BSc Astrophysics
About this course
BSc in Astrophysics, a physics with astrophysics degree centred on the application of physical principles to astronomical observation and data interpretation. Core topics include Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. This three-year programme covers instrumentation and optical technologies across the curriculum. The first year establishes fundamental theory through compulsory modules such as Atoms, Stars and the Universe, Waves, Optics and Acoustics, Classical Mechanics, and Mathematics for Physicists. The second year progresses to specialised study involving Astrophysical Processes: Nebulae to Stars, Planetary Science, Electricity and Magnetism, and Quantum Physics, alongside optional choices including Mathematics for Physics and Astronomy. The final year involves advanced core study through The Physics of Stars, Physical Cosmology, Quantum Mechanics, and Interstellar Physics, paired with an Astrophysics Group Project. Students may also select from optional modules such as Ocean Physics and Climate Change, Practical Machine Learning for Physicists, and Mathematics For General Relativity.
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 (A*A in Mathematics and Physics required (in any order).) IB: 39 points (A total of 19 points in three higher level subjects including grade 7 and grade 6 in Mathematics and Physics, in any order, with no higher level score below 5. The programme will accept either ‘Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation’ at higher level.)
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What students say
Based on about 6 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 73%
- Learning opportunities: 71%
- Assessment and feedback: 71%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 64%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 73%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 15%
Most common jobs
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 25%
- Engineering professionals: 20%
- Information Technology Professionals: 20%
- Secretarial and related occupations: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 65%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 160 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 11%
- London: 65%
- South East: 13%
- South West: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 80%
- Baccalaureate: 10%
- A degree: 10%
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, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Atoms, Stars and the Universe
- Waves, Optics and Acoustics
- Thermal Physics and the Properties of Matter
- Classical Mechanics
- Introductory Practical and Computational Astrophysics
- Mathematics for Physicists
- Astrophysical Processes: Nebulae to Stars
- Planetary Science
- Practical Astrophysics and Computing
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Quantum Physics
- Statistical Physics of Matter
- Mathematical Methods III
- Mathematics for Physics and Astronomy
- Environmental Physics
- Astrophysics Group Project
- The Physics of Stars
- Physical Cosmology
- Quantum Mechanics
- Practical Astronomy 1 - Technique
- Interstellar Physics
- Astronomical Spectroscopy
- Ocean Physics and Climate Change
- Fluid Mechanics
- Mathematics For General Relativity
- Electromagnetic Theory
- Physics Education
- Nuclear and Particle Physics
- Theory of Dynamical Systems
- Climate and Energy
- Lasers and Modern Optics
- Practical Machine Learning for Physicists
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Astrophysics at University College London earn?
The median salary is £36,000 after 15 months, £42,000 after 3 years, £50,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £37,000 and £67,000. The £50,500 median after five years is £16,000 more than the UK median for Astronomy.
What do graduates of BSc Astrophysics at University College 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 BSc Astrophysics at University College London?
73% 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 College London?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 39 points in the IB. The average entrant had 172 UCAS points.
Is BSc Astrophysics at University College London 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 BSc Astrophysics at University College London?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.