2024 entry (view 2023 entry)
MSci Physics with Astrophysics (F3FM)
Course overview
Typical offer
A-level standard offer: A*AA
A-level contextual offer: AAB
See entry requirements for full details and eligibility.
Course duration
4 year(s) full-time
Part-time study is not available for this course
Application method
Full-time: UCAS
Fees
£9,250 per year, home students
£27,200 per year, international students
Fees quoted are for 2023 entry only. Fees for 2024 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2023.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Location
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.
Course structure
Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.
Go to programme catalogueEntry 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-level standard offer
A*AA including A*A (in any order) in Mathematics and Physics
A-level contextual offer
AAB including AA in Mathematics and Physics
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offerBTEC
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 our BTEC entry requirementsInternational Baccalaureate Diploma
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
International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer
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 offerEuropean Baccalaureate
88% overall, with 9.0, 8.5 in Mathematics and Physics (in any order)
Scottish Qualifications Authority
Advanced Higher: AA in Mathematics and Physics, and Standard Higher: AAAAA
Access to HE Diploma
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).
Mature students can contact mature-students@bristol.ac.uk to check the suitability of their Access course.
Welsh Baccalaureate
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.
Cambridge Pre-U
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.
International qualifications
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.
Search international qualificationsApplicants must also meet these requirements
GCSE profile requirements
No specific subjects required.
Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
- IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all skills
- GCSE English Language grade C or 4
- An alternative English Language Profile E qualification
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels
More about UK qualifications.
Selection process
- We only use your information in UCAS to assess your application. There are no other selection criteria or processes.
- Full information about our selection processes for this course:
- The admissions statement above relates to 2023 entry. The statement for 2024 entry will be available in summer 2023.
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement:
