Physics with Astronomy

**Why choose this course**<br/>Our BSc and MPhys Physics with Astronomy courses teach you about our place in the cosmos. You’ll learn about cutting-edge theories of the origin of the Universe and life itself, and have the opportunity to carry out original research with leading scientists in the field.<br/><br/>We’re home to fantastic astronomy facilities. These include our teaching and outreach telescopes that you’ll use to get hands-on observation experience, as well as high-performance computing and GPU clusters.<br/><br/>Two unique aspects of both courses are:<br/><br/>-Our award-winning Professional Training placements:<br/>--Within the BSc, the option to take a paid Professional Training placement in industry gives you invaluable hands-on experience to enhance your employability.<br/><br/>--On our MPhys, you’ll take a year-long, masters-level integrated research placement. This can be in one of our world-leading research groups or at one of our international partner institutions.<br/><br/>-Our focus on undergraduate research and innovation:<br/><br/>--All undergraduates have the opportunity to apply for paid 8-10 week summer research placements in our research groups and those of our South East Physics Network partners.<br/><br/>--We offer in-house grants that students can apply for to fund a research placement, attend a conference or develop a new business idea.<br/><br/>**What you will study**<br/>Our Physics with Astronomy courses teach you the core elements of traditional physics – from classical mechanics and electromagnetism to quantum mechanics.<br/><br/>You’ll then specialise in astronomy, studying the formation and evolution of stars, planets, galaxies and the Universe as a whole. You’ll learn about the search for life beyond Earth, gravitational waves, and the nature of dark matter and dark energy.<br/><br/>You’ll also be able to carry out a research project in one of our world-leading research groups.<br/><br/>Formal lectures are complemented with work in our specialist radiation laboratories, which have recently been refurbished and enlarged at a cost of a £2.7m. As an undergraduate student you’ll use these labs to undertake experiments related to the Nuclear and Particle Physics module.<br/><br/>You can apply to study for either a BSc or an MPhys. The latter is a direct route to a masters qualification. If you study for an MPhys, you’ll spend a year doing integrated research before returning for your final masters-level modules.<br/><br/>You may have the option to switch to a BSc or MPhys during your studies.