Physics with Astrophysics BSc Honours
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Course overview
Our three-year Physics with Astrophysics degree provides a strong understanding of the fundamental pillars of physics and a thorough grounding in advanced mathematics. You'll apply physics, mathematics and computation to understand the origin and evolution of the universe.
Hands-on experience in our high-spec facilities is embedded throughout the degree and will develop your practical skills for a wide range of physical science careers.
Guided by our world-leading academics, you'll study a broad range of cutting edge physics modules. In your final year, you'll specialise in astrophysics with modules such as relativity and cosmology, stellar structure and evolution and interstellar medium.
BSc or MPhys?
Physics with Astrophysics is offered at two levels:
Our MPhys degree includes an additional year of advanced study at master’s level, where you will gain a deeper understanding of the subject to prepare you for a career in this challenging field.
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Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2022-23.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Program Outline
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
You'll cover topics in astrophysics; dynamics; quantum mechanics; mathematical methods and problem-solving; electromagnetism; vibrations, waves and AC theory; and laboratory physics.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Dynamics | 10 |
| Introductory Astrophysics | 10 |
| Introductory Electromagnetism | 10 |
| Introductory Quantum Mechanics | 10 |
| Multivariate Calculus and Differential Equations | 10 |
| Laboratory Physics 1 | 20 |
| Introduction to Calculus | 20 |
| Vibrations, Waves, AC Theory & Introduction to Solid State Materials | 20 |
| Introductory Algebra | 10 |
How you'll learn
How you'll be assessed
You'll build on your knowledge of core concepts, including quantum mechanics and electromagnetism, and study modules in thermodynamics; semiconductor devices; optics; materials and solid-state physics; statistical mechanics; vector calculus and differential equations. Core astrophysics concepts are covered in physics in the modern world (astrophysics), computational methods and fluid dynamics.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Principles of Quantum Mechanics | 10 |
| Principles of Materials and Solid-State Physics | 10 |
| Introduction to Observational Astronomy | 10 |
| Fluid Dynamics | 10 |
| Computational Methods and Professional Skills for Theoretical Physics | 10 |
| Vector Calculus & Differential Equations, Transforms & Waves | 20 |
| Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics | 20 |
| Optics & Principles of Electromagnetism | 20 |
| Scientific Computation with Python | 10 |
How you'll learn
How you'll be assessed
You'll study core subjects to an advanced level, including quantum mechanics; computational modelling; atoms, molecules, nuclei, particles; stellar structure and evolution; cosmology; the interstellar medium; materials and solid-state physics.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Relativity | 10 |
| Advanced Materials and Solid-State Physics | 10 |
| Group Project | 10 |
| Advanced Astronomy | 10 |
| Theoretical Project | 20 |
| Stellar Structure and Evolution | 10 |
| Cosmology | 10 |
| Radiative Transfer and High Energy Astrophysics | 10 |
| Advanced Quantum & Atoms, Molecules, Nuclei & Particles | 20 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Geohazards and Deformation of the Earth | 10 |
| Variational Methods and Lagrangian Dynamics | 10 |
| Advanced Electromagnetism | 10 |
| Partial Differential Equations | 10 |
| Photonics | 10 |
| Advanced Fluid Dynamics | 10 |
| Instabilities | 10 |
| Mathematical Biology | 10 |
How you'll learn
Learning methods used over the year (estimated % of time)
How you'll be assessed
Assessment methods used over the year (estimated % of time)
Information about these graphs
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They combine data on the planned delivery and assessments of our courses in 2021-22 with data on the modules chosen by our students in 2020-21.
Teaching time is made up of:
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
You'll be taught via a range of approaches, including:
In Stage 1 you will have 45 hours of practical sessions in our laboratories where you'll take part in experiments and project work.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
Assessments
Examinations – practical or online
Projects
Reports
Skills and experience
Practical experience
This degree will equip you with skills that are in demand with employers across the globe.
Using our high-spec facilities, and working alongside our expert staff, you'll:
Business skills
In Stage 3 you'll take part in a group project, allowing you to build on your teamworking and practical skills. You'll also conduct an individual project in an area of interest under the tuition of our expert academic staff, developing research, practical and presentation skills.
Research skills
You'll benefit from our interdisciplinary approach and the diverse research strengths of our expert academic staff. We have research expertise in:
Entry requirements and offers
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2023 entry.
| A-Level | |
|---|---|
|
AAB or A*BB including Mathematics and Physics, and excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking OR ABB or A*BC with at least a B in Mathematics and Physics if third A level from: Further Maths, Biology, Chemistry, English Literature, Geography, History and Modern/Classical Languages or grade 2 in any STEP paper. For Biology, Chemistry and Physics A Levels, we require a pass in the practical element. |
|
| International Baccalaureate | |
|---|---|
|
34 points with Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) and Physics at Higher Level grade 6. |
|
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International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
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This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.
