Astrophysics MPhys (Hons) 2018 entry

The Integrated Masters degree in Astrophysics allows you to embark on a guided exploration of the science of the Universe, from our solar system to black holes and from extrasolar planets to galaxy clusters. Core physics, mathematics, and computational skills are developed to allow you to model these systems and to analyse complicated data sets. Students will be able to use of some of the telescopes at the University Observatory, which contains the largest operational optical telescope in the UK.

The degree is a great starting point for further research in astrophysics, but also gives you competencies that are useful in a wide range of careers in physics-based industry, in analysing “big data”, and more generally in areas such as finance and management.

Students can also take Astrophysics as a four-year BSc degree, and may also be interested in the BSc in Physics, the Integrated Masters in Physics, or the Physics and Astronomy Gateway programme.

Applications for 2018 entry for this course have now closed, see which courses are available for the upcoming academic year.

UCAS code

F510

Course type

Master of Physics (Integrated Masters degree)

Course duration

Five years full time

Start date: 10 September 2018
End date: 30 June 2023 (30 June 2022 for direct entry to second year)

Entry requirements

SQA Highers	AAAA including Physics and Mathematics
GCE A-Levels	AAA including Physics and Mathematics
IB points	38 including HL6 in Physics and HL6 in Mathematics

Some students may wish to apply for admission directly to the second year of this course. Such an entry point has the requirement of one of the following:

Advanced Highers at A in both Mathematics and Physics, with an A grade in a third Advanced Higher or A-grades in Highers in two other subjects.
Three A-levels at grade A, including Physics and Mathematics.
International Baccalaureate with at least 38 points including HL 6 in Physics and Mathematics.

Find out more about direct entry to second year for Astrophysics MPhys.

Students with high academic potential but who have had less access to advanced level qualifications may be interested in the Physics and Astronomy Gateway or International Gateway programmes.

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry on to our programmes, please see our entry requirements for more information.

For degrees combining more than one subject, the subject with the higher entry requirements determines the grades you need. You will also need to meet any further subject specific entrance requirements as outlined on their pages.

International applicants

If English is not your first language you will need an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum score of 6.0 in each component (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking), or an equivalent English Language qualification.

Do I need to have studied this subject before?

Students must have studied both Physics and Mathematics at SQA Higher, GCE A-Level, IB or equivalent. Preference may be given to candidates offering strong science qualifications.

Faculty entry requirements

You must also meet the Faculty of Science minimum qualifications. These vary depending on which qualifications you hold.

SQA qualifications

GCSE qualifications

Other qualifications

Passes in other examinations at equivalent levels and subjects may be accepted by the Dean of the Faculty. More information on how to apply via other entry routes or accreditation of prior learning and experience can be found on the University’s entry requirements webpage.

Find out more about Faculty of Science entry requirements.

Timetables

St Andrews students must meet with their Adviser of Studies at the beginning of Semester 1 in September to complete advising – a compulsory part of the matriculation process. After module choices have been decided, a timetable will be allocated indicating the dates and times of classes.

Reputation

The School of Physics and Astronomy has an excellent reputation for the high quality of its teaching and research.

The School was ranked first in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2018 and first in Scotland by the 2018 Complete University Guide for student satisfaction, research excellence and graduate prospects.

In the most recent (2014) Research Excellence Framework (REF), the School was ranked third in the UK for research quality.

The University of St Andrews as a whole was voted top in the UK for student satisfaction in The National Student Survey 2017 as 94% of St Andrews final year students gave the University top marks for the quality of the learning and teaching experience.

In 2017, the University received a TEF Gold award for the quality of teaching and the undergraduate experience.

Find out more about studying Physics and Astronomy at St Andrews.

Course information

The MPhys in Astrophysics is a five-year Integrated Masters course (four years for those taking direct entry to second year) run by the School of Physics and Astronomy. During your degree, you will explore the science of the Universe, from extrasolar planets to cosmology. This course is largely a physics course with a specialism in astrophysics, and the astrophysics component of the course makes good use of the mathematics and physics developed in other modules in the course.

In the first two years of your studies you will also study modules from the School of Mathematics and Statistics, as mathematics is the language of physics. Depending on how many mathematics modules you choose to do, you may be able to choose modules in other subjects such as chemistry, computer science, philosophy, or many other subjects from across the University. The flexible nature of the degree programmes at St Andrews means that by appropriate choice of modules in first and second year, you may be able to change your final degree topic during your course. Find out more about more about how academic years are organised.

In the final three years of the course you normally take modules in physics and astrophysics, with the number of astrophysics modules typically increasing with year. Final-year students carry out a major project, which takes one half of their time for the year. This is often carried out in close cooperation with one of the School’s research groups, and may be observational, computational, or theoretical in nature.

Well-qualified school leavers may be able to apply for admission directly into the second year of this course. This allows them to complete their degree programme in four years instead of five. Find out more about direct entry to second year for Astrophysics MPhys.

Students can also take Astrophysics as a standard four-year BSc degree. Direct entry into second year for the BSc degree is also possible, allowing you to complete the programme in three years instead of four.

The University of St Andrews operates on a flexible modular degree system by which degrees are obtained through the accumulation of credits. More information on the structure of the modules system can be found on the flexible degree structure webpage.

Find out more about studying Physics and Astronomy at St Andrews.

Modules

In the first two years of your degree (known as sub-honours) you will take the required modules in Astrophysics alongside modules in Physics and Mathematics.

Typically, you will take two to three modules per semester during your first two years, and four to five modules per semester during your third, fourth and fifth years (known as Honours). Find out more about the modular Scottish degree system.

Students take the following compulsory modules in their first year:

Astronomy and Astrophysics 1: covers the structure and evolution of the Sun and other stars, planet formation, star-formation, violent stellar objects, black holes, and the large scale structure of the Universe.
Physics 1A: covers the core subjects of mechanics, waves and optics, and the physical properties of matter, including laboratory skills.
Physics 1B: covers an introduction to quantum physics, the mechanics of rotation and gravity, and lasers, including laboratory skills.
Mathematics: covers the ideas, methods and techniques needed to apply mathematics in the physical sciences or for taking the study of mathematics further.

Students take the following compulsory modules in their second year:

Astronomy and Astrophysics 2: discusses recent developments in the subject including observational techniques, the structure and evolution of stars, exoplanetary science and galactic astronomy.
Physics 2A: covers mechanics, special relativity, oscillations and thermal physics, including laboratory skills.
Physics 2B: covers quantum physics, electricity, magnetism and classical waves, including laboratory skills.
Linear Mathematics: introduces the basic theory of vector spaces, linear independence, linear transformation and diagonalization.
Multivariate Calculus: introduces partial derivatives, double and triple integrals, surface sketching, and cylindrical and spherical coordinates.

In Astrophysics third and fourth years you will further develop your knowledge and skills in astrophysics and physics in some or all of the following topics:

computational astrophysics
observational astrophysics
extragalactic astronomy
the physics of nebulae and stars
atomic, nuclear, and particle physics
thermal and statistical physics
electromagnetism
quantum mechanics.

You will also take “Transferable Skills for Physicists”, which provides education and practice in advanced written and oral communication skills, problem solving, and teamwork.

During your fifth year, you will take advanced research-led modules. Modules offered in the past include:

Advanced Data Analysis
Magnetofluids and Space Plasmas
Contemporary Astrophysics
General Relativity
Monte Carlo Radiation Transfer Techniques.

In your fifth year you will also undertake a major project on an astrophysics topic selected from a list with supervision by a member of academic staff. This project takes half of the study time for the year. The project aims to develop students’ skills in searching the literature and designing the research study, as well as observational techniques, computational modelling, and astronomical data analysis. It aims also to develop skills in the evaluation and interpretation of data, and the presentation of results. The assessed outputs of the project include a literature review, a report on the research carried out, and an oral presentation.

The first and second year modules listed above are typically amongst the modules needed to progress to the Honours years in this subject. Most students take additional modules, sometimes in their primary subject, sometimes in other subjects that they are interested in.

In Honours years, students may have some modules that are compulsory for their degree course, and other modules where they have significant choice. Lists of required and optional modules for the current academic year can be found in the course catalogue. Some modules are noted above; a full list of all modules available for the current academic year can be found in the module catalogue.

Teaching

Teaching format

Astrophysics and Physics modules are taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and laboratory work.

In both first and second year, each module typically consists of four to five lectures per week (20 to 150 students), along with one problem-solving workshop, one small group tutorial (4 to 8 students), and 2.5 hours in the teaching laboratory.

At Honours level, lecture-based modules typically have three lectures a week (5 to 80 students). Some modules also have small-group tutorials (5 to 9 students). Computational Astrophysics and Observational Astrophysics are examples of modules that are more directly practical, with each of these running two afternoons a week.

In your final semester, you will focus solely on your final project.

When not attending lectures, tutorials and labs, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve:

working on individual and group projects
undertaking research in the library
preparing for laboratory work
preparing coursework assignments and presentations
preparing for examinations.

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team. Some of these people have specialist expertise and knowledge in astrophysics, others have expertise and knowledge in other areas of physics. You will be able to have significant interaction with the staff of the School. Postgraduate research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of laboratory classes and tutorials under the supervision of the module leader.

You can find contact information for all Astrophysics staff on the School of Physics and Astronomy website.

In addition to your studies in the School of Physics and Astronomy, optional academic support is available through practical study skills courses and workshops hosted within the University.

The University’s Student Services team can help students with additional needs resulting from disabilities, long term medical conditions or learning disabilities. More information can be found on the students with disabilities webpage.

Assessment

During first and second year, most modules are assessed by a mix of coursework and written examinations. In Honours years, assessment depends on the nature of the specific module. Most modules give a higher weighting to written examinations, but some are assessed solely through coursework.

Coursework may include:

astronomical observations
computational work
laboratory work
tutorial problem sets
literature research
presentations
written work
classroom tests.

Most examinations are held at the end of the semester during a dedicated exam diet and revision time is provided beforehand.

The School aims to provide feedback on assessments and coursework within a time specified for the assignment, in some cases two days, in some cases two weeks. Feedback is given with a view to improving your performance in the future.

Undergraduates on the MPhys in Astrophysics can find information on progressing through the degree in the Astrophysics programme requirements. To find out the classification equivalent of points, please visit the common reporting scale webpage.

Fees

Tuition fees for 2018 entry

Scotland and EU	£1,820
Rest of the UK	£9,250
Overseas	£21,290

For overseas students, tuition fees will be fixed at this level for the duration of your programme.

More information on tuition fees can be found on the undergraduate fees and funding page.

Additional costs

There are no additional fees for labs and lab equipment in the School. Most students in the 'Transferable Skills for Physicists' module are expected to attend the Burn Conference, and are asked to make a contribution (currently £30) towards the costs of the weekend

In line with University policy, the School expects its students to purchase a number of textbooks as part of their study.

Accommodation fees

Find out about accommodation fees for University accommodation in 2018.

Funding and scholarships

The University of St Andrews offers a number of scholarships and support packages to undergraduate students each year. These include scholarships designated for the School's students on the Gateway and traditional entry routes, which are awarded primarily on the basis of financial need.

Find out more about undergraduate scholarships.

Your future

Careers

Graduates in Astrophysics will have developed essential skills in designing experiments, making accurate measurements and analysing results that make them well qualified for a career in science.

At the end of your degree, you will be equipped with the following skills that are valued in a wide range of occupations:

knowledge and understanding of fundamental physical laws and principles
ability to analyse data and evaluate the level of uncertainty in results
identification of relevant principles and laws of physics when dealing with problems
communication skills including the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.

Graduates from the School of Physics and Astronomy have found employment in fields including:

research and development in industry and in government agencies
computing
software development
meteorology
biophysics
geophysics
banking and commerce.

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.

Study abroad

The University is delighted to offer undergraduates a number of exciting opportunities to apply to spend a semester or year abroad as part of a St Andrews degree programme. St Andrews is partnered with large and small institutions, ancient and young, across the globe. What unites all of our programmes is the quality of the academic provision, ensuring that participation in a St Andrews Study abroad programme opens the door to a new and valuable academic experience at another world-class institution. Study Abroad for credit is permitted on existing University-approved programmes only.

Student life

From the outset, the University of St Andrews offers an array of events and opportunities which result in a truly unique student experience. Students come from across Scotland, across the UK, and around the world to join an international community of students and staff, and all join the University from a wide variety of backgrounds. The relatively small size of the town means that students get to meet easily with many other students. Some of the optional student traditions help with this mixing. Most entrant students live in University-managed accommodation. There are over 150 student societies and sports clubs to choose from. This can all help to ensure a community feel amongst students from first year onwards.

Students of Physics may be interested in joining the following student societies:

Astronomical Society (Astrosoc) run a range of events ranging from stargazing to an annual ball.
Physics Society (PhySoc) promotes the understanding and enjoyments of physics. PhySoc hosts a number of events including lectures, an annual ball, day trips and pub nights.
Mathematics Society (SUMS) organises talks on mathematics as well as lunchtime gatherings and pub nights.
St Andrews Engineering Group is a group of students with a passion for engineering who complete yearly projects.

The School of Physics and Astronomy is situated in a modern building located on the western edge of the town. Most teaching is conducted in this building, which includes a library (with two group study rooms) as well as computing and research facilities specifically for the use of Astrophysics and Physics students.

The town of St Andrews itself has lots to offer. As the campus is located around town, walking around you encounter ancient and modern buildings and areas of greenery and seaside which provide a rich, beautiful backdrop to learning. If you want a change of scenery, St Andrews' position near surrounding towns and cities such as Anstruther, Dundee and Edinburgh make it ideal for getting to know more about Scotland.

Find out more about student life at the University of St Andrews.

"Studying Physics at St Andrews has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The lecturers are passionate and enthusiastic about the subject and their work. This creates an ideal learning environment alongside plenty of opportunities to be part of the ongoing research in the school. St Andrews has allowed me to experience many different areas of physics and meet like-minding people in an inspirational environment."

Kimberley (Kinross, Scotland)

Contact

School of Physics and Astronomy

University of St Andrews
North Haugh
St Andrews
Scotland
KY16 9SS

Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3111
Email: physics@st-andrews.ac.uk

School of Physics and Astronomy

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