MPhys Physics with Astronomy
About this course
Master of Physics in Physics with Astronomy, a physics degree centred on mathematical and computational approaches to physical theory and astronomical study. Core topics include Programming, Signal Processing, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques, and Research Methods. Students have access to an on-site rooftop observatory equipped with high-spec telescopes, and high-performing individuals may be invited to join a research programme at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Boston. The first year establishes core foundations through modules such as Energy and Matter, Introduction to Astronomy and Space Science, Motion and Relativity, and Physics Skills - Programming and Data Analysis. The second year expands into Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Galaxies, and Quantum Physics, alongside optional choices like Medical Physics and Partial Differential Equations. The third year covers Atomic Physics, Photons in Astrophysics, Stellar Evolution, and a Dissertation, while building on earlier principles. The final year involves advanced study through Cosmology and the Early Universe, an MPhys Project, and Space Plasma Physics, complemented by optional topics such as Advanced Lasers, Quantum Information, and Silicon Photonics.
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*AA-AAA including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A) or AABB-AABC including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A) IB: Pass, with 38-36 points overall, with 19-18 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) and 6 at Higher Level in physics
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What students say
Based on about 16 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 85%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 89%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 80%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 25%
- Engineering professionals: 15%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Other Health Professionals: 10%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 70%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 115 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 7%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 22%
- South East: 45%
- South West: 13%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 35 students who started
- A levels: 90%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Foundation course: 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
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Energy and Matter
- Introduction to Astronomy and Space Science
- Mathematical Methods For Physical Scientists 1b
- Mathematical Methods for Physical Scientists 1a
- Motion and Relativity
- Physics Skills - Programming and Data Analysis
- Physics Skills 1
- Physics Skills 2
- Waves, Light and Quanta
- Classical Mechanics
- Electromagnetism
- Galaxies
- Physics from Evidence I
- Quantum Physics
- Statistical Mechanics
- Wave Physics
- Global Sustainability Challenges
- Intercultural Communication in a Global World
- Introduction to Energy in The Environment
- Lasers and Quanta 2
- Medical Physics
- Partial Differential Equations
- Atomic Physics
- Computer Techniques in Physics
- Crystalline Solids
- Dissertation
- Nuclei and Particles
- Photons in Astrophysics
- Physics from Evidence II
- Stellar Evolution
- Theories of Matter, Space and Time
- Cosmology and the Early Universe
- MPhys Final Year Synoptic Examination
- MPhys Project
- Space Plasma Physics
- Advanced Lasers
- Advanced Quantum Physics
- Biomedical Application of Signal and Image Processing
- Computer Techniques in Physics
- Lasers
- Light and Matter
- Modelling with Differential Equations
- Nanoscience: technology and advanced materials
- Numerical Methods
- Optical Fibres and Waveguides
- Particle Physics
- Physics from Evidence II
- Physics of the Upper Atmosphere
- Quantum Information
- Quantum Optics
- Relativity, Black Holes and Cosmology
- Signal Processing
- Silicon Photonics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MPhys Physics with Astronomy at University of Southampton earn?
The median salary is £32,000 after 15 months, £32,000 after 3 years, £38,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £50,500. The £38,000 median after five years is £500 less than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of MPhys Physics with Astronomy at University of Southampton do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MPhys Physics with Astronomy at University of Southampton?
85% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MPhys Physics with Astronomy at University of Southampton?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 38 points in the IB. The average entrant had 164 UCAS points.
Is MPhys Physics with Astronomy at University of Southampton 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 with Astronomy at University of Southampton?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.