Skip navigation

Astrophysics

  • MPhys
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21 September 2026
  • Undergraduate
Preston Campus
More about University of Lancashire

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
Apply

Course summary

Course Overview

Did you ever wonder how stars and galaxies came to be? Astrophysics can provide the answer – with the skills, methods and knowledge to investigate the physics of our universe.

Why study with us

  • Learn at one of the UK’s best-equipped teaching observatories, with our recent £200,000 investment in probably the most powerful modern optical telescope available in the country.

  • You’ll have access to specialist laboratory facilities for the study of nuclear physics, mechanics, optics, quantum physics, laser physics, spectroscopy and astrophysics .

  • You’ll develop your mathematical skills, and benefit from a state-of-the art learning environment for practical analysis, interpretation and modelling of astronomical data.

What you’ll do

  • Because the course starts off with the same modules as our Physics and Physics with Astrophysics courses, you can swap courses at the end of your first year.

  • Our MPhys route is highly recommended if you’re planning a career in scientific research.

  • You’ll become an active part of our vibrant research culture, learning from research-informed teaching, working on projects and even joining funded internships.

Accreditations

  • This course is accredited by the IOP, the professional body and learned society for physics in the UK and Ireland. On completion of this course graduates can progress towards Chartered Physicist (Phys) status.

Future careers

Our MPhys (Hons) Astrophysics degree course provides the analytical and mathematical skills which are prized across a range of industries, as well as a strong foundation for a career in research.

Modules

Please visit The University of Central Lancashire’s website for the latest information about our modules.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Physics, Institute of

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Preston Campus

Study options

  • MPhys • Full-time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 21 September 2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
F511
Institution code:
C30
Campus name:
Preston Campus
Campus Code:
U
Points of Entry:
Year 1, 2, 3, 4

University of Lancashire has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
F511
Institution code:
C30
Campus name:
Preston Campus
Campus Code:
U

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3
  • Year 4

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff 128 points

including at least one grade A and a grade B in A-level Maths and Physics. General Studies not accepted.

A level

128 UCAS Points including at least one grade A and a grade B in A-level Maths and Physics. General Studies not accepted.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) DDM

and accepted only alongside a minimum of AB in A2 level Physics and Math - one must be grade A

Access to HE Diploma

128 points including 15 level 3 credits at D in Maths and 15 level 3 credits at D in Physics

Scottish Higher

128 UCAS Points including at least one grade A and a grade B in Higher Maths and Physics.

AS Not accepted

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

Pass IB Diploma with 128 UCAS points from Higher Level Subjects including HL6 and HL5 in Maths and Physics.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

128 UCAS Points including Physics and Maths at H1

GCSE/National 4/National 5

5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above including Maths and English or equivalent. Equivalent qualifications are Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English or Level 3 Key Skills in Maths and Communication.

T Level Not accepted

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6with no component score less than 5.5 (To have been taken within two years of the course commencement date)

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Widening participation is at the core of our mission. We believe in helping people to seize every opportunity to flourish in education and work, for life. We offer reduced entry tariffs for students from areas of relative disadvantage, with lower rates of participation in higher education, as well as those who have spent time in the care system. Simply include your care leaver status and postcode on your UCAS application and we will automatically make you a contextual offer if you are eligible.

Learn more on the University of Lancashire website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

*subject only to annual increase in line with UK Retail Price Index inflation rate

Related courses

At University of Lancashire

Like this page