MPhys (Hons) Astrophysics at University of Lancashire is accredited by the Institute of Physics, fully meeting the educational requirements for Chartered Physicist status.
Our Astrophysics MPhys will provide you with the skills, methods & knowledge to progress your career in scientific research, all in state of the art facilities. From the provider’s course page.
MPhys (Hons) Astrophysics is an Integrated Master's degree (MPhys (Hons)) at the University of Lancashire, based in Main Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Physical sciences graduates from this provider, 80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 46% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Physics & Chemistry, see the sections below.
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 45; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 80% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
This module is an introduction to observational and theoretical astronomy. It will introduce you to the essential concepts, observational techniques, and physical foundations of modern astrophysics.
This double module begins the journey into modern physics and lays the theoretical foundation for the degree programme. The module starts with mechanics, electromagnetism and optics, which set the scene for the discovery of quantum physics and then use it to build the atom. The mathematical techniques required to support the physics will be developed alongside the theory. The module also covers an introduction to crystals, semiconductors, nuclear physics, fusion energy and particle physics.
This double module is an introduction to the essential skills of an experimental physicist or observational astrophysicist. This practical lab-based module will utilise theoretical knowledge from the length scale of atoms to that of the universe giving you a hands-on opportunity to put a wide range of theories to the test. This module will also develop transferable skills such as data analysis, computer programming, and team work. Observational astronomy practicals take place at our Alston Obser
This module aims to provide you with an understanding of astrophysical observations across the electromagnetic spectrum. It will also provide a broad self-contained overview of the origin and evolution of the elements from the Big Bang to the present day with emphasis on the physical processes involved and the astronomical sites where the synthesis occurs.
Develop your knowledge of the core theoretical and mathematical concepts of modern physics. Gain an understanding of waves and vibrations, electromagnetism and build towards a full description of Maxwell's Equations. Study the fundamentals of special relativity and quantum mechanics.
Advance your appreciation for how the statistical modelling of particles and their energies on the microscopic scale can give results to practical macroscopic scale problems. The module aims to develop your understanding of statistical thermal mechanics and introduce you to the essentials of solid-state physics.
The aim of this module is to instil in you a systematic approach to experimental work. You'll maintain a laboratory logbook and develop the skills required to interpret and analyse experimental results. This module also aims to introduce you to the tools to do this including important data analysis and numerical/modelling computational techniques.
This module presents you with a coherent development of the theory of ordinary differential equations, gives you a range of techniques for solving these equations, and explains the significance of particular equations in solving real-world problems.
On this module you'll discuss the current observational and theoretical understandings of the complete life cycle of stars. This will be from stellar birth, through protostars, evolution in the main sequence and post-main sequence, to white dwarfs, supernovae and stellar death.
Introducing the subject of cosmology and galaxies, this module outlines our current understanding of the structure and evolution of galaxies from observations, through their multi-wavelength emissions. You'll also gain an understanding of modern cosmology, covering topics such as the geometry of the universe, components of the standard cosmological model, and the timeline of structure formation.
This module aims to develop your ability to conduct extended experimental investigations, solve problems, and undertake in-depth critical analysis of experimental results. You'll appreciate how knowledge and ideas have to be synthesized from multiple sources in order to support the proposed experiments.
In this module, you will be given an opportunity to work independently on an original project related to physics and/or astrophysics as appropriate to your degree title. You will be expected to use your initiative to plan and complete a work programme.
This module aims to offer you a positive experience of working with pupils and teachers and will help you gain confidence in communicating subject content. It will enable you to understand how to address pupils' needs and to develop educational projects that engage with relevant age groups.
This module aims to provide an overview of nuclear physics and an introduction to nuclear reactors. To present our current understanding of particle physics as represented by the 'standard' models
The aim of this module is to develop your understanding on quantum mechanics given at Level 5 with additional theory at Level 6 and cover applications in atomic physics.
You will be introduced to the essentials of electrodynamics, plasma physics and solar physics. This material will also support your final year laboratory work and any projects you work on.
In this module you will explore a range of techniques for solving partial differential equations analytically, and we see how these equations are applied to real-world problems. You will also learn the theory of integral transforms, and use these to solve more advanced equations.
You will learn about the structure and evolution of galaxies from current observations and theoretical descriptions of normal and active galaxies. The module presents the dynamics of galaxies and their multi-waveband emissions and radiation mechanisms, as well as evidence of evolution.
This module aims to discuss the properties of the observed exoplanets, how these compare with the properties of the planets of our Solar System, and what do they tell us about planet formation. It'll provide a review of our current understanding of the physical processes that lead to the formation of planets in discs around young stars.
The aim of this module is for you to initiate and plan a research project. You'll work in a research environment on the solution of scientific problems and apply the skills and knowledge you've learn during your degree. You'll gain experience for further education and produce a scientific report on your investigation.
This module gives an introduction to a mathematically rigorous description of Plasmas and its application to the Sun and Heliosphere. You'll gain an understanding of current observational and theoretical techniques employed in studying the phenomena involved to highlight the main research specialisms in Solar Physics.
In this module, you will learn the essentials of Einstein's general theory of relativity, leading to experimental tests of general relativity, black holes, and cosmology.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
This course equips you with the skills, methods and knowledge to progress a career in scientific research using state-of-the-art facilities. You'll study a broad foundation in physics and mathematics, then move toward astrophysics specialisation and advanced research methods. Typically, a course like this begins with core physics, mechanics, matter and energy, alongside mathematics for scientists and foundational laboratory skills. In your second year, you'll usually progress to quantum and thermal physics, advanced computing and mathematical methods for solving physical problems. From year three onwards, a course like this normally concentrates on specialist options such as astrophysics, materials science, quantum science and computational methods, taught at research level by active researchers. You'll also undertake a supervised research project within a research group, drawing together the knowledge and methods you've developed.
This course suits students with A-level qualifications or equivalent; 80% of recent entrants held A-levels. The typical UCAS tariff among accepted students was 96–111 points. You'll need sustained interest in theoretical and observational astrophysics, alongside practical laboratory and computational work. The course leads to professional recognition as a Chartered Physicist, making it relevant for those considering physics-based careers in research, industry, or education.
This is a 4-year full-time Integrated Master's degree (MPhys (Hons)) taught in English at the University of Lancashire, a University located on its Main Campus. The course is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist. The University is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 80% |
| another higher-education qualification | 20% |
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code F511). One application covers up to five choices.
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at University of Lancashire →2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Undergraduates from low-income households, subject to eligibility
Eligible undergraduate students with experience of care
Eligible undergraduate or taught-postgraduate unpaid carers
Forced migrants who are not eligible for student finance
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
What Physics & Chemistry graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £25,000 | £22,000 – £28,000 | 45 |
| 3 years after | £22,500 | £17,500 – £26,000 | 260 |
| 5 years after | £26,500 | £21,500 – £32,500 | 265 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 45; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23.
National figures for Physics & Chemistry graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 45; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Physics & Chemistry courses at the same study level.
Compared with 886 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 180; response rate: 60%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
How Physics & Chemistry graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Where Physics & Chemistry graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Physics & Chemistry graduates.
Physics Content Developer for AI-Enhanced LearningUp LearnPhysics PhD, Quantum Data Scientist for AIObsidianPhysics Academic MentorRibbons and Reeves LimitedPhysics TechnicianSapientia Education TrustPhysics Academic Mentor17918Physics Teachers in Calderdale and KirkleesCV-LibraryThe essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.2 out of 10: NSS 80.6% · in work or study 80% · continued 85%.
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
2,263 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
What applying to University of Lancashire from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
International tuition is set per course by University of Lancashire; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Lancashire’s funding pages.
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Lancashire and gov.uk before you apply.
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Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.
