BSc Astrophysics
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Astrophysics, a physics with astrophysics degree centred on astronomical and physical phenomena. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques, and Research Methods. The course is available in 3-year or 4-year study pathways. The first year covers foundational modules such as waves, classical mechanics, electricity, introductory quantum mechanics, nuclear and particle physics, Discovering Astronomy and Astrobiology, and Introductory Astrophysics. The second year focuses on algebra, calculus, dynamics and vector calculus, programming, data analysis, and experimental techniques. The third year involves thermal physics, Fourier analysis and statistics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, a computing course on numerical algorithms, and an introductory course to research methods. The final year extends study into advanced areas including astrophysics, cosmology, relativity, nuclear and particle physics, High Energy Astrophysics, Radiation and Matter, Computational Astrophysics, Galaxies, Stellar Evolution, Advanced Cosmology, and General Relativity.
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: from AAA to ABB in one set of exams (required: Mathematics at A, Physics at B) IB: from 37 points with 666 at HL to 32 points with 655 at HL
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 12 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 82%
- Learning opportunities: 73%
- Assessment and feedback: 49%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 57%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 69%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 45%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 20%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 40%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 20%
- Secretarial and related occupations: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 95 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 6%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 6%
- West Midlands: 1%
- London: 7%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 63%
- Northern Ireland: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started
- A levels: 85%
- Baccalaureate: 15%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
Modules
- waves
- classical mechanics
- electricity
- introductory quantum mechanics
- nuclear and particle physics
- Discovering Astronomy and Astrobiology
- Introductory Astrophysics
- algebra
- calculus
- dynamics and vector calculus
- programming
- data analysis
- experimental techniques
- thermal physics
- Fourier analysis and statistics
- electromagnetism
- quantum mechanics
- a computing course on numerical algorithms
- an introductory course to research methods
- astrophysics
- cosmology
- relativity, nuclear and particle physics
- High Energy Astrophysics
- Radiation and Matter
- Computational Astrophysics
- Galaxies
- Stellar Evolution
- Advanced Cosmology
- General Relativity
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Astrophysics at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £34,500 after 15 months, £28,500 after 3 years, £37,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £45,500. The £37,000 median after five years is £2,500 more than the UK median for Astronomy.
What do graduates of BSc Astrophysics at University of Edinburgh do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Astrophysics at University of Edinburgh?
82% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Astrophysics at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 37 points in the IB. The average entrant had 189 UCAS points.
Is BSc Astrophysics at University of Edinburgh accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
Does BSc Astrophysics at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Astrophysics at University of Edinburgh?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.