Astronomy MSc

Join our astronomer community on one of the few MSc courses of its kind in the UK. Benefit from expertise across theoretical to observational astrophysics.

* =1stin the world for research impact in Physics *(Shanghai Ranking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025)*

* 7th in the UK for our research environment in Physics in REF 2021 *(Times Higher Education)*


* 3rd in the UK for citations per paper in Physics*(QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)*

Explore astronomy and astrophysics at an advanced level, focusing on observational, theoretical or computational astronomy. This course is one of only three full-time, broad-based astronomy MSc courses in the UK.

This course is for you if you graduated from a physics- or applied mathematics-based degree with a substantial physics component, and wish to learn how to apply your knowledge to astronomy. Our Astronomy Centre carries out world-leading research in many branches of theoretical and observational astrophysics. Our particular focus is on the early universe, and galaxy formation and evolution.

The Department is a founder member of the South East Physics Network of physics departments (SEPnet), which supports vital research, teaching and development in the South East.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.