BSc Physics and Astrophysics (International Study)
About this course
Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astrophysics (International Study), a physics and physics with astrophysics degree centred on astronomical and physical principles. Core topics include Statistics and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. This four-year course includes a dedicated year abroad studying physics at an international partner institution. The first year introduces foundational concepts through Mathematics for Physicists 1, Classical Mechanics and Relativity, and Physics Laboratory 1. The second year builds on this with Mathematics for Physicists 2, Modern Physics, and Astrophysics Laboratory. The third year is spent abroad studying physics. The final year allows students to tailor their studies through advanced options such as Stars and Exoplanets, Gravitation, Cosmology and Galaxies, and Medical Physics, alongside completing the Year 3 Physics Project.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A Level: A*AA /AAAA to include A-level Mathematics and A-level Physics grades A*A (or AA as part of the four A level offer). GCSE Grade 6 in relevant language to study abroad.. IB: 7,6,6 at HL, to include Mathematics and Physics, with a minimum of 32 points overall. 7 must be in Mathematics or Physics.. BTEC: options considered when combined with other Maths and Physics qualifications.
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What students say
Based on about 17 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 100%
- Learning opportunities: 98%
- Assessment and feedback: 92%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 100%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 97%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 13 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 45%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 30%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 16%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Engineering professionals: 13%
- Teaching Professionals: 9%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 8%
- Find their work meaningful: 74%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 74%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 67%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 155 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 6%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 10%
- West Midlands: 25%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 14%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 14%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Statistics, Thermodynamics, and Electronics
- Quantum Mechanics, Optics, Waves, and Electromagnetism
- Classical Mechanics and Relativity
- Physics Laboratory 1
- Mathematics for Physicists 1
- Discover: Skills, Computing and Astrophysics
- Mathematics for Physicists 2
- Statistical Physics and Optics
- Quantum Mechanics and Electromagnetism 2
- Modern Physics
- Astrophysics Laboratory
- Challenge: Skills, Computing and Observational Astronomy
- Year Abroad (Physics)
- Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Physics
- Year 3 Physics Project
- Observatory Laboratory
- Stars and Exoplanets
- Gravitation, Cosmology and Galaxies
- Particle Physics
- Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Power
- Advanced Dynamics, and Relativistic Fields
- Chaos Dynamical Systems and Complex Variables
- Medical Physics
- Atomic, Condensed Matter and Photonic Physics
- Professional Science Communication and Teaching
- Machine Learning and Inference from Data
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Physics and Astrophysics (International Study) at University of Birmingham earn?
The median salary is £34,000 after 15 months, £32,500 after 3 years, £43,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £33,500 and £53,500. The £43,500 median after five years is £5,000 more than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of BSc Physics and Astrophysics (International Study) at University of Birmingham do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Physics and Astrophysics (International Study) at University of Birmingham?
100% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Physics and Astrophysics (International Study) at University of Birmingham?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 174 UCAS points.
Is BSc Physics and Astrophysics (International Study) at University of Birmingham accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
Does BSc Physics and Astrophysics (International Study) at University of Birmingham include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Physics and Astrophysics (International Study) at University of Birmingham?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.