Astrophysics

Our Astrophysics programme is designed to offer a wide range of learning opportunities to enrich your academic journey and give you the skills you need for your future. You will gain a solid understanding of fundamental physics concepts and mathematical techniques, forming the foundation needed to unlock the secrets of the cosmos. Building on these foundations and taught by active researchers, you’ll delve deeper into the Universe, studying topics such as stellar evolution, galactic dynamics, gravitational waves and cosmology.

You will go beyond lectures, with hands-on practical experience using telescopes and detectors, and analysing real astronomical data. Your final year project allows you to conduct your own independent research in an astrophysics area, potentially using data from an observatory field trip.
Throughout the programme, you will be assessed through a range of diverse assessments – from reports and scientific posters to exams and presentations, allowing you to showcase your skills in communication, teamwork, research and more.

Our programme aims to create well-rounded astrophysicists equipped with not only the necessary scientific knowledge and skills but also the critical thinking, communication, and adaptability to thrive in the ever-evolving world of scientific exploration and discovery.

Why Swansea?
Physics at Swansea University is a highly regarded department that attracts students from across the world.
Our common student & staff space (the Event Horizon) overlooking spectacular views of Swansea Bay, provides an ideal location for quiet study, informal discussions and lunches.

The Physics department and the Swansea University Physics Society sponsor frequent social, and academic events such as departmental colloquia and distinguished lectures to bring students and staff together.
Elected student reps for each year and for the Swansea University Physics Society (PhySoc) ensure that every student voice is heard through regular meetings with HoDs.

Our world leading research groups in Particle Physics and Cosmology Theory, Applied Materials, and the ALPHA anti-matter collaboration with close ties to CERN, ensure that our teaching is informed by the latest research. Students have the opportunity to do a summer internship or undertake a final year project (typically at Master’s level) with the ALPHA group at CERN in Geneva.

Our graduates have become data scientists, AI engineers, demand forecasters, quantitative finance analysts, electromagnetic signature analysts, cost draftsmen, patent examiners and software engineers in sectors which include government research, the private sector, aerospace, defence, energy, engineering and space exploration.

A significant percentage of our graduates go on to pursue postgraduate studies and research with a wide variety of specialisations.

In Year 1 your modules may include Astronomy and Cosmology; Quantum Mechanics; Practical Physics; Special Relativity and Mathematics for Physicists, which can be studied in English or Welsh.
In Year 2, modules may include Statistical Physics; Physics Simulation; Quantum World; Mathematical Methods in Physics; Condensed Matter Physics; Electromagneticism and Special Relativity; Particle Physics; and Astronomical Techniques, which can be studied in English or Welsh.
In Year 3, you will study modules covering Quantum World; Atomic Physics; Condensed Matter Physics; Quantum Optics; Particle Physics; Galactic Dynamics; Gravity; Frontiers of Nuclear Physics and Advanced Astronomical Techniques as well as research skills and an Astronomy or Astrophyics project in English or Welsh.