Program Overview
The Astrophysics program at the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University provides a comprehensive understanding of physics and astronomy, equipping students with skills for careers in research, industry, or education. Students gain hands-on experience through research projects and access to advanced facilities like the Liverpool Telescope, preparing them for various roles in academia, finance, and beyond.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
A degree in Astrophysics has the unique potential to provide an understanding of the most up-to-date discoveries in our universe.
- To equip students with the skills necessary for a successful career in research, industry, or education.
- To provide students with the opportunity to conduct research using the world-class facilities at the University of Liverpool.
Description:
The four-year Astrophysics degree will equip students with skills relevant for jobs in a wide range of careers, from education, research, finance and the city to industry. The two-metre aperture Liverpool Telescope located in the Canaries, which is the largest robotically controlled telescope in the world, will provide you with unique access to observations from a major research facility when you undertake a research project in your final year. Our flexible programmes allow students to transfer up to the end of year two between any of the physics programmes. On the 4-year integrated masters programme, you can go abroad either between Year 2 and 3 (apply in Year 2) OR Year 3 and 4 (apply in Year 3).
Outline:
Year One:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Dynamics and Relativity (PHYS101)
- Thermal Physics and Properties of Matter (PHYS102)
- Electricity, Magnetism and Waves (PHYS103)
- Foundations of Quantum Physics (PHYS104)
- Introduction to Computational Physics (PHYS105)
- Practical Physics I (PHYS106)
- Mathematics for Physics II (PHYS108)
- INTRODUCTION TO ASTROPHYSICS (PHYS155)
Year Two:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Condensed Matter Physics (PHYS202)
- Electromagnetism I (PHYS201)
- Mathematics for Physicists III (PHYS207)
- Nuclear and Particle Physics (PHYS204)
- Quantum and Atomic Physics I (PHYS203)
- Stellar Physics (PHYS251)
- PRACTICAL ASTROPHYSICS I (PHYS216)
- Computational Physics (PHYS205)
Year Three:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Statistical Thermodynamics (PHYS393)
- Relativity and Cosmology (PHYS374)
- Electromagnetism II (PHYS370)
- Quantum and Atomic Physics II (PHYS361)
- PHYSICS OF GALAXIES (PHYS373)
- Advanced Observational Astrophysics (PHYS362)
- Computational Modelling (PHYS305)
- Optional Modules:
- Solid State Physics (PHYS363)
- Materials Physics and Characterisation (PHYS387)
- Planetary Physics (PHYS355)
- SEMICONDUCTOR APPLICATIONS (PHYS389)
- STELLAR ATMOSPHERES (PHYS352)
- Surfaces and Interfaces (PHYS381)
- Physics Data Analysis with Statistics (PHYS392)
- PHYSICS INTERNSHIP (PHYS309)
- Physics of Sound and Music (PHYS321)
- Energy Generation and Storage (PHYS372)
- Nuclear Physics (PHYS375)
- Nuclear Power (PHYS376)
- Particle Physics (PHYS377)
- Magnetic Properties of Solids (PHYS399)
Year Four:
- Compulsory Modules:
- PROJECT (MPHYS) (PHYS498)
- The Interstellar Medium (PHYS495)
- Optional Modules:
- ACCELERATOR PHYSICS (PHYS481)
- Advanced Nuclear Physics (PHYS490)
- Advanced Particle Physics (PHYS493)
- ADVANCED QUANTUM PHYSICS (PHYS480)
- Classical Mechanics (PHYS470)
- Nanoscale Physics and Technology (PHYS499)
- PHYSICS OF THE RADIATIVE UNIVERSE (PHYS485)
- STELLAR POPULATIONS (PHYS483)
- TIME DOMAIN ASTROPHYSICS (PHYS453)
- MPHYS Practical Astrophysics II (PHYS400)
- Correlated Electron Materials (PHYS486)
- PHYSICAL PRINCIPLES OF MATERIALS (PHYS487)
- Physics of Life (PHYS482)
- NEUTRINOS AND DARK MATTER (PHYS492)
Assessment:
The main modes of assessment are coursework and examination. Depending on the modules taken you may encounter project work, presentations (individual or group), and specific tests or tasks focused on solidifying learning outcomes.
Teaching:
Our research-led teaching ensures you are taught the latest advances in cutting-edge physics research. Lectures introduce and provide the details of the various areas of physics and related subjects. You will be working in tutorials and workshops, which are another crucial element in the learning process, where you put your knowledge into practice. All of our lecturers also perform world class research and use this to enhance their teaching. Practical work is an integral part of the programmes, and ranges from training in basic laboratory skills in the first two years to a research project in the third or fourth year. You will undertake an extended project on a research topic with a member of staff who will mentor you. By the end of the degree you will be well prepared to tackle problems in any area and present yourself and your work both in writing and in person.
Careers:
The skills gained through studying a degree in Astrophysics are marketable in a vast range of sectors. Typical areas of employment include research, industry, computing, teaching, business and finance.
Other:
- The course is taught jointly by world-leading academics from the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University.
- The course is accredited by the Institute of Physics, which means it satisfies the academic requirements for Chartered Physicist status.
- The course is delivered by the School of Physical Sciences, one of the UK’s leading physics departments, with a history of discovery that goes back over 130 years.
- The University of Liverpool is a member of the Russell Group, a group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.
- The University of Liverpool is committed to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
- The University of Liverpool is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
- The University of Liverpool is committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives in place to reduce its environmental impact.
- The University of Liverpool is a global university with a strong international reputation.
- The University of Liverpool is committed to providing its students with the best possible learning experience.
- The University of Liverpool is a vibrant and exciting place to study.
- The University of Liverpool is a place where you can make a difference.
- The University of Liverpool is a place where you can achieve your dreams.
Full-time place, per year UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) £9,250 Year in industry fee £1,850 Year abroad fee £1,385 International fees Full-time place, per year £27,200 Year abroad fee £13,600 Fees shown are for the academic year 2024/25. Please note that the Year Abroad fee also applies to the Year in China.
