University of Manchester
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Manchester
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Course contact details
The University of Manchester
Email:study@manchester.ac.uk
Physics with Astrophysics
- MPhys
- 4 Years
- Full-time
- 22/09/2025
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
Course summary
Take your studies sky-high and to master's level with our MPhys Physics with Astrophysics course - ideal if you want both a solid grounding in physics and a greater understanding of astronomy.
Astrophysics principally involves applying the laws of physics to distant regions where physical conditions can only be inferred from the emission of electromagnetic radiation. During the course you will learn about the Sun and the Solar System, the stars and the Galaxy, distant galaxies and quasars, and the beginning of the Universe.
You will learn how to apply basic physics in situations that are often extreme compared to those found on Earth.
Our Department of Physics and Astronomy is renowned around the world, and our facilities - including the famous Jodrell Bank - are second to none.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site
Study options
- MPhys • Full-time • 4 Years
Start dates
- 22/09/2025
Apply by
29 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:
- F3FA
- Institution code:
- M20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Manchester 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
29 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:
- F3FA
- Institution code:
- M20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not acceptedA level
A*A*AA*A*A, including A* in both Physics and Mathematics.
If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year .
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.
Typical Contextual Offer: A*AA, including Physics and Mathematics. The A* must be in Physics or Mathematics.
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDDWe consider the National Extended Diploma in any subject for entry with grades DDD when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
Access to HE Diploma
Given that it is not possible to meet our published offer conditions within an Access to HE Diploma, we would not recommend this qualification as the best way of preparing for our courses. However, we would look very carefully at any applications from exceptional Access students, studying a relevant Access to HE Diploma, who were on track to gain the AAA equivalent (45 graded credits at Level 3 with Distinction grade).
We would treat any such exceptional students on a case-by-case basis, looking very carefully at past academic history and the academic reference; promising candidates would be invited to interview to add supplementary information. A decision would be made about entry holistically on the basis of all information (including details of the course undertaken) and would usually be conditional on the above standard.
As each application is considered individually, applicants should contact the Department Admissions Team to discuss their particular circumstances before applying.
Scottish Higher
Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:
Three Advanced Highers with grades AAA, including Physics and Mathematics.
Or
Two Advanced Highers with grades AA in Physics and Mathematics and two Highers with grades AA in additional subjects.
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Department Admissions Team.
AS
AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDWe consider the National Diploma in any subject for entry with grades DD when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DWe consider the National Foundation Diploma in any subject for entry with grade D when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
DWe consider the National Extended Certificate in any subject for entry with grade D when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Not acceptedScottish Advanced Higher
Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:
Three Advanced Highers with grades AAA, including Physics and Mathematics.
Or
Two Advanced Highers with grades AA in Physics and Mathematics and two Highers with grades AA in additional subjects.
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Department Admissions Team.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
38 points38 points overall with 7,7,6 at Higher Level, including 7 in both Physics and Mathematics.
We will accept Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
AThe University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and would consider this qualification at grade A when taken with Physics and Mathematics A-levels with grades A*A*.
Extended Project
The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D2, D2, D3D2, D2, D3 in Principal subjects, including D2 in both Physics and Mathematics.
We also consider applicants offering a mix of Pre-U Principal Subjects and A-level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall are taken.
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. However, the qualification will not form part of your offer conditions.
If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education, typically a minimum of five GCSEs/iGCSEs, including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least grade 4/C in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics.
GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
DDDWe consider the Technical Extended Diploma in any subject for entry with grades DDD when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
DDWe consider the Technical Diploma in any subject for entry with grades DD when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma in any subject for entry with grade D when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
We consider the Technical Extended Certificate in any subject for entry with grade D when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
T Level
Not acceptedThe University recognises a number of foundation courses as suitable for entry to this undergraduate course.
Applicants completing the Northern Consortium (NCUK) International Foundation Year or INTO Manchester International Foundation in Science and Engineering are required to achieve grades AAA with A* in both Physics and Mathematics and grade C in English for Academic Purposes (EAP).
Applicants studying other Foundation courses should contact the Department Admissions Team to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this course and for specific entry requirements.
Additional entry requirements
- Interview
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | With no less than 5.5 in each sub-test. |
All applicants to the University (from the UK and overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade 4/C
- IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in each component
- TOEFL iBT 80 with no less than 20 in speaking and 18 in all other subscores
- An acceptable equivalent qualification
Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above.
Acceptable English Language Qualifications http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/language-requirements/
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.
We operate contextual admissions meaning many applicants receive an offer and are admitted at least one grade below standard entry requirements. Entry requirements for applicants meeting contextual admissions criteria are listed next to the standard entry requirements on course profiles.
Contextual admissions means we consider your application in context helping us to ensure everyone has a fair chance of getting into Manchester. The data we use is automatically provided on your UCAS form.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted 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
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| EU | £36500 | Year 1 |
| International | £36500 | Year 1 |
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
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
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