MSc by Research in Astronomy and Astrophysics

at University of Manchester

A research project is undertaken under the supervision of a staff member throughout the year together with lectures.  Full time is spent working on the project unless attending lectures.  A dissertation will be submitted at the year-end.  We provide a range of skills training which is particularly focussed on the needs of physics research. 

Note: Although the course requires 1 year full time study, students should expect the process of examination of the dissertation may take several months. MSc degrees are usually awarded several months after the end of the programme.

Academic entry qualification overview
 

The standard academic entry requirement for a Masters research programme will be a Lower Second UK Honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant science or engineering discipline.
 

English language
 

All applicants will need to demonstrate competency in English language. Applicants who do not already possess an acceptable English Language qualification will need to take a recognised test and attain the required English Language score:

• IELTS:  At least 6.5 overall with no subtest below 5.5.
• TOEFL iBT:  At least 90 overall with no subtest below 20. We do not accept 'MyBestScore'.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): At least 70 overall with no subtest below 59.

• MSc by Research (full-time)
  
  UK students (per annum): Band A £4,596; Band B £6,000; Band C £9,000; Band D £11,000
  
  International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £25,500; Band B £27,000; Band C £30,000; Band D £32,000

A research degree in physics is highly regarded by employers as evidence of a thorough training in numerate problem-solving and opens a wide range of possible career choices.  In addition to continuing physics research in industry, an MSc provides the entry level training to undertake a PhD in physics.