MPhys (Hons) in Astrophysics

at University of St Andrews

Modules
In the first two years of your degree (known as sub-honours), you will take the required modules in astrophysics alongside modules in physics and mathematics.

Typically, you will take two to three modules per semester during your first two years, and four to five modules per semester during your third, fourth and fifth years (known as Honours).

Find out more about the modular Scottish degree system.

First year
Students take the following compulsory modules in their first year:

• Astronomy and Astrophysics 1: covers the structure and evolution of the Sun and other stars, planet formation, star-formation, violent stellar objects, black holes, and the large scale structure of the Universe.
• Physics 1A: covers the core elements of mechanics, waves and optics, and the physical properties of matter, including laboratory skills.
• Physics 1B: covers an introduction to quantum physics, the mechanics of rotation and gravity, and lasers, including laboratory skills.
• Mathematics: introduces the ideas and techniques required for further study of mathematics or applications to other sciences.

Second year

Students take the following compulsory modules in their second year:

• Astronomy and Astrophysics 2: discusses recent developments in the subject including observational techniques, the structure and evolution of stars, exoplanetary science and galactic astronomy.
• Physics 2A: covers mechanics, special relativity, oscillations and thermal physics, including laboratory skills.
• Physics 2B: covers quantum physics, electricity, magnetism and classical waves, including laboratory skills.
• Linear Mathematics: introduces the theory of vector spaces, linear independence, linear transformations and diagonalisation.
• Multivariate Calculus: extends the techniques of calculus in a single variable to the setting of real functions of several variables.

These grades are the overall standards required to consider you for entry. Find out more about Standard, Minimum and Gateway entry requirements using academic entry explained and see which entry requirements you need to look at using the entry requirements indicator.

• Home-funded  -  £1820
• RUK (England, Wales, Northern Ireland) and Republic of Ireland  -  £9250
• Islands (Channel Islands, Isle of Man)  -  £9250
• EU and overseas  -  £26350

Graduates in astrophysics have developed important skills in:

• critical analysis
• problem-solving
• mathematical and computational modelling
• communication
• designing experiments
• making accurate measurements
• analysing results.