(Full time) 2021 start
Physics with Astrophysics BSc
Overview
Physics is the most fundamental of all sciences. It observes and explores the physical laws and principles that govern the nature of the universe. Astrophysics encompasses the study of the exciting arena of planets, stars and galaxies. This course allows you to explore astrophysics from your very first week
On this course, you’ll develop a thorough knowledge of core physics, from thermodynamics to quantum physics. You’ll also study a broad range of astrophysics topics, such as high energy astrophysics, stellar structure and evolution, and cosmology.
You’ll have several opportunities to get involved in real research, such as: during the group industrial project module, and your final year research project. We offer all students the chance to apply to do a summer research placement, where you’ll work with our researchers and be paid a salary. As well as advancing you as a physicist, these opportunities allow you to develop transferable skills that can help you achieve your aspirations.
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It is possible to transfer to the 4-year integrated Masters (MPhys, BSc) course from this three-year Bachelor’s (BSc) degree up until the end of your second year, subject to suitable academic performance at that stage.
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Accreditation
This course is professionally accredited by the Institute of Physics, meaning the topics you’ll study reflect the latest developments in physics. By studying an accredited course, you'll gain the skills you’ll need to succeed in industry upon graduation.
Course content
During your studies, you’ll use a fantastic array of multi-wavelength images from the world’s telescopes, while at the same time learning core physics, mathematics and computing alongside students on our other physics programmes. Core physics topics include mechanics, quantum physics, relativity, vibrations and waves, thermal physics, electromagnetism and solid state physics.
In the second year, you’ll really get to grips with the physical and mathematical descriptions of what makes stars explode. You will also learn about the most energetic and enigmatic phenomena in the Universe. As part of your laboratory modules, you’ll choose an object to observe, and use the School’s own observatory to produce a colour image using our state-of-the-art equipment.
The astrophysics modules in year three cover the exciting topics of star and planet formation, and cosmology and the evolution of the Universe. There is also a broad range of optional modules available to you to allow you to explore other areas of physics in which you are interested.
You’ll undertake an astrophysics project as a quarter of your final year. For this project, you’ll join an astrophysics research team and work on, for example, the analysis of data from world-leading telescopes, mathematical modelling of shocks and explosions, or simulation of multi-wavelength data.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
You will be taught through several different teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, small-group tutorials, laboratory work, project work and computer-aided learning.
In the first two years, the material you learn in lectures is supported by a mixture of small group tutorials and larger weekly workshops, where lecturers work with a team to improve your practical problem-solving skills. In later years, the lecturer will usually support their own specialist material through bi-weekly workshops.
Laboratory classes are an integral part of our teaching throughout your time at Leeds. They provide you with the opportunity to develop your verbal and written communication skills through performing experiments individually, or as part of a group. You may also have the opportunity to undertake a short course on data analysis and statistics and learn how to conduct practical experiments in preparation for your final year research project.
All students are assigned a personal tutor. Your personal tutor is there to offer advice, monitor your progress, and be your first point of contact during your undergraduate years.
There are many facilities that will support your studies including extensive computer clusters. The School itself provides additional computing and study areas.
The Edward Boyle Science and Engineering Library is only a short walk from the School of Physics and Astronomy and has multiple copies of the recommended books. It also has a variety of different studying environments, such as personal and flexible group work areas.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
You are assessed primarily through formal exams. Other methods include: practical work, oral presentations, written reports and tutorial work. The variety of assessment allows you to develop a broad range of skills and demonstrate a variety of talents.
Details on the types of assessment used for each module can be found on the University Module Catalogue.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAB including Physics and Mathematics.
Excludes A Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.
Where an A Level science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A Level at the stated grade.
GCSE: C in English Language, or an equivalent English language qualification.
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Access to HE Diploma
Overall pass of the Access to HE, with 45 credits at level 3. Of these 45 credits, 30 level 3 credits must be in Physics and Mathematics and must be passed with Distinction.
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BTEC
BTEC qualifications in relevant disciplines are considered in combination with A Level Physics and Mathematics. Applicants should contact the School to discuss.
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Cambridge Pre-U
D3, M1, M2 including Physics and Mathematics
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International Baccalaureate
35 overall with 15 points at HL, which must include 5 in both Physics and Mathematics.
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3 including H2 in both Physics and Mathematics
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AB at Advanced Higher in Physics and Mathematics with AABBB at Higher
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
Were committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: BBB including Physics and Mathematics. Excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.
If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any one component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Applicant days
If you receive an offer to study with us, we’ll invite you to attend one of our applicant days. You’ll have the opportunity to meet our academic staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course and what it’s like to be a student at Leeds.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024
Fees
UK: See fees section below
International: £24,500 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Career opportunities
Physics graduates are in demand for some of the highest paid and most satisfying roles in employment.
The numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills you will develop and your specialist subject knowledge are highly valued across sectors including aerospace, electronics, energy, environment, and transport. This course also allows you to develop the transferable skills that employers seek.
One of the key features of this course is the final year research project, which is an opportunity to work with one of our internationally recognised research groups. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your independent research skills and teamwork abilities; it will prepare you for a career in research in both academia and industry.
Almost a third of our students progress onto PhD study or other postgraduate qualifications. For further information on career paths and employability please see our careers pages. To learn about the careers of School of Physics and Astronomy alumni, see their profiles.
Careers support
Throughout your degree, we make sure that you have the support and opportunity to develop the skills and experience you’ll need to make the most of your career choices.
Our industrial placement scheme helps you gain valuable work experience that can help you stand out from the crowd. You could also secure a part-time job that you can feature on your CV through the Students’ Union's Joblink.
We teach problem-solving and high level thinking at all stages of your degree. Our degrees allow you to to develop the core subject knowledge and skills that you need to progress to a career – in whichever area of Physics you choose. We enable you to get involved with real physics research.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
Our study abroad scheme allows you to experience another culture and develop life skills, which many employers value. The students’ union also provides volunteering opportunities which can help you in your personal development.
Spending a year living and studying in another country is a unique experience. Unlike the passing tourist, you have the chance to totally immerse yourself in another culture. You will gain unforgettable experiences and memories that you will draw upon in your working and personal life for years to come.
In addition to this, the proven ability to live and work in an international context is an asset that many employers actively seek.
On this course, taking a year abroad adds an additional year to your studies. During your year abroad, you will study physics at your host institution.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.
An industrial placement will boost your self-confidence, not only in your chosen subject area but in the marketplace generally.
The industrial placement (‘Year in Industry’) scheme gives you the opportunity to experience salaried work before you graduate. Employers actively seek graduates who already have work experience and it can make all the difference in interviews. On this course, your industrial placement adds an additional year to your studies.
In addition, the opportunity to work every day with scientists who are experts in their field is an incredible opportunity to enhance your knowledge of physics.
You will be able to choose from a range of physics-related organisations in which to work. In previous years, students have worked at many prestigious companies, including:
- IBM
- KPMG
- Q8
- Unilever
- Siemens
- GSK (medical imaging)
- Virgin Media
- Analox
During your industrial placement, you will have an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout your placement.
If you are not sure right now whether or not an industrial placement is right for you, don't worry - you will not have to start applying for placements until the beginning of your second year.
Research placements
Our students have the ability to apply for competitive funded Summer Scholarships at the end of year 2, which will provide 8 weeks paid employment actively pursuing research in Physics.