| UCAS code | F3FM |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Physics and Astronomy |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAA-ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABB-ABC |
Overview
- Our Physics with Astrophysics programmes focus on the core of mainstream physics, but also provide a balanced understanding of modern observational and theoretical astrophysics, from planets and stars to galaxies and cosmology
- The PhD-style MPhys research projects are often based on data from world-class ground and space-based facilities and state-of-the-art computational codes for theoretical astrophysics
- MPhys degrees take you further and give you a great opportunity to undertake research in our world-leading astrophysics group
- Our continuous skills development programme, designed with industry partners, will enable you to craft a digital portfolio and CV to showcase your skills to potential employers.
- Learn within a supportive community characterised by genuine student-staff relationships
- Opportunity to join a close-knit student society with great social events throughout the year
- Benefit from access to advanced research facilities
Discover undergraduate Physics at the University of Exeter.
Top 10 in the UK for Physics and Astronomy
9th in the Guardian University Guide 2024 and 10th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
Extensive facilities in our dedicated building including advanced research and teaching labs, observatory and computer labs
We are passionate about training new physicists and believe that is done best via a supportive and inclusive student-staff environment
94% of graduates in or due to start employment/further study 15 months after graduation
Based on full-time, first degree, UK-domiciled graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAA-ABB | A in Mathematics and B in Physics, or B in Mathematics and A in Physics Candidates may offer GCE A-Level Maths, Pure Maths or Further Maths. |
| IB | 36/666 – 32/655 | HL 6in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) and HL5 in Physics, or HL5 in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) and HL5 in Physics. |
| BTEC | DDD-DDM | Applicants studying a BTEC Extended Diploma are also required to achieve Grades A and B in A-Level Mathematics and Physics. |
| GCSE | 4 or C | Grade 4/C in GCSE English language |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade - 24 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade | 15 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 12 L3 credits at Merit Grade in acceptable Mathematics and Physics subject areas. An additional Maths Test may be required. |
| T-Level | T-Levels not accepted | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: ABB-ABC |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
I chose Exeter because of the fantastic astrophysics department, and the university is well connected in a great location with beaches and Dartmoor nearby.
I have particularly enjoyed the astrophysics modules, and love hearing about the fascinating research the academics do. I once found a lecturer quoted in a national newspaper discussing a recently discovered exoplanet!
Having access to such knowledgeable people is very inspiring, and they are always happy to help students.
I am excited to have been given the opportunity to do a summer project investigating stellar discs after the lecturer I approached enthusiastically agreed to let me do an internship with her.
The degree is well structured and gives a broad overview of physics, allowing students to specialise more in the later years in areas such as biophysics, quantum mechanics and astrophysics.
Almudena
studying MPhys Physics with Astrophysics
Course content
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
In year one you will develop your understanding of physics and become familiar with a variety of basic mathematical tools. The concepts and phenomena you will meet are many and varied, but are united by the underlying principles of physics. In a typical week you will spend 15 hours in a formal teaching environment, and be expected to spend a further 20 hours in independent study. You will have four hours of lectures in physics, two in mathematics, one tutorial, six hours in the teaching laboratories and two hours in problem-solving classes.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHY1021 | Vector Mechanics | 15 |
| PHY1022 | Introduction to Astrophysics | 15 |
| PHY1025 | Mathematics Skills | 15 |
| PHY1027 | Practical Physics I | 15 |
| PHY1023 | Waves and Optics | 15 |
| PHY1024 | Properties of Matter | 15 |
| PHY1026 | Mathematics for Physicists | 15 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHY1031 | Scientific Programming in Python | 15 |
Year two provides a firm foundation of physics, and the principles that constitute the framework of the subject. The use of mathematics gives these principles a precise form and provides physicists with the ability to make detailed quantitative predictions. This year focuses on four main cornerstones of physics: condensed matter, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism and thermodynamics. These provide the core of most of physics and of our understanding of the evolution of our universe. The other modules in your second and subsequent years draw in part on your knowledge of this core.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHY2021 | Electromagnetism I | 15 |
| PHY2022 | Quantum Mechanics I | 15 |
| PHY2025 | Mathematics with Physical Applications | 15 |
| PHY2026 | Practical Physics II | 15 |
| PHY2023 | Thermal Physics | 15 |
| PHY2024 | Condensed Matter I | 15 |
| PHY2030 | Observing the Universe | 15 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Choose 15 credits from List A: | ||
| PHY2027 | Scientific Programming in C | 15 |
| PHY2222 | Physics of Climate Change | 15 |
| Additional 0-credit optional module | ||
| PHY2038 | Employability and Placement Preparation | 0 |
The final two years of this programme allows you to apply the core principles in a broad range of important areas, such as Nuclear and High-Energy Particle Physics and Statistical Physics, plus advanced electromagnetism, quantum physics and condensed matter physics. There are numerous options in theoretical physics for you to choose such as Quantum Many Body Theory, and Relativity and Cosmology. You can also choose to study technologically-important areas such as Quantum Optics and Photonics, and Physical Methods in Biology and Medicine, and active research areas such as Galaxies and High Energy Astrophysics, and Nanostructures and Graphene Science. (Options are dependent on the programme of study).
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHY3051 | Electromagnetism II | 15 |
| PHY3070 | Stars from Birth to Death | 15 |
| PHYM002 | Quantum Mechanics II | 15 |
| PHY3053 | General Problems | 15 |
| PHY3122 | Project and Dissertation | 30 |
| PHY3052 | Nuclear and High Energy Physics | 15 |
| PHY3066 | Galaxies and High Energy Astrophysics | 15 |
The final years of the programme also involve substantial project work. As part of the MPhys programme, you’ll be ‘adopted’ into one of our research groups, working in a small group (typically three or four, but with individual roles), to undertake a project for at least one academic year. You will select your preferred project from a list of short research proposals freshly written by the academics each year. The projects are original and open-ended, i.e., they each focus on a previously unstudied piece of physics. You will meet with your supervisor (a professor or lecturer) once a week to discuss progress and future work. You are also encouraged to attend research seminars from visiting speakers, attend the weekly group meetings, and integrate and socialise with the PhD students and researchers.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHYM001 | Statistical Physics | 15 |
| PHYM012 | Solar and Extra-Solar Planets and Their Atmospheres | 15 |
| PHYM009 | Project and Dissertation | 45 |
| PHYM006 | Relativity and Cosmology | 15 |
| PHYM003 | Condensed Matter II | 15 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Choose 15 credits from List A: | ||
| PHYM004 | Computational Physics and Modelling | 15 |
| PHYM013 | Quantum Many-Body Theory | 15 |
| PHYM005 | Independent Study | 15 |
| PHYM008 | Physical Methods in Biology and Medicine | 15 |
| PHYM015 | Quantum Optics and Photonics | 15 |
| Choose 15 credits from List B: | ||
| PHY3061 | The Biophysics of Cells and Tissues | 15 |
| PHY3062 | Methods of Theoretical Physics | 15 |
| PHY3064 | Nanostructures and Graphene Science | 15 |
| PHY3067 | Energy and the Environment | 15 |
| PHY3068 | Principles of Theoretical Physics | 15 |
| PHY3071 | Soft Matter | 15 |
| PHY3220 | Fluid Dynamics in Physics and Astronomy | 15 |
Accreditations
All our MPhys and Single Honours BSc degrees are accredited by the Institute of Physics. Accredited MPhys degrees fully satisfy the educational requirements of the Chartered Physicist (CPhys) professional qualification.
Understanding the Universe from the top academics was extremely appealing. I attended an Open Day and fell in love with the campus. The warm and welcoming atmosphere made me feel I could thrive here.
The student community and array of societies has made my time in Exeter fantastic. You feel part of the student body and I have met some amazing people.
The programming and computational modules have given me IT skills and experimental modules have developed my analytical skills which have helped me secure a graduate data analytics job for a media company in London.
David
Studying MSc Physics and Astrophysics at the University of Exeter
Fees
Tuition fees for 2024 entry
UK students: £9,250 per year
International students: £29,700 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*. Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Learning and teaching
Learning and teaching at Exeter is undertaken in a variety of ways, ranging from classic style lecturing, weekly problem-solving classes, computing practical sessions, and laboratory sessions
You will be fully supported during your jurney as a student in a variety of ways, in a friendly and relaxed environment. You will have weekly skills development sessions where you will have the chance to develop the transversal skills needed for you academic, personal and professional development. They will occur in a variety of settings, ranging from full lectures to small group seminars.
You will also have access to personal academic and pastoral mentoring, fully embedded within the structure of our department.
A research and practice-led teaching
We believe that every student benefits from being part of a culture that is inspired by research and being taught by experts. Not only do we teach you about our pioneering research, we teach you how to undertake the research yourself. Experimental skills are acquired in the laboratories and astronomical observatory, and here you are introduced to a wide range of apparatus and techniques. Training in theoretical techniques is provided by our methods and computational modules. By the time you reach the start of your extended project work, you will have received the necessary preparation to undertake it with confidence in either experimental or theoretical topics, and these projects are tackled with great enthusiasm and energy.
Assessment
Assessment in Exeter is performed via a combination of exams and continuous assessments, including problem sets, reports, multimedia presentations, posters and vivas. You will be able to find a variety of modules with different approaches, ranging from 100% exam-based ones to 100% coursework ones.
Your future
Employability skills are an integral part of the physics curriculum. The flexibility and adaptability of a well-trained physicist is appreciated by employers: they acknowledge the benefits of excellent problem solving skills, an educated scientific intuition, and the confidence to be able to grasp new concepts quickly.
Our degree programmes include:
- A continuous Skills Development programme that will lead to the creation of a professional portfolio
- Extensive problem-solving skills training
- Development of group working skills
- Training in scientific communication
- Scientific data analysis training.
Career paths
The largest proportion of our graduates enter science-based industries in positions involving research and development, production and management. Other careers include scientific work in government establishments (e.g., QinetiQ or Harwell Laboratories), hospital physics in the NHS, and technical management in broadcasting and the communications sector. Some work in high-tech start-up companies.
The broad-based skills acquired during your degree will give you an excellent grounding for a wide variety of careers, not only those related to Physics but also in wider fields. Examples of roles recent graduates are now working as include:
- Academic Researcher
- Actuary Astonomer
- Chartered and Certified Accountant
- Cyber Security Professional
- Engineer
- Financial Accounts Manager
- IT Business Analyst and Systems Architect
- Programmer
- Software Developer
- Teacher
