BSc

Astrophysics

Key Facts

F512

  • UCAS Tariff

  • Course duration

    4 years

Available for September start 2025

Further details on entry requirements

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Astrophysics with Foundation Year (F512) 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 in this discipline for education, business and industry.

Course Overview

The Aberystwyth Astrophysics degree scheme is designed for students who have a general interest in astronomy, who may not want to confine themselves to one particular area. It offers broader modules in cosmology and galactic astronomy, enabling you to keep your options open. You can then specialise later on should you develop an interest in a specific field.

Why study Astrophysics at Aberystwyth?

Our Physics courses are accredited by the Institute of Physics (IoP), a leading scientific society which engages with policymakers and the general public to advance physics education, research and application, giving you a head start when you enter the competitive jobs market.

Physics has been taught at Aberystwyth since the foundation of the university in 1872, making it the first university in Wales to teach the subject. Despite our heritage we continue to innovate to ensure that the degree schemes we offer enable you get the best Physics degree you possibly can.

Our lecturers are also researchers working at the cutting edge of their respective fields, so you can be confident that your learning experience will be informed by the latest specialist knowledge along with advanced instrumentation, modelling and techniques. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2014) assessment the university was placed in the top 50 institutions for research power and intensity. It submitted 77% of eligible staff and 95% of the university's research was of an internationally recognised standard.

The Department offers a number of modules through the medium of Welsh. Further details are available from the Department.

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

Career prospects

A degree in Astrophysics will prepare you for such career destinations as space scientist, physicist, scientific laboratory technician, radiation protection practitioner, and research scientist. Other career paths may include systems developer, product development scientist, technical author, or meteorologist. Further study at postgraduate level will open doors into research, lecturing and teaching.

Transferable Skills

Studying for a degree in Astrophysics will equip you with a range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. These include:

  • research and data analysis skills
  • enhanced mathematical and computational skills
  • effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills
  • thorough grounding in information technology 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
  • teamworking, 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.

Year in Employment scheme (YES)

The University operates a Year in Employment Scheme (YES), which offers you a fantastic opportunity to take a year out between your second and third year to work in an organisation in the UK or overseas. YES provides a very rewarding and worthwhile experience, both personally and professionally, and can help you to stand out from the crowd in a very competitive job market. The University’s Career Service will help you to explore your options and secure a suitable work placement.

GO Wales

GO Wales is administered by the University’s Career Service, working with local businesses to create paid work placements of a few weeks’ duration for students. It gives you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience which will enhance your CV and make you more attractive to potential employers.

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn?

You will lay the foundations for your future study by examining the main branches of classical and modern physics, underpinned by the core mathematical disciplines of algebra and calculus. You will be introduced to computational and experimental physics, quantum theory, dynamics, and the basic principles of gravitational and electrostatic fields. You will also be able to choose from a number of option modules to suit your own interests.

You will explore the solar interior, stars, planets and planetary atmospheres alongside thermal physics, quantum mechanics, mathematical physics and data handling and statistics.

You will investigate cosmology, galaxies, space plasmas, the solar atmosphere and the heliosphere alongside condensed matter, atoms and molecules and electromagnetism. You will also undertake a special project of your own choosing under the guidance of your personal project supervisor.

You may also choose to undertake a career planning module as part of your course, which will enhance your employability prospects and enable you to develop valuable transferable skills.

How will I be taught?

You will be taught through a complementary set of teaching and learning methods and approaches, ranging from formal lectures, seminars and tutorials to workshops, practicals and individual and group-based project work. A strong emphasis is placed on project work which is linked to active research interests.

You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, essays, presentations, multiple choice tests, lab reports, lab diaries and examinations.

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.

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff

A Levels Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

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

BTEC National Diploma:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

International Baccalaureate:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

European Baccalaureate:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

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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