MPhys Physics with Astrophysics (with a year abroad)
About this course
MPhys (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics (with a year abroad), a physics and physics with astrophysics degree centred on the study of astrophysical phenomena and fundamental physical principles. Core topics include Statistics and Research Methods. Students spend year four studying abroad at a partner university before completing the final year. The first year covers the foundations through Classical Mechanics and Laboratories, Classical and Quantum Waves, and Electromagnetism and Relativity. The second year focuses on core theory via Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism, Quantum, Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics, and Astrophysical Technologies and Space Science. The third year builds advanced competence through Stars and Galaxies and Advanced Astrophysical Laboratory, alongside optional choices such as Plasma Physics and Fusion or Relativity and Cosmology. The final year centres on the MPhys Research Project and Skills, supported by options including Cosmic Horizons, Scientific Supercomputing, and Advanced 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 Physics and Mathematics. IB: 36 points overall, including 5 in Higher Level Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) or 6 in Standard Level Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches), plus 5 in Higher Level Physics.
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What students say
Based on about 31 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 69%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 81%
- Learning resources: 84%
- Student voice: 73%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 100%
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: 55%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 20%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Engineering professionals: 25%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 15%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Information Technology Professionals: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 145 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 6%
- North West: 9%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 29%
- East Midlands: 7%
- West Midlands: 6%
- East of England: 10%
- London: 14%
- South East: 9%
- South West: 7%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 100%
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): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Classical Mechanics and Laboratories
- Classical and Quantum Waves
- Mathematical, Computational and Professional Skills 1
- Electromagnetism and Relativity
- Mathematical, Computational and Professional Skills 2
- Mapping the Universe and Laboratories
- Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism
- Mathematics, Professional Skills and Laboratories
- Astrophysical Technologies and Space Science
- Statistical and Solid State Physics
- Quantum, Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics
- Advanced Mechanics, Astrophysical Laboratories and Skills
- Advanced Astrophysical Laboratory
- Stars and Galaxies
- Plasma Physics and Fusion
- Quantum Mechanics
- Advanced Theoretical Techniques and Modelling Matter
- Condensed Matter Physics: Electrons in Solids
- Relativity and Cosmology
- Medical Physics
- Nuclear and Particle
- Quantum Science and Technologies
- Astrobiology
- Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation
- Introduction to Clinical Engineering and Physiological Systems
- MPhys Research Project and Skills
- Scientific Supercomputing
- Biophysics
- Advanced Condensed Matter Physics
- From Subatomic to Nuclear Astrophysics
- Advanced Quantum Mechanics
- Advanced Plasma Physics for Fusion and Applications
- Cosmic Horizons
- Machine Vision and Human Machine Interaction
- Product Design, Development and Commercialization
- Medical Imaging and Physics
- Future Healthcare And Computer Aided Diagnosis
- Practical Skills in Virtual Anatomy and Morphology
- Plasma Physics and Fusion
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MPhys Physics with Astrophysics (with a year abroad) at University of York earn?
The median salary is £34,000 after 15 months, £30,000 after 3 years, £37,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £51,500. The £37,500 median after five years is £1,000 less than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of MPhys Physics with Astrophysics (with a year abroad) at University of York 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 Astrophysics (with a year abroad) at University of York?
89% 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 Astrophysics (with a year abroad) at University of York?
The typical offer is AAA at A level, or 36 points in the IB. The average entrant had 149 UCAS points.
Is MPhys Physics with Astrophysics (with a year abroad) at University of York accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
Does MPhys Physics with Astrophysics (with a year abroad) at University of York include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on MPhys Physics with Astrophysics (with a year abroad) at University of York?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.