| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Astrophysics at Glasgow, Scotland, is a one-year full-time program that provides a comprehensive understanding of astrophysics principles and methods. Students develop research skills, take courses in gravitational wave detection, data analysis, and the Sun's atmosphere, and complete an MSc Project. Graduates pursue careers in astrophysics research, industry, or education.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Name:
Master of Science in Astrophysics
Duration:
1 year full-time
Location:
Glasgow, Scotland
Overview:
The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and methods of modern astrophysics. Graduates will be able to apply their knowledge and skills to a variety of research and professional settings.
Objectives:
- To provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of astrophysics
- To develop students' research skills and abilities
- To prepare students for careers in astrophysics research or industry
Program Description:
The program consists of a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and laboratory work. Students will take a variety of courses, including:
- Research Skills
- Gravitational Wave Detection
- Advanced Data Analysis for Physics and Astronomy
- The Sun's Atmosphere
- MSc Project
Outline:
Year 1:
- Semester 1:
- Research Skills
- Gravitational Wave Detection
- Advanced Data Analysis for Physics and Astronomy
- Semester 2:
- The Sun's Atmosphere
- MSc Project
Assessment:
Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Written exams
- Oral presentations
- Research papers
- Project work
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of experienced researchers and lecturers. The teaching methods are designed to be interactive and engaging, and students are encouraged to participate actively in class.
Careers:
Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in a variety of fields, including:
- Academic research
- Observatory and laboratory work
- Industry research and development
- Education
Other:
- The program is accredited by the Institute of Physics.
- Students have the opportunity to participate in research projects with leading astrophysicists.
- The program is offered in partnership with the Scottish Universities Physics Alliance.
Tuition fees for 2024-25 MSc UK Full-time fee: £12150 International & EU Full-time fee: £28260 Deposits International and EU applicants are required to pay a deposit of £2000 within four weeks of an offer being made.
Entry Requirements:
- A 2:2 in these subject areas may be considered on an individual basis, if there is evidence of substantial relevant work experience.
Additional documents required for application:
- You are required to complete and submit a question-based personal statement explaining why you want to undertake this programme at Glasgow.
- Physics & Astronomy - Personal Statement form (MS Word)
Prerequisite experience needed:
Assumed knowledge for the core courses in this degree include:
- Basic mathematics for physics: single and multi-variable calculus (differentiation and integration), trigonometry, complex numbers, vectors, vector calculus, Taylor and Fourier series, Fourier transforms.
- Introductory scientific computing: data handling, simple statistics (computing means and variances), plotting functions and histograms, writing simple programs in a general-purpose programming language e.g. Python or C++.
You must also have an understanding of the following:
Familiarity with concepts from undergraduate astronomy, including
- solar system physics, Newton's laws of gravitation, solar system planets and minor bodies, physics of planetary atmospheres
- positional and dynamical astronomy: celestial sphere, planetary orbits
- stellar physics: star types and classification, stellar atmospheres, stellar models, stellar evolution
- particles and radiation: undergraduate thermodynamics, Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, blackbody radiation, emission line spectra
- observational methods: optical telescopes, detectors, instrumentation for radio-, UV- and X-ray astronomy
- cosmology: galaxies, distance scales, expanding universe, big-bang cosmology
Familiarity with concepts from undergraduate physics, including
- optics: geometric optics, diffraction, resolution
- dynamics: gravity, solving simple differential equations in dynamics
- electromagnetism: Maxwell's equations, solving the Laplace equation for symmetric geometries
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test
- IELTS One Skill Retake accepted.
Common equivalent English language qualifications:
- TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome): 79; with Reading 13; Listening 12; Speaking 18; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements , this includes TOEFL mybest.
- Pearsons PTE Academic: 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
- Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
- Oxford English Test: Oxford ELLT 7
- R&L: OIDI level no less than 6 with Reading: 21-24 Listening: 15-17
- W&S: OIDI level no less than 6.
- Trinity College Tests: Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses:
- Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
