MPhys Physics and Astrophysics
About this course
MPhys in Physics and Astrophysics, a physics and physics with astrophysics degree centred on physical principles, mathematical tools, and astronomical observation. Core topics include programming, microelectronics, statistics, mathematical modelling, laboratory techniques, research methods, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence & machine learning. The course is accredited and features an independent research project in the final year. The first year covers 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 continues this training with Fundamental Physics and Mathematics III, Fundamental Physics and Mathematics IV, Observational Astronomy, and Stars and Galaxies. The third year advances into specialised topics featuring Mathematical and Physical Sciences Projects and Professional Skills, Nebular Astrophysics and Stellar Atmospheres, Atomic and Particle Physics, and Dark Matter and Cosmology, alongside optional modules covering areas like 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. The final year focuses on advanced compulsory study in Star Formation and Evolution and Galaxy Formation and Evolution, paired with options such as The Standard Model of Particle Physics, Scientific Computing, Fundamental Physics from Symmetries, Nuclear Astrophysics, General Relativity, Quantum Computing, and Enterprise and Innovation.
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 IB: 36, with 6 in Higher Level Maths and Physics; 34, with 6 in Higher Level Maths and Physics, and A in a physics-based extended essay
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Real offers for this course
Applicants have posted 2 UCAS decisions for MPhys Physics and Astrophysics (F3F5) at the University of Sheffield for 2027 entry so far. The published offer is AAA at A level.
What students say
Based on about 17 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 93%
- Assessment and feedback: 87%
- Academic support: 97%
- Organisation and management: 92%
- Learning resources: 95%
- Student voice: 93%
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 7 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 20%
- Teaching Professionals: 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%
- Other HE qualification: 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
- Star Formation and Evolution
- Galaxy Formation and Evolution
- The Standard Model of Particle Physics
- Scientific Computing
- Fundamental Physics from Symmetries
- Nuclear Astrophysics
- General Relativity
- Quantum Computing
- Enterprise and Innovation
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MPhys 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 MPhys Physics and Astrophysics at University of Sheffield do next?
75% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MPhys Physics and Astrophysics at University of Sheffield?
92% 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 Astrophysics at University of Sheffield?
The typical offer is AAA at A level. The average entrant had 165 UCAS points.
Is MPhys 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 MPhys 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 MPhys Physics and Astrophysics at University of Sheffield?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.