Physics with Astrophysics (Study Abroad) Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Would you like to be at the forefront of scientific discovery? Astrophysicists look to the skies to learn more about our universe. You’ll see inside world-leading investigations in astrophysics, cosmology, and space and planetary science; learn about preparations for upcoming satellites and missions as well as using data from current spacecraft and facilities like the Hubble Space Telescope, the Juno spacecraft, and the James Webb Space Telescope. Get hands-on tackling genuine scientific work informed by research-led teaching, setting you up for your future career.

Broaden your horizons

Enrich your university experience with a year spent overseas at one of our partner universities. Head out in Year 3 to start your adventure and immerse yourself in a different cultural and academic community. We’ll support you all the way!

What to expect

Our four-year BSc Hons Physics with Astrophysics (Study Abroad) degree starts with a first year that is common across all our single-honours physics degrees as we teach the fundamentals to provide you with a solid foundation for Years 2 and beyond. You may discover that your interests change throughout the year, and you have the flexibility to switch to any other of our degree schemes until the end of Year 1. Core topics include mechanics, quantum physics, thermodynamics, and electricity and magnetic fields. It’s so much more than lectures and workshops; you’ll spend time gaining hands-on experience with experimental physics in our state-of-the-art labs.

As you progress into Years 2 and beyond, you will delve into key astrophysical concepts, such as the dynamics and content of the universe, stellar structure and evolution, and the physics of planetary systems. These modules will enable you to explore the frontiers of astrophysical research such as the formation and structure of galaxies, space plasma physics and cosmological inflation.

Research and group projects

An important and exciting part of your degree is the opportunity to take part in a group project. You can choose a physics project working alongside one of our expert researchers, or an industrial project working with a business on a real-world problem.

Here are some examples of recent projects:

* Solar-planetary interactions

* Galaxy evolution

* Cosmology with supernovae

Personal development

You will develop valuable transferable skills that make you highly desirable to future employers. Through working in collaboration, delivering presentations, communicating your research results, using modern computer programs and taking part in experiments, you will grow skills in analytical thinking, logic, reasoning, communication and digital proficiency.

Before graduation, you will have the fantastic opportunity to showcase your transferable skills toolkit at the Physics at Lancaster Annual Conference and Exhibition (PLACE).

We hope you find your year overseas personally enriching. Our students often tell us that they return feeling more confident, self-assured and with a broader perspective to take into job interviews.

3 things our Physics with Astrophysics students want you to know:

* We are a friendly, diverse community. The lecturers have an open-door policy and you have a dedicated academic advisor which means there’s always someone to support you through your studies. This is why our student satisfaction is so high.

* The research-led teaching is excellent. Academics are actively involved in space missions and satellite technology, so becoming a member of the Department means you’ll get to be involved too.

* Students tell us that the combination of excellent research and outstanding facilities has exceeded their expectations.