MPhys Physics with Astrophysics

at University of Leicester

Year 1

Modules

• Mechanics
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Mathematical Physics 1.1
• Light and Matter
• Waves and Quanta
• Mathematical Physics 1.2
• Physic Skills and Professional Development 1
• Experimental Physics 1
• Introduction to Physics Specialisms

This is the same as the first year of the BSc.

 

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

 

Year 2

Modules

• Mathematical Physics 2
• Relativity, Quantum Physics and Particles
• Electromagnetic Fields
• Thermal and Statistical Physics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Physics Skills and Professional Development 2
• Experimental Physics 2
• Intermediate Physics Specialisms

This is the same as the second year of the BSc.

 

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

 

Year in Industry or Abroad (optional)
If you want to, you can spend your third year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions or working in an industrial placement. Alternatively, you can opt to continue studying at the University and complete your degree in four years.

 

Year Abroad
We’ll make sure you have everything you need for your future career: not just by awarding you a high quality degree, but also by helping you to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to make your mark in the world as a Citizen of Change. One way you can do this is by opting to take a Year Abroad between Years 2 and 3 of your degree.

 

Studying abroad is not just for people who are interested in travelling and meeting new people. It is about acquiring life skills that are becoming increasingly significant for a wide range of jobs in our modern globalised society. Whether you go on to a career in the private, public or third sector - or plough your own furrow as an entrepreneur – you will find the experience invaluable.

 

Year in Industry
An industrial placement is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience of a professional working environment, between your second and third years of study. By enhancing your degree with an industrial placement, you can make yourself a more attractive proposition to employers after you graduate.

 

You'll benefit from real-world experience in a commercial setting, enabling you to make an easier transition from studying to working after you finish your degree. You'll gain invaluable insight into a potential career path, as well as strengthening your CV significantly in preparation for entering the graduate labour market. On top of all this, you'll be paid a salary for your placement, which gives you greater financial flexibility as well as offsetting the cost of the extra year.

 

A year in industry still incurs a tuition fee, but this is much lower than for a normal year at Leicester. See the Fees and Funding tab of this page for details.

 

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

 

Year 3

Core modules

• Physics Skills and Professional Development 3
• Quantum Mechanics
• Radiation and Matter
• Physics Challenge
• Research Project

Option modules
At least two of your option modules must be marked [A]. If you choose the Group Project and your project relates to astrophysics, you only need one other option module marked [A].

 

Choose one option module from:

• Industry Project
• Astrodynamics
• Electronics
• Lean Launchpad: Evidence Based Entrepreneurship 
• Physics in Education
• Python
• Numerical Programming in C

Then choose one option module from:

• Applied and Medical Physics
• Quasars and Cosmology [A]
• The Space Environment [A]

Then choose one option module from:

• Elementary Particles: The Standard Model and Beyond
• Stellar Astrophysics [A]
• Planetary Physics

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

 

Year 4

Core modules

• Physics Special Topics
• Specialist Research Project
• Physics Skills and Professional Development 4
• Literature Review Project

Option modules

• At least one of your option modules must be marked [A].

 

Choose four option modules from:

• Quantum theory of solids
• Scientific Data Analysis
• Space Plasmas [A]  
• Radiative Processes [A]
• Nanotechnology: Techniques and Devices 
• Advanced Space Science
• Supermassive Black Holes and Large-Scale Structure [A]
• General Relativity and Quantum Fields

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

• A/AS-levels: ABB including Physics and Maths. Two AS-levels considered in place of one A-level. General Studies accepted.
• Access to HE Diploma: Pass diploma with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at Distinction in Maths and Physics Level 3 modules. Plus grade B in Maths A-level.
• International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 30 points, including:
  • 5 in HL Physics and 5 in HL Maths
  • OR 6 in HL Physics and 6 in SL Maths 'Analysis and Approaches' (SL Maths 'Applications and Interpretation' not accepted)
  • OR 6 in SL Physics and 6 in HL Maths
  • HL Maths accepted within both 'Analysis and Approaches' and 'Applications and Interpretation'
• BTEC Nationals: Pass Science or Engineering Extended Diploma with DDM, and B at A-level Maths

 

Selection Process
When considering your application, we will look for evidence that you will be able to fulfil the objectives of the course and achieve the standards required. We will take into account a range of factors including previous exam results.

 

Applicants are not normally interviewed. If you receive an offer you will be invited to visit the School.

 

English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.

 

International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.

UK Students

Starting in 2022

• £9,250 in your first year. Tuition fees are subject to government regulations and may change in future years
• Year Abroad: your fee will be £1,250 for that year
• Year in Industry: your fee will be 15% of the full-time tuition fee that applies in that year

If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.

 

International Students

Starting in 2022

• £21,750 per year
• Year Abroad: £5,437.50, which is 25% of the full-time tuition fee
• Year in Industry: £3,262.50, which is 15% of the full-time tuition fee

You will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.

 

From 2022 onwards, EU nationals will pay the International fee. If you are an EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme, you may qualify for the UK fee (subject to criteria).

In your third year you will have the option to do a ten-week group research project with one of our industrial partners such as Airbus Defence and Space, Jorin Ltd., Domino Printing or Weatherford International. You will gain invaluable project, budget and team management experience working in a professional environment on a real project.

 

You can gain first-hand experience of physics education through a final year mentoring scheme with physics teachers in local schools, working for half a day a week over one semester.

 

We offer a small number of Summer Research Placements: six weeks of paid employment working with the research groups within the School of Physics and Astronomy. These placements provide excellent experience if you want to go on to a career in academic or industrial research.

 

Our dedicated Careers Tutor can provide information, advice and guidance on the graduate job application process.