MSci Astrophysics
About this course
MSci in Astrophysics, a physics with astrophysics degree focusing on the properties and evolution of the universe. Core topics include Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. This four-year programme extends the BSc curriculum with advanced study options and an independent research project. The first year covers core foundations through Atoms, Stars and the Universe, Waves, Optics and Acoustics, Classical Mechanics, and Mathematics for Physicists. The second year develops technical skills via Astrophysical Processes: Nebulae to Stars, Planetary Science, Practical Astrophysics and Computing, and Electricity and Magnetism, alongside optional choices such as Environmental Physics. The third year advances into specialized topics including The Physics of Stars, Physical Cosmology, Interstellar Physics, and Astronomical Spectroscopy, with further options like Fluid Mechanics and Nuclear and Particle Physics. The final fourth year culminates in a substantial Physics and Astrophysics project, complemented by advanced optional modules such as Cosmology, Galaxy Dynamics, Formation and Evolution, and Physics of Exoplanets.
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.)
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 13 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 84%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 82%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 84%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 7 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 80%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
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 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 80%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- A degree: 5%
- Other qualifications: 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, 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
- Physics and Astrophysics project
- Cosmology
- Galaxy Dynamics, Formation and Evolution
- Advanced Physical Cosmology
- Physics of Exoplanets
- Advanced Quantum Theory
- Particle Physics
- Physical Models of Life
- Statistical Analysis of Data
- Space Plasma and Magnetospheric Physics (SS109)
- Planetary Atmospheres (SS4)
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci 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 MSci Astrophysics at University College London do next?
100% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Astrophysics at University College London?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Astrophysics at University College London?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 39 points in the IB. The average entrant had 205 UCAS points.
Is MSci 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 MSci Astrophysics at University College London?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.