MPhys Astrophysics

Program Overview

The MPhys Astrophysics degree, jointly offered by Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool, provides a comprehensive foundation for a research career in astrophysics. Students engage in hands-on learning with access to cutting-edge facilities, including the world's largest robotically controlled telescope, and develop transferable skills that prepare them for diverse career paths.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MPhys Astrophysics degree is a collaborative program delivered by experts from Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool. It provides a strong foundation for a career in research physics or astronomy. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, with access to specialist facilities at both universities, including a dedicated astrophysics teaching laboratory and observatories. Students can participate in a week-long field trip to the Tedie Observatory on Tenerife or undertake a project at the Astrophysics Research Institute. In the final year, students have access to the Liverpool Telescope, the largest robotically controlled telescope in the world, and a city-center observatory equipped with a 12-inch computer-controlled telescope.

Outline:

Level 4:

• Core physical and mathematical techniques
• Main strands of physics
• Flexibility to specialize

Level 5:

• Field trip to a Tenerife observatory

Final Year:

• Access to the Liverpool Telescope
• Use of the city-center observatory

Assessment:

• Assessment varies depending on the modules chosen.
• Typically includes a combination of exams and coursework.
• Exams are usually two or three hours long, held in January or May.
• Coursework assessments may include homework, class tests, mini-projects, and key skills exercises.
• Practical modules are assessed entirely by coursework.
• Major projects are assessed by two independent examiners and require a presentation to students and staff.
• The final degree result is based on the last three years of the four-year program.

Teaching:

• Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, practicals, online learning, project work, and science communication assignments.
• The program adopts a blended learning approach, combining face-to-face and online learning.
• Students have access to support from their personal tutor, both on-campus and via video calls.
• The program emphasizes work-based learning, developing transferable skills in problem-solving, numeracy, analysis, practical experimentation, computing, teamwork, and communication.

Careers:

• A Physics degree opens doors to a wide range of careers, including fundamental research, industrial research and development, teaching, computing, business, and finance.
• Astrophysics graduates are equipped with skills in problem-solving, numeracy, analysis, practical experimentation, computing, teamwork, and communication, making them attractive to employers.
• Potential career paths include research, development, teaching, computing, business, and finance.
• LJMU graduates have secured employment in pure research, telecommunications, microelectronics, renewable energy, nuclear power and instrumentation, cryogenics, astronomy, geophysics, medical physics, materials science, information technology, commerce, and management.

Other:

• The program is delivered in the Byrom Street complex of LJMU's City Campus, which includes high-quality lecture theaters, meeting and seminar rooms, social spaces, a large café, and the Avril Robarts Library.
• The program offers financial support in the form of University of Liverpool scholarships and bursaries.
• The Go Citizen Scheme helps students with costs for volunteering, individual projects, or unpaid placements worldwide.
• The program emphasizes the importance of getting involved in university life beyond academics.
• The program highlights the Liverpool Telescope's role in inspiring children in the city.
• The program mentions the James Webb telescope's observation of the most distant galaxy.
• Scientists are simulating 14 billion years of cosmic evolution.