GCSE requirements
- GCSE English Language or Literature grade 4 or C (or equivalent from English language category C)
Physics with Astrophysics MPhys (Hons)
5 years with professional placement, research placement or study abroad, starting in September 2025
Apply the full breadth of physics to a wide range of astrophysical phenomena, from star formation to black hole growth and the expansion of the Universe.
During the course, you’ll learn about the fundamental theoretical physics describing the intertwining of space, time, matter and energy. You’ll also learn how to assemble evidence from astronomy to build theoretical models of the cosmos. Topics covered include exoplanets, galaxies, cosmology, stars and stellar evolution, general relativity and high energy astrophysics.
As well as gaining a deep knowledge and understanding of physics, you’ll graduate with strong experimental, mathematical and computational expertise. You’ll also gain powerful problem-solving, analytical and critical thinking skills, preparing you for a career in physics or astrophysics and many other fields as well.
Flexibility
In the first two years, you'll study core topics giving you the broad foundation of knowledge and skills essential for a graduate physicist. This gives you the greatest flexibility and makes it possible to change between some of our physics courses if your interests change once you're here. You can also modify placement or study abroad options, or even whether you're on a bachelor’s or master’s programme.
In your final year you’ll carry out a substantial project, choosing from a wide range of topics and types. You’ll also study a wide range of modules in physics and astrophysics, and can choose some broader options to enable you to experience a taster of a field for potential graduate employment.
Master of Physics
The MPhys degree gives you the opportunity to enhance and deepen your knowledge compared to BSc courses. We offer a wide range of MPhys options at the forefront of research, from quantum field theory to graphene and topological insulators. You’ll also carry out a major master’s level research project or research placement during your final year. This offers you an immersive and authentic experience of physics research and is excellent preparation for postgraduate study or a research career.
Get involved with our research
Our courses reflect the wide range of research activities in the Department. You’ll learn about nano-engines and organic electronics, investigate quantum optics, study the properties of graphene and the importance of symmetry in theoretical physics, and explore the structure and evolution of the Universe. We bring the latest developments in physics into our teaching, and you can get involved by working with us on your own research project.
Develop your professional skills
All our courses give you experience of a range of professional skills to add to your CV, including problem-solving, communications, teamwork and research. We also have staff dedicated to supporting you in your search for a placement or a graduate job, including offering CV workshops and practice interviews.
Use specialist facilities
You’ll learn experimental and computing skills in our well-equipped teaching labs. You can carry out projects with research equipment and high-performance computers in our specialist research labs. We also have strong links to research facilities and observatories in the UK and around the world.
- Watch a tour of our new undergraduate physics labs with two of our students.
Get ready for your future career
With the combination of an analytical approach and practical problem-solving skills, physics graduates are in strong demand by employers. You'll be able to work in a wide range of careers in physics and beyond, such as:
- R&D
- Engineering
- Finance
- IT
- Telecommunications
- Renewable energies
Many of our graduates also go on to postgraduate study in preparation for academic or industry-based research careers.
Find out more about what our graduates go on to do.
Learn more on our Physics Virtual Experience page
You can find out more about studying a physics degree at Bath by visiting our Physics Virtual Experience page to hear from staff and students in the department.
2025/2026 Academic Year
Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail.
We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.
Course structure
This course lasts 5 years. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2030. Welcome week starts on 22 September 2025.
Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
Units
At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units. These allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.
As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) in each academic year. Credits are usually split evenly across your two semesters of study. 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) are the equivalent of 1,200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.
All credits displayed on this page are ECTS credits.
Year 1
Compulsory units
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Dynamics and astrophysics
10 credits
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Foundations of physics 1
20 credits
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Mathematics for physics 1
15 credits
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Physics skills 1
15 credits
Year 2
Compulsory units
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Foundations of physics 2
20 credits
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Further physics: from neutrinos to black holes
15 credits
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Mathematics for physics 2
10 credits
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Physics skills 2
5 credits
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Scientific computing and advanced data analysis
5 credits
Options
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Year 2 options
5 credits
Year 3
Compulsory units
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Professional placement or study abroad
60 credits
Year 4
Compulsory units
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Advanced quantum mechanics
5 credits
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Fluid dynamics in physics and astrophysics
5 credits
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Galaxies and introduction to cosmology
5 credits
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General relativity
5 credits
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MPhys or MSci project preparation
5 credits
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Stars and stellar evolution
5 credits
Options
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Penultimate year options
30 credits
Year 5
Compulsory units
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Advanced general relativity
5 credits
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Cosmology
5 credits
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Galaxy evolution
5 credits
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High energy astrophysics
5 credits
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MPhys research placement
30 credits
Options
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Final year options
10 credits
Study abroad or placement
You can choose to go on a professional placement, research placement or study at one of our overseas partner institutions. This is an opportunity to enhance your CV, gain valuable new skills, make new contacts or try out a career option.
Professional placement
Going on placement gives you the opportunity to consolidate your academic studies. You’ll be employed full-time in a role to match your future career ambitions, broadening your experience and gaining new transferable skills. This could give you a competitive edge when applying for graduate jobs.
You can choose from a wide range of placements, from scientific research & development to finance or marketing. Recent placement employers include:
- BAE Systems
- CERN
- Dyson
- Morgan Stanley
- Rolls-Royce
- Samsung
Placement opportunities can't be guaranteed but you'll receive tailored support from our specialist team to help you secure a position.
Find out more about going on placement
Study abroad
Broaden your horizons by spending one or two semesters studying at a university abroad. You’ll experience another culture whilst studying a course that complements your studies at Bath. We currently have links with universities in North America, Australasia, Asia and Europe, including:
- Purdue University
- The University of Queensland
- National University Singapore
- The University of Helsinki
Find out more about studying abroad
Research placement
As an MPhys student, you can choose to undertake a research placement in the final year of the course. You’ll spend six months (July to December) working in a research organisation of international standing, before returning to the University for the final semester. We have links with leading research organisations, including:
- CERN
- NTT Basic Research Laboratories (Japan)
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (France)
- Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (UK)
Learning and assessment
You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.
Assessment
These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.
Learning and teaching
Contact hours
Timetabled contact hours, which may be made up of lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratory classes, vary throughout your course and between courses but are typically between 18 and 22 hours a week in your first year.
Our teaching for this course is delivered through in-person learning on campus, supported by high quality online provision. The significant majority of contact hours over the duration of your course will be in person, and this will be enhanced by some online delivery which will constitute a smaller proportion of these contact hours, depending on your programme of study, year of study and chosen optional units. This may be supplemented by additional activities such as a small number of online learning sessions (not live), skills development sessions, and personal tutorials.
The amount of timetabled sessions on campus in later years may vary based on the options you choose, with a greater emphasis on independent learning. Project and dissertation units will generally have fewer scheduled sessions to allow you time for your independent work – this may also mean the number of hours of timetabled sessions each week will vary within a year.
Independent learning
In addition to timetabled contact hours, you are expected to undertake independent learning and assessment activities. Typically, this might be around 13 – 22 hours per week in your first year, and include individual research, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, preparing course working assignments, presentations, or revising for exams. After your first year, the emphasis on independent learning becomes greater, for example in a final year project.
Assessment breakdown
You will be assessed by a range of methods designed to develop and test your skills and knowledge. These include closed and open-book examinations, problem-solving assignments, laboratory and computing assessments, project reports and presentations.
70 to 75% of your course will be assessed through examinations. 25 to 30% will be assessed through coursework, including practical work. The balance of assessment methods will vary throughout your degree.
In your final year, you will carry out a project. You will primarily be assessed as an individual but may also be assessed as part of a group.
We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities, take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information.
Professional accreditations
By studying a course with a professional accreditation, you could have the chance to get workplace experience, learn about new developments in the industry and apply for membership with the accrediting body. You may also be able to apply for jobs in the industry without having to do any more exams.
Recognition of professional qualifications
As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).
The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.
‘Throughout my degree, I’ve been able to work on many projects, both in groups and individually, applying my knowledge in real-life scenarios.’
—
Aurora Capobianco
MPhys Physics with Astrophysics with research placement (Graduating year, 2024)
Entry requirements
Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for studying physics. This might include relevant reading, voluntary or work experience, areas of interest from your current studies or other relevant extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.
You will need a strong performance in both Mathematics and Physics as part of your entry qualifications.
We know that the context in which you are studying can have an impact on your ability to perform your best in exams and coursework, or limit which subjects or qualifications you are able to study at your school or college. We consider any application based on its merits, including your background and circumstances, including through:
Origin of qualifications
British qualifications
A level Typical offer
A*AAA*AA in three A levels including Mathematics and Physics with A* in Mathematics or Physics (or Further Mathematics if applicable).
Further Mathematics is not required for this course. If you do study Further Mathematics, you must still achieve A in both Maths and Physics.
Read more about our approach to A levels and AS levels.
Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level. Read more about our approach to this qualification.
A level Contextual offer
AABAAB in three A levels including A in Mathematics and A in Physics.
Our contextual offers were updated in October 2024 for September 2025 entry.
We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.
Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.
Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.
Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level. Read more about our approach to this qualification.
A level Alternative offer
AAA or A*ABWe know that you may have study beyond three A levels that will help prepare you for your degree. If you are not eligible for a contextual offer, we recognise these studies through our alternative offers.
AAA or A*AB in three A levels including A in Mathematics and A in Physics plus one of:
- grade A in an EPQ or IEPQ
- grade A in AS level Further Mathematics (except if you are studying an A level in that subject)
- grade B in a fourth A level, where your four A levels include A level Further Mathematics
- an appropriate grade in any other project qualification we recognise
If you receive an offer, you will receive each alternative offer you qualify for alongside the typical offer. You only need to meet one of these sets of conditions to meet your offer overall.
Read more about how our alternative offers work.
The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is not accepted in place of an A level for these offers. If you are studying three A levels and this qualification you are eligible for an alternative offer:
AAAB or A*ABB in three A levels including A in Mathematics and A in Physics and B in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
International Baccalaureate Typical offer
7, 6, 6 at HLInternational Baccalaureate Diploma
36 points overall and 7, 6, 6 in three Higher Level subjects including Physics and either HL Mathematics.
Read more about how we consider the IB Diploma.
Standard Level in essential subjects.
In exceptional circumstances we may be able to consider you if you are studying either Standard Level Physics or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches. Our typical offer in this instance would be 36 points overall with 6, 6, 6 or 7, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Physics or either HL Mathematics plus 7 in Standard Level Physics or Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches.
We cannot consider Standard Level Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations for this course.
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme
We consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis based on the individual IB certificates and vocational qualifications you study within the programme. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider IB Certificates and common vocational qualifications.
For this course, you will normally need to study either Mathematics course at Higher Level. Your remaining qualifications must include sufficient Physical Science content.
International Baccalaureate Certificates
If you are studying IB subjects as part of the IB Diploma, you will usually need to complete the full diploma programme to be considered.
If you do not follow the IB Diploma programme, we can consider stand-alone IB Higher Level Certificates either on their own or combined with other qualifications. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider IB Certificates.
For this course, you will normally need to study either Mathematics course at Higher Level. Your remaining qualifications must include sufficient Physical Science content.
International Baccalaureate Contextual offer
6, 6, 5 at HLInternational Baccalaureate Diploma
36 points overall and 6, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Physics and 6 in either HL Mathematics.
Our contextual offers were updated in October 2024 for September 2025 entry.
We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.
Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.
Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.
Standard Level in essential subjects.
In exceptional circumstances we may be able to consider you if you are studying either Standard Level Physics or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches. Our typical offer in this instance would be 36 points overall with 6, 5, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Physics or either HL Mathematics plus 7 in Standard Level Physics or Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches.
Pearson Edexcel BTEC RQF Typical offer
D*DD plus A at A levelBTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (RQF)
D*DD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) plus grade A in A level Mathematics.
You must be studying A level Mathematics alongside your BTEC qualification.
We are able to consider BTEC qualifications in Applied Science and you need to have studied as many units in Physical Science as possible. Please contact us to discuss the suitability of your units before making an application.
Suitable applicants progressing via this route will be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.
Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.
BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates
We accept Level 3 Diplomas and Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates.
You must be studying A level Mathematics alongside your BTEC qualification. Your remaining qualifications will need to include sufficient Physics or Physical Science units. If you are not studying A level Physics, please contact us to discuss the suitability of your units before making an application.
T level Typical offer
T levels are not considered suitable preparation for this degree programme and are therefore not accepted for entry. If you require advice on how you may academically prepare to study this degree or present with a mix of qualifications, you should contact our Admissions Progression Team at admissions-progression@bath.ac.uk.
Scottish Highers Typical offer
AA in Advanced HighersAA in two Advanced Highers including Mathematics and Physics.
We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved AAAAA in their Highers.
Read more about how we consider Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
Access to HE Diploma Typical offer
39 credits at DistinctionA pass in the Access to HE Diploma in Science or Science and Engineering, with at least 39 credits achieved at Distinction. This must include 12 credits achieved at Distinction from Mathematics units and 12 credits achieved at Distinction from Physics units.
Our Physics courses are academically challenging and require solid foundations of knowledge in Mathematics and Physics. We are able to consider Access to HE Diplomas in Science or Engineering, and we are looking for you to be studying a suitable level of Mathematics and Physics to be able to succeed in our courses. You will need to have studied Mathematics graded units worth at least 12 credits (including Calculus) and Physics graded units worth at least 12 credits, and your Access course specification will be reviewed thoroughly when we are considering your application. Most recent successful applicants have studied a significant amount of Mathematics independently, or completed some of the Mathematics A level syllabus alongside their Access studies.
Suitable applicants progressing via this route will be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.
Combinations of qualifications Typical offer
We accept a range of other qualifications offered in UK, as well as combinations of typically studied qualifications (such as A levels and BTECs). You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider UK qualifications.
To be considered for this course, your combination of qualifications must include A level Mathematics (or equivalent) and either A level Physics (or equivalent) or sufficient Physical Science content.
You can contact us at admissions@bath.ac.uk for more advice.
English language requirements
Category C
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
- IELTS Indicator: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component
- TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components
- TOEFL IBT and IBT Special Home Edition: 90 overall with 21 in each component
- The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
- The Pearson Test of English Academic Online (PTE Academic Online): we do not accept this qualification
- Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
- Duolingo (taken up to 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 130, Conversation 115, Production 100
- Duolingo (taken after 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 120, Conversation 120, Production 120
- LanguageCert SELT: B2 Communicator High Pass in both the Speaking test and the Listening, Reading, and Writing test
Fees and funding
Fees and funding information for Physics with Astrophysics MPhys (Hons) with professional placement, research placement or study abroad
Fees
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.
Learn how we decide fee statusTuition fees
Fee information is not yet available for this course. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.
Extra costs
If you choose to take 'Science education in practice' as an optional unit, you may need to pay for an enhanced DBS check and for travel to local secondary schools.The DBS check is payable before the start of your penultimate year at an approximate cost of £55.
How to pay
Tuition fee loans
If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.
Read more about tuition fee loansScholarships and bursaries
You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.
Read more about bursaries and scholarshipsOther payment options
You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.
Read more about your payment optionsBudgeting
You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.
Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.
If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement. If you are thinking about studying or working abroad as part of your course, you may have to prove that you have a certain amount of money in your bank account to get a visa.
Please read the information about planning your finances for your placement year which includes potential sources of funding, travel insurance, and visas.
Application information
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Course titlePhysics with Astrophysics
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Final awardMPhys (Hons)
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Mode of studyFull-time
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Course codeN124
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Institution codeB16
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Department
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LocationUniversity of Bath
Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY -
Home application deadline29 January 2025
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Overseas application deadline29 January 2025
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Application eligibilityHome and Overseas students are eligible to apply
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Regulator
Selection process
We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. If you are studying certain qualifications, such as an Access to HE Diploma or BTEC Extended Diploma, you will be invited to attend an interview as part of our selection process.
Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.
Our interview page gives more information on what you should expect from an interview.
Immigration requirements
This MPhys degree is covered by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). Unless you are a citizen of the UK or another country exempted from ATAS clearance, you will need an ATAS Certificate to join this course. Find out more about applying for an ATAS certificate.
Exemptions include citizens of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) member state and citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, and the USA.
Course enquiries
Undergraduate Selection
Learn more about studying at Bath
Visit our undergraduate virtual experience page