Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology

University of Portsmouth
Undergraduate (Integrated Masters) 4+ Year Degree MPhys (Hons) Full-time 4 Years Physics and astronomy

A-Level Entry

ABB - BBB

UCAS Points

120 - 128 points

Avg. Graduate Salary

£30,000

About this course

This is a Connected Degree

Portsmouth is the only University in the UK with the flexibility to choose when to do an optional paid placement or self-employed year. Either take a placement in your third year, or finish your studies first and complete a placement in your fourth year. You can decide if and when to take a placement after you've started your course.

Overview

95% of the universe exists in a form we still don't understand. Explore stars, galaxies, black holes and gravitational waves – joining an international community looking for answers.

On this Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology degree course, you’ll deepen your understanding of the fundamental laws of physics, and apply this knowledge to the structure and behaviour of some of the largest and smallest elements of existence.

You'll be taught by and study alongside researchers from the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation (ICG) who play leading roles in major international projects, such as the European Space Agency Euclid satellite. You’ll graduate with mathematical and computational knowledge sought after by employers in many industries, from aerospace to finance.

BSc or MPhys?

You can study this course as a 3-year Bachelor's degree (BSc) or a 4-year integrated Master's degree (MPhys). The MPhys allows you to achieve a Master’s level degree with just one extra year of undergraduate study, further enhancing your career prospects.

Course highlights

  • See physics theory in practice through visits and final year projects with aerospace companies such as BAE Systems, Airbus Defence, QinetiQ and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL)

  • Access Hampshire Astronomical Group facilities at Clanfield Observatory, including various telescopes such as a 24-inch reflector, to observe the stars and galaxies and collect project data

  • Study alongside researchers from the University's physics research teams (and contribute to their work in your final project), whose research was ranked in the top 10 nationally for quality of research outputs

  • Use advanced technical equipment with the help of expert technical staff, including x-ray diffraction, x-ray fluorescence, electron and atomic force microscopes, various types of spectroscopy and the SCIAMA supercomputer

  • Develop the professional skills and standards you need as a practicing physicist, through a major research project in your final year

  • Access large datasets produced by international-level sky surveys, including the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, when you take the MPhys degree course

    Accreditation This course is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IoP).

    As a supporter of the Institute of Physics Project Juno, we're committed to addressing the under-representation of women in physics and gender equality in higher education and research.

    Careers and opportunities

    The UK government has an ambitious plan to double investment in the space economy by 2030 which means there's now high demand for skilled people to meet this growth. In fact, the sector is currently recruiting more graduates that before, and giving further training internally.

    Physics and astronomy graduates are earning an average of £33,500 5 years after graduation, and you've got the potential to reach a salary in the range of £40,000 to £75,000 as a senior professional, professor or researcher.

    What jobs can you do with a physics, astrophysics and cosmology degree?

    You could apply your skills and knowledge in areas such as:

  • cosmology

  • astrophysics

  • astronomy and theoretical physics

  • space systems and aerospace industry

  • education

  • scientific journalism

  • medical physics

  • finance

  • data analysis

    After the course you could also continue your studies to a PhD or other postgraduate qualification.

    After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.

    • Entry Requirements

    A-Level Grades ABB - BBB
    UCAS Tariff Points 120 - 128 points
    BTEC DDM

    Study Options

    This course is available in 2 study options:

    Full-time Shown above

    Duration: 4 Years

    Qualification: MPhys (Hons)

    Location: Portsmouth

    Avg. Salary: £30,000

    Sandwich

    Duration: 5 Years

    Qualification: MPhys (Hons)

    Location: Portsmouth

    Avg. Salary: £30,000

    Career Prospects

    Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

    2124 Electronics engineers
    2127 Engineering project managers and project engineers
    2129 Engineering professionals
    2114 Physical scientists
    2482 Quality assurance and regulatory professionals

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    A-Levels

    BBB - BBC

    UCAS Points

    112 - 120 points

    Avg. Salary

    £26,000

    Course Details

    Qualification
    Master in Physics (with Honours) - MPhys (Hons)
    Study Mode
    Full-time
    Duration
    4 Years
    Start Date
    2025
    Academic Year
    2025
    Campus / Location
    Portsmouth
    Scheme
    Undergraduate (Integrated Masters)
    Subjects
    Physics and astronomy
    Avg. Graduate Salary
    £30,000

    Offered by

    University of Portsmouth

    Portsmouth

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