MSci Astrophysics
Royal Holloway, University of London
About this course
MSci in Physics with Astrophysics. Core topics include Programming, Microelectronics, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, and Laboratory Techniques. The course includes a major individual research project in the final year. The final year is conducted in collaboration with King's College London.
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: AAA-AAB (Required subjects: A-levels in Mathematics and Physics, plus a pass in the practical element of all science A-levels being taken. We require English and Mathematics GCSE at grade 4(C)) IB: 6,6,6 at Higher Level or 36 points overall including 6 in Maths at Higher Level and 6 in Physics at Higher Level
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What students say
Based on about 12 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 88%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 85%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 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 9 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 20%
- Engineering professionals: 20%
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Information Technology Professionals: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 50 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 10%
- London: 30%
- South East: 40%
- South West: 10%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 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, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Mathematics for Scientists 1
- Mathematics for Scientists 2
- Scientific Skills 1
- Scientific Skills 2
- Classical Mechanics
- Fields and Waves
- Classical Matter
- Physics of the Universe
- Academic Integrity
- Mathematical Methods
- Scientific Computing Skills
- Quantum Mechanics
- Scientific Skills for Astrophysicists
- Optics
- Electromagnetism
- Classical and Statistical Thermodynamics
- The Solid State
- General Relativity and Cosmology
- Advanced Skills in Physics
- Quantum Theory
- Particle Physics
- Astronomy
- Stellar Astrophysics
- Particle Astrophysics
- Energy and Climate Science
- Advanced Classical Physics
- Further Mathematical Methods
- Planetary Geology and Geophysics
- Major Project in Physics
- Research Review
- Lie Groups and Lie Algebras
- Statistical Mechanics
- Advanced Quantum Theory
- Photonics and Metamaterials
- Particle Accelerator Physics
- Theoretical Treatments of Nano-systems
- Nano-Electronics and Quantum Technology
- Superconductors and Superfluids
- Standard Model Physics and Beyond
- Statistical Data Analysis
- String Theory and Branes
- Supersymmetry and Conformal Field Theory
- Astroparticle Cosmology
- Theory of Complex Networks
- Equilibrium Analysis of Complex Systems
- Dynamical Analysis of Complex Systems
- Mathematical Biology
- Elements of Statistical Learning
- Quantum Field Theory
- Modelling Quantum Many-Body Systems
- Advanced Condensed Matter
- Gravitational Wave Physics
- Dark Matter & Dark Energy
- Research Topics in Astrophysics
- Advanced Particle Physics
- Advanced Astrophysics
- Gravitational Waves Astronomy
- Order and Excitations in Quantum Materials
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Astrophysics at Royal Holloway, University of London earn?
The median salary is £32,000 after 15 months, £27,500 after 3 years, £34,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,000 and £43,500. The £34,000 median after five years is £500 less than the UK median for Astronomy.
What do graduates of MSci Astrophysics at Royal Holloway, University of London do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Astrophysics at Royal Holloway, University of London?
90% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Astrophysics at Royal Holloway, University of London?
The typical offer is AAA at A level, or 36 points in the IB. The average entrant had 137 UCAS points.
Is MSci Astrophysics at Royal Holloway, University of London accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
Does MSci Astrophysics at Royal Holloway, University of London include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MSci Astrophysics at Royal Holloway, University of London?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.