MPhys Physics and Astronomy
About this course
MPhys (Hons) in Physics and Astronomy, a physics degree combining core physics with astrophysics. Core topics include programming, data analysis, statistics, mathematical modelling and laboratory techniques. The course is accredited by the Institute of Physics, and students may switch between the accredited physics courses until the end of the second year, subject to the optional modules chosen. The first year covers wave phenomena, electromagnetism and mechanics in Foundations of Physics 1, with Discovery Skills in Physics for laboratory practice and data handling; compulsory mathematics is taken via either Single Mathematics A and Single Mathematics B or Calculus I and Linear Algebra I. The second year develops quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, optics and condensed matter in Foundations of Physics 2A and 2B, introduces astronomy through Stars and Galaxies, and is supported by Mathematical Methods in Physics and Laboratory Skills and Electronics. The third year deepens quantum, nuclear and particle physics in Foundations of Physics 3A and condensed matter and statistical thermodynamics in Foundations of Physics 3B, alongside Planets and Cosmology 3 and a Computing Project. Third-year options span condensed matter, theoretical physics and atomic and optical physics, with at most one of Team Project or Advanced Laboratory selectable. The final year pairs an individual Project on advanced physics with compulsory Advanced Astrophysics and Theoretical Astrophysics, covering astronomical techniques, radiative processes and general relativity. Final-year options include Atoms, Lasers and Qubits, Advanced Theoretical Physics, Advanced Condensed Matter Physics and Particle Theory.
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*A*A including Physics and Mathematics. IB: 38 with 776 in higher level subjects, including Mathematics (maths analysis & approaches) and Physics.
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Real offers for this course
Applicants have posted 1 UCAS decision for MPhys Physics and Astronomy (FF3N) at Durham University for 2027 entry so far. The published offer is A*A*A at A level.
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 39%: 60 offers from 155 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 9 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 98%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 91%
- Academic support: 97%
- Organisation and management: 87%
- Learning resources: 89%
- Student voice: 76%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 11 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 40%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 25%
- Engineering professionals: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Legal professionals: 15%
- Finance Professionals: 15%
- Find their work meaningful: 100%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 70%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 175 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 10%
- North West: 7%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 7%
- East Midlands: 6%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 6%
- London: 31%
- South East: 17%
- South West: 6%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 35 students who started
- A levels: 95%
- Other qualifications: 5%
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, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Foundations of Physics 1
- Discovery Skills in Physics
- Mathematics Modules (40 credits) - Please choose one of the following two pathways:
- EITHER Pathway 1: Single Mathematics A and Single Mathematics B
- Pathway 1: Single Mathematics A
- Pathway 1: Single Mathematics B
- OR Pathway 2: Linear Algebra I and Calculus I
- Pathway 2: Calculus I
- Pathway 2: Linear Algebra I
- Example optional modules
- Foundations of Physics 2A
- Foundations of Physics 2B
- Stars and Galaxies
- Mathematical Methods in Physics
- Laboratory Skills and Electronics
- Example optional modules
- Foundations of Physics 3A
- Foundations of Physics 3B
- Planets and Cosmology 3
- Computing Project
- Example optional modules
- Project
- Advanced Astrophysics
- Theoretical Astrophysics
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MPhys Physics and Astronomy at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £35,000 after 15 months, £36,000 after 3 years, £44,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,000 and £65,500. The £44,000 median after five years is £5,500 more than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of MPhys Physics and Astronomy at Durham University do next?
100% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MPhys Physics and Astronomy at Durham University?
98% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MPhys Physics and Astronomy at Durham University?
The typical offer is A*A*A at A level. The average entrant had 202 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MPhys Physics and Astronomy at Durham University?
39% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 60 offers from 155 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Is MPhys Physics and Astronomy at Durham University 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 MPhys Physics and Astronomy at Durham University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.