BSc Astrophysics
About this course
BSc (Honours) in Astrophysics, a physics with astrophysics degree examining the science of the universe from the solar system to galaxy clusters. Core topics include Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, and Laboratory Techniques. Students use telescopes at the University Observatory, which houses the largest operational optical telescope in the country. The first year covers the foundations through Mathematics, Physics 1A, and Physics 1B, introducing quantum physics and laboratory skills. The second year progresses with Linear Mathematics, Multivariate Calculus, Physics 2A, and Astronomy and Astrophysics 2. Unspecified years include advanced topics such as computational astrophysics, observational astrophysics, and quantum mechanics.
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, including A in both: Mathematics and Physics. IB: 38 (HL 6,6,6), including HL6 in both Mathematics and Physics.
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What students say
Based on about 11 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 98%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 81%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 93%
- Learning resources: 98%
- Student voice: 100%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 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 9 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 45%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 30%
- Finance Professionals: 15%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Skilled trades occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 130 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 5%
- North West: 11%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 4%
- London: 13%
- South East: 11%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 37%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Recognised by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of eligibility for Associate Membership.
Modules
- atomic, nuclear, and particle physics
- computational astrophysics
- electromagnetism
- extragalactic astronomy
- observational astrophysics
- quantum mechanics
- the physics of nebulae and stars
- thermal and statistical physics
- Astronomy and Astrophysics 1
- Mathematics
- Physics 1A
- Physics 1B
- Astronomy and Astrophysics 2
- Astrophysics 2
- Linear Mathematics
- Multivariate Calculus
- Physics 2A
- Physics 2B
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Astrophysics at University of St Andrews earn?
The median salary is £33,500 after 15 months, £32,000 after 3 years, £39,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £31,000 and £54,500. The £39,500 median after five years is £5,000 more than the UK median for Astronomy.
What do graduates of BSc Astrophysics at University of St Andrews do next?
70% 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 St Andrews?
98% 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 St Andrews?
The typical offer is AAA at A level. The average entrant had 231 UCAS points.
Is BSc Astrophysics at University of St Andrews accredited?
Yes. Recognised by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of eligibility for Associate Membership.
Does BSc Astrophysics at University of St Andrews include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Astrophysics at University of St Andrews?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.