MSci Physics and Astrophysics
About this course
Master in Science in Physics and Astrophysics, a physics and physics with astrophysics degree focused on the study of the universe and advanced physical principles. Core topics include Statistics, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. Students complete substantial project work in both the third and fourth years. The first year introduces foundational material through compulsory modules such as 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. In the third year, compulsory and optional studies cover areas like Stars and Exoplanets, Particle Physics, and Medical Physics alongside a dedicated project. The final year offers advanced study in topics such as General Relativity and Advanced Statistical Physics, Advanced Condensed Matter, and Applied Optics, concluding with a fourth-year 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).. 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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Real offers for this course
Applicants have posted 2 UCAS decisions for MSci Physics and Astrophysics (FFH5) at the University of Birmingham for 2027 entry so far. The published offer is A*AA at A level.
What students say
Based on about 13 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 100%
- Learning opportunities: 97%
- Assessment and feedback: 93%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 100%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 98%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 45%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 25%
- Unemployed: 20%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Information Technology Professionals: 15%
- Teaching Professionals: 15%
- Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation: 10%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 100%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 90%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 75%
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 25 students who started (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
- Challenge: Skills, Computing and Observational Astronomy
- Astrophysics Laboratory
- 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
- Year 4 Physics Project
- Advanced Topics in Astrophysics
- Advanced Condensed Matter
- Advanced Particle Physics
- Quantum Systems and Technologies
- Quantum Light and Matter
- Physics of Climate and Renewable Energy
- Applied Optics
- General Relativity and Advanced Statistical Physics
- Advanced Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Field Theory
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Physics and Astrophysics 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 MSci Physics and Astrophysics at University of Birmingham do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Physics and Astrophysics 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 MSci Physics and Astrophysics at University of Birmingham?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 179 UCAS points.
Is MSci Physics and Astrophysics 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.
How many students continue on MSci Physics and Astrophysics at University of Birmingham?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.