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University of Leeds · Undergraduate
BSc (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics Bachelor's degree at the University of Leeds
BSc (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics at University of Leeds. Rather than treating astrophysics as an add-on module, the course threads astronomical questions - how stars form, how galaxies evolve, what we can infer from radiation reaching us across vast distances - through the core physics…
BSc (Hons)
Award
3
Years
Full-time
Study mode
100%
in work/study (15m)
About this course
BSc (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Leeds. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Physical sciences graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 80% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Physics & Chemistry, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
9.1
/ 10
Exceptional
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent82
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)
Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Exceptional100
Moderate evidence Published sample: 45; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 100% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Exceptional90
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 8 modules
- Mechanics, Relativity and AstrophysicsCore
Module details
Learn how to describe motion through physical space, forces and energies. Develop mathematical skills with vectors, calculus and summations. Study special relativity and motion at speeds approaching the speed of light. Learn how to apply basic physical principles to objects in the Universe and explore the basics of radiation and how we observe these phenomena.
- ThermodynamicsCore
Module details
Explore the underpinning theories and concepts of thermodynamics. Examples and applications will be used to allow you to build your understanding and application of this branch of physics, including in sustainable energy, which governs the behaviour of the universe we live in.
- Electronics, Solid State and Introduction to Quantum PhysicsCore
Module details
Cover the underpinning theories and concepts including mechanics of solids, Bohr atom, atomic electron states, elementary bonding, elasticity, Photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, De Broglie relation, Wave-particle duality, Crystal structure and X-ray diffraction. Analyse and design simple electric circuits using fundamental circuit elements such as resistors, capacitors and inductors. Learn the principles of Boolean algebra and its application in digital logic design.
- Vibrations, Waves and OpticsCore
Module details
Learn about oscillators, energy and resonance, different types of waves, energy/power transfer, reflection and transmission, impedance, superposition and interference, the wave-like behaviour of light, mirrors, lenses, nonlinear optics and lasers, the solution of 2nd order partial differential equations, complex numbers, Fourier series and an introduction to Fourier transforms.
- Coding and Experimental PhysicsCore
Module details
Develop practical experimental, computational, communication and employability skills. Build experimental skills through a range of laboratory tasks undertaken throughout the year and be introduced to programming using the Python computer programming language. Undertake tasks and assessments designed to improve your teamwork and presentation skills, as well as reflective practice.
- Introduction to NanotechnologyOptional10 credits
Module details
The smallest possible devices that can be fabricated are on the nanometre length scale. Miniaturisation of devices offers many new technological opportunities. The physical properties of nanomaterials differ from both the constituent atoms and the bulk material. Introduce the physics behind nanotechnology in a semi-quantitative manner, without requiring knowledge of quantum mechanics or Maxwell's equations. Describe the physics of atoms and molecules, before moving on to discuss nano and bulk pr
- Planets and the Search for LifeOptional10 credits
Module details
Explore the multitude of planets that are currently being discovered around other stars and compare them to those in our solar system. Examine the origin and evolution of the solar system and how it is likely to have produced the range of planets, moons and minor bodies that we see today. Contrast with the range of extra-solar planets, their detection, properties, and how they challenge our understanding of how planets are formed. Discuss the conditions for life to emerge and the prospects and t
- Artificial Intelligence for ScientistsOptional10 credits
Module details
Introduces key concepts in artificial intelligence (AI), exploring the differences between narrow AI, which excels at specific tasks, and general AI, which aims to replicate human-like cognitive abilities. Through real-world examples from scientific applications, gain insight into the various classes of AI systems, such as expert systems, neural networks, and reinforcement learning models. Emphasises how AI is transforming scientific fields, including physics and chemistry, and highlights the et
Year 2 5 modules
- Quantum MechanicsCore
Module details
Learn how to describe quantum systems using wavefunctions, operators and linear algebra and how to predict outcomes of measurements on quantum systems. Solve the Schrodinger equation for simple model systems and understand the structure of atoms and molecules using the exclusion principle and spin. Learn about the structure of the atomic nucleus, predict various forms of radioactive decay and nuclear reactions, describe scattering processes between elementary particles and understand the key com
- Statistical Mechanics and ComputationCore
Module details
Explore the concepts and applications of statistical mechanics, which are key to understanding the behaviour of small-particle systems. Enable you to translate descriptions of physical problems and data analysis processes into short programs to read and manipulate data, analyse and present the results for problems relevant to physics using a programming language.
- Condensed Matter PhysicsCore
Module details
Learn about the use of the density of states to explain some of the differences between metals, semiconductors and insulators. Cover how to derive the free-electron density of states, perform straight-forward calculations based on the free-electron theory and how a periodic potential modifies the free-electron dispersion relation, solving problems on the transport properties of semiconductors, and calculating the magnetic properties of paramagnets and ferromagnets. Build skills in communicating
- ElectromagnetismCore
Module details
Learn how to use the integral versions of Maxwell's equations and to calculate fields in cases of simple symmetric geometry, calculate the force and energy in electric and magnetic fields, Maxwell's equations in both integral and differential form and discuss their derivation from the physical laws of electromagnetism. Analyse simple AC circuits containing resistors, capacitors and inductors and apply logic principles to real-world scenarios in electronics and emerging technologies. Consider fut
- Astrophysics and Experimental SkillsCompulsory40 credits
Module details
Explore the physical processes that govern the structure and evolution of stars. These include nuclear fusion, radiative transfer, convective energy transport, degenerate matter, and stellar mass loss mechanisms. Be introduced to the radiative processes relevant to emission regions with temperatures in excess of one million degrees and/or containing non-thermal particles. Such radiative processes operate in supernovae explosions, pulsars and accretion discs and jets in evolved binary systems and
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
The course structure moves through several strands rather than a single fixed syllabus. You'll begin with core theory - the mathematical and conceptual backbone of physics, including mechanics, electromagnetism and quantum ideas - before building into research & methods, where you learn how physicists actually generate and test knowledge, including data handling and experimental design. Applied practice puts this into a laboratory and computational context, while specialist options let you shape your final years around particular interests, such as stellar structure, cosmology or high-energy astrophysics, depending on what's offered when you study. An independent project gives you the chance to work on a substantial piece of research of your own, usually with an astrophysical or physical focus, and professional skills modules run throughout to help you develop the communication, teamwork and problem-solving abilities that physics employers and further study both expect.
Who it's for
This course suits someone who is genuinely curious about how the physical world works at every scale, from subatomic particles to galaxies, and who doesn't want to give up the mathematical rigour of physics to study the night sky. If you enjoyed the more abstract, problem-solving side of A-level physics and maths, and found yourself wondering about the bigger astronomical questions those subjects only touch on, this is likely to feel like a natural extension. Most students who join have come through A-levels or equivalent qualifications, typically with UCAS tariff scores in the 160-175 range, though this reflects what past entrants have held rather than a fixed requirement. You should be comfortable with sustained mathematical work and be prepared for a degree that asks you to think analytically as much as it asks you to look through a telescope. It also suits people who like working independently towards a self-directed project, as well as those who enjoy collaborative lab and research work - the course asks for both at different points, and the balance shifts as you progress through the three years.
Careers & job market
Nationally, across Physics & Chemistry courses, 85% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating, and 75% of those in work are in roles classed as highly skilled or have progressed to further study - figures worth bearing in mind as a general labour-market picture rather than a promise tied to this specific course. National Graduate Outcomes and LEO data show starting salaries 15 months after graduation ranging from roughly £26,500 to £34,000, with the range shifting to about £24,650 to £34,800 after three years and £30,600 to £43,200 after five years; these are broad national figures for the subject area rather than guaranteed outcomes for Leeds graduates specifically. IOP accreditation is relevant here too, since it supports progression towards Chartered Physicist status, which some employers and professional pathways value. Nationally, 90% of students on comparable courses continue past their first year, either still enrolled or having completed, which gives some indication of how manageable students generally find the transition into this kind of study.
University & format
The University of Leeds is a public, research-intensive university and a member of the Russell Group, founded in 1904. It is, and its teaching quality holds a Silver rating in the Office for Students' TEF 2023. This BSc (Hons) is studied full-time over three years, wholly in English, on campus at Leeds, and carries UCAS code F3F5. As a recognised UK degree-awarding body, the qualification is nationally recognised.
Student satisfaction
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)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Application timelineWhat happens next
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Published entryAAA (specific subject requirements) typical offer
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
PlacementPublished placement option
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
Entry & how to get in
Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of AAA (specific subject requirements). Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent95% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 160 - 175 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Professionally accreditedAccredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check the University of Leeds's official course page for the current offer.
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 95% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Competitive entry
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Your UCAS points0
▾
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Add your grades to see where you land
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.
How to apply
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.
Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesA*A*A*A-level equivalent admitted students held
UCAS codeF3F5quote this on your application
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code F3F5). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
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.
💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask University of Leeds whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Homeup to £9,790 / yr
Internationalset by the university
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at University of Leeds →For students who normally live in England
illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 3 years
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.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
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.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Funding matched to this course
All University of Leeds funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
students interested in strength and conditioning coaching
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Check eligibility →Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check
Careers & earnings
What Physics & Chemistry graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £30,000 | £26,500 – £35,000 | 45 |
| 3 years after | £29,000 | £24,500 – £35,000 | 280 |
| 5 years after | £37,000 | £30,000 – £48,000 | 325 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 45; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
100%
in work or further study 15 months on
80%
in highly skilled work or study
90%
continue past their first year
75%
find their work meaningful
70%
say work fits their future plans
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in physics & chemistry · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Physics & Chemistry nationally
Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£30,000
£26,500 – £34,000After 3 years LEO
£29,000
£24,650 – £34,800After 5 years LEO
£37,000
£30,600 – £43,200national rangethis course’s medianaxis £23,000 – £44,500
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.
Work out your pay
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.
What happened to 100 students?
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.
100 of 100
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
80% working0% working and studying20% in further study80% in highly skilled work or study
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 45; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Physics & Chemistry courses at the same study level.
This course £37,000Peer median £36,000Middle 50% £32,000–£38,500
63rd percentile
Compared with 886 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Engineering professionalsSOC 2020 212 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £50,325
- Customer service occupationsDiscover Uni category · 10% of published destinations
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
- Information Technology ProfessionalsSOC 2020 213 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
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: 25; response rate: 60%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Physics & Chemistry graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Physics & Chemistry courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes75%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled90%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuationHow AI is changing 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.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Physics & Chemistry graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Research institutes
- Energy & manufacturing
- Universities
- Government labs
Jobs after this course
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-LibraryLive from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
💷
Student finance
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.
📈
Where graduates go
100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £30,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
🎯
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
⭐
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 9.1 out of 10: NSS 82.3% · in work or study 100% · continued 90%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Leeds
All students34,580
International31.5%
Aged 25+13.6%
Physical sciences across the UK
Students64,325
Aged 25+17.8%
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around The University of Leeds
3,846 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Violent Crime 1125Shoplifting 724Other Theft 322Public Order 319Anti Social Behaviour 305
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Physics & Chemistry right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Leeds from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by University of Leeds; 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.
English language
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.
Student visa
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.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Leeds’s funding pages.
Living costs
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.
Working while you study
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 Leeds and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Leeds
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
Entry is competitive. Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 160 - 175 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
What are the entry requirements?
Set by the University of Leeds. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
What do graduates go on to do?
For Physical sciences graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 80% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
What will it cost me?
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. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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