MSci Physics with Astrophysics (F3FM)

2024 entry | view 2025 entry

Course summary

Join a University ranked in the UK top five for Physics research (THE analysis of REF 2021) with an excellent reputation for teaching and learning.

Our course provides a thorough grounding in physics, with astrophysics as a key component. This course is led by an internationally renowned astrophysics research group and covers a broad range of contemporary astrophysics topics alongside the same core physics subjects as our MSci Physics degree.

Study areas begin with a broad overview of modern astrophysics. This is followed by more advanced topics, which could include:

  • high-energy astrophysics
  • galaxy formation and evolution
  • general relativity and cosmology
  • astrophysical fluids and plasmas.

Your final-year project will be with a member of the astrophysics research group. Our research specialisms currently include:

  • galaxy cluster astrophysics
  • galaxy evolution
  • black holes and active galaxies
  • the formation and atmospheres of extrasolar planets.

On this course, you will gain the skills needed for astronomical observations and theoretical modelling. These may be used to analyse data from international ground- and space-based observatories.

You will also have the opportunity to develop a physicist's broad range of skills. These include problem-solving; numeracy; teamwork; and the ability to communicate complicated concepts.

Join our friendly department with a very active, award-winning student society. You will leave this course prepared for a research career in astrophysics while also having the flexible career options that a traditional physics degree offers.

Think Big bursaries of £3,000 are available to support first-year international undergraduate students in this subject area.

Accreditations

Our Physics with Astrophysics MSci is approved by major professional bodies in the UK (IOP) so as a a graduate you can gain exemptions from a number of their examinations or credits for prior learning.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Go to programme catalogue

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

A*AA including A*A (in any order) in Mathematics and Physics
AAB including AA in Mathematics and Physics

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
D*DD in Engineering BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in four specified Physics units, and A in Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent).

Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
38 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 7, 6 (in any order) at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and Physics
34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 6, 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and Physics

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
88% overall, with 9.0, 8.5 in Mathematics and Physics (in any order)
Advanced Higher: AA in Mathematics and Physics, and Standard Higher: AAAAA
Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, Science, or Computing (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits at Distinction from Mathematics units (including algebra, calculus and trigonometry); and at least 12 credits at Distinction from specified Physics units. plus successful completion of a University of Bristol test and interview (or A at A-Level or equivalent in Mathematics and Physics).

More about Access to HE entry requirements
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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