BSc

Astrophysics

Key Facts

F510

  • UCAS Tariff

    120 - 112

  • Course duration

    3 years

Available for September start 2025

Further details on entry requirements

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Astrophysics (F510) at Aberystwyth University incorporates the broad disciplines of Astronomy, including: Cosmology and Galactic Astronomy, the Solar System, Gas Giants and Terrestrial Worlds, Red Giants, White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars, Quasars and more.

This allows you to cover a broad area of learning and then specialise later in your career. With foundations in the key areas of Physics and Astronomy, taught in a supportive environment, you will also develop the transferable skills required by employers for education, business and industry.

Course Overview

Why study Astrophysics at Aberystwyth University?

  • On completion of this degree you will leave with accreditation by the IOP (Institute of Physics).
  • Physics has been taught at Aberystwyth University since its foundation in 1872 and it continues to be an innovative learning experience for all.
  • You will be taught by experts in their field.
  • Our researchers are involved in the current European Space Agency ExoMars 2020 Project and engineering low dimensional materials, namely graphene.
Our Staff

Department of Physics Lecturers are all qualified to PhD level and have a track record of research in their fields of specialisation.

Modules September start - 2025

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Electricity and Magnetism * PH22510 10
Mathematical Physics * PM26020 20
Numerical Techniques for Physicists PH26620 20
Optics PH22010 10
Practical Research Skills * PH25720 20
Principles of Quantum Mechanics PH23010 10
Stars and Planets PH28620 20
Thermodynamics PH21510 10

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

What can I do with a physics degree?

Our graduates have discovered career paths in:

  • medical physics
  • radiation protection
  • science research

Other graduates from our department have sought careers in:

  • systems development
  • product development
  • technical writing
  • meteorology

Employability is embedded across all of our teaching and ethics. We instil these skills to our students:

  • research and data analysis skills
  • enhanced mathematical and computational skills
  • effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills
  • the ability to work independently
  • time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines
  • the ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form
  • self-motivation and self-reliance
  • team-working, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement

What work experience opportunities exist whilst studying? 

Click here to find out about the various opportunities that our Aberystwyth University Careers team offer. 

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and YES (Year in Employment Scheme) managed by our Careers department. 

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn?

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the three year degree scheme.

In the first year you will discover:

  • the main branches of classical and modern physics underpinned by the core mathematical disciplines of algebra and calculus
  • computational and experimental physics
  • quantum theory
  • dynamics
  • the principles of gravitational and electrostatic fields

In your second year you will explore:

  • solar interior
  • stars
  • planets and planetary atmospheres
  • thermal physics
  • quantum mechanics
  • mathematical physics
  • data handling
  • statistics

In your third year you will investigate:

  • cosmology
  • galaxies
  • space plasmas
  • the solar atmosphere
  • the heliosphere alongside condensed matter
  • atoms and molecules
  • electromagnetism

How will I be taught?

You will be taught through lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, practicals, individual and group-based project work.

You will be assessed through coursework, presentations, lab reports, lab diaries and examinations.

Further information:

You will be assigned a personal tutor throughout your degree course, who will help you with any problems or queries, whether these are academic-related or personal issues. You should feel free to contact them at any time for help and advice.

You will also have the opportunity to complete a Personal Development Plan (PDP) at Aberystwyth. This is a structured process of self-appraisal, reflection, and planning, which will enable you to chart your personal, academic and professional development throughout your time at university. By recording your academic performance, and highlighting the skills you already have and those you will need for future employability, the PDP portfolio will equip you with the necessary tools to plan effectively, develop successful approaches to study, and consider your future career options and aspirations.

Students wishing to study through the medium of Welsh may do so by choosing our Welsh medium modules.

Student Testimonials

I love Astrophysics because the universe is a wondrous feat of reality, arising from the physical law of nature. A complex mixture of energy, mass, gravity, electric and magnetic fields gives rise to life and to the beautiful galaxies that we see in the night sky. Who wouldn't want to study that? Learning about the big picture of the universe instead of being confined to trivial problems in everyday life is character-building and a worthwhile venture. Geoffrey Knott

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 112

A Levels BBB-BBC to include B in Physics and B in Mathematics

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh and Mathematics

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-DMM with B in A level Physics and B in Mathematics

International Baccalaureate:
30-28 with 5 points in Physics and Mathematics at Higher Level

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall with 7 in Physics and Mathematics

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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