BSc Physics and Astrophysics
About this course
BSc in Physics and Astrophysics, a physics and physics with astrophysics degree focusing on the properties and governing laws of the universe. Core topics include Microelectronics, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The course holds professional accreditation. The first year establishes core foundations through modules such as Fundamental Physics and Mathematics I: Mechanics, Oscillations, Waves and Thermal Physics, Fundamental Physics and Mathematics II: Electricity, Magnetism and Quantum Physics, Mapping the Night Sky: the Astronomer's Toolbox, and Introduction to Astrophysics. The second year expands into advanced theories and practical methods via Fundamental Physics and Mathematics III, Fundamental Physics and Mathematics IV, Observational Astronomy, and Stars and Galaxies. The final year involves extended investigation through Mathematical and Physical Sciences Projects and Professional Skills, alongside compulsory studies in Nebular Astrophysics and Stellar Atmospheres, Atomic and Particle Physics, and Dark Matter and Cosmology. Students can further tailor their studies by selecting optional modules covering areas such as Solid State and Statistical Physics, Planets and Astrobiology, Biological and Soft Matter Physics, Machine Learning, Mathematical Physics and Analytical Dynamics, and Quantum Theory and Electrodynamics.
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: AAB IB: 34, with 6, 5 (in any order) in Higher Level Maths and Physics; 33, with 5 in Higher Level Maths and Physics and B in a physics-based extended essay
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 11 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 78%
- Learning opportunities: 84%
- Assessment and feedback: 73%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 94%
- Learning resources: 100%
- Student voice: 77%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 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: 55%
- Working and studying: 25%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Teaching Professionals: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 20%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Information Technology Professionals: 10%
- Process, plant and machine operatives: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 65%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 105 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 15%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 32%
- East Midlands: 7%
- West Midlands: 8%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 13%
- South East: 7%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 4%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Baccalaureate: 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, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Fundamental Physics and Mathematics I: Mechanics, Oscillations, Waves and Thermal Physics
- Fundamental Physics and Mathematics II: Electricity, Magnetism and Quantum Physics
- Mapping the Night Sky: the Astronomer's Toolbox
- Introduction to Astrophysics
- Fundamental Physics and Mathematics III
- Fundamental Physics and Mathematics IV
- Observational Astronomy
- Stars and Galaxies
- Mathematical and Physical Sciences Projects and Professional Skills
- Nebular Astrophysics and Stellar Atmospheres
- Atomic and Particle Physics
- Dark Matter and Cosmology
- Solid State and Statistical Physics
- Planets and Astrobiology
- Biological and Soft Matter Physics
- Machine Learning
- Mathematical Physics and Analytical Dynamics
- Quantum Theory and Electrodynamics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Physics and Astrophysics at University of Sheffield earn?
The median salary is £29,000 after 15 months, £29,500 after 3 years, £38,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £53,000. The £38,500 median after five years is the same as the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of BSc Physics and Astrophysics at University of Sheffield 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 Physics and Astrophysics at University of Sheffield?
78% 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 at University of Sheffield?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 162 UCAS points.
Is BSc Physics and Astrophysics at University of Sheffield 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 at University of Sheffield include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Physics and Astrophysics at University of Sheffield?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.