University of Lancashire
Preston
PR1 2HE
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Course contact details
Course Enquiries
Email:cenquiries@uclan.ac.uk
Phone:01772 892400
Astrophysics MPhys (with Foundation Year)
- MPhys
- 5 Years
- Full-time
- 21/09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Preston Campus
Course summary
Course Overview
Do you ever wonder how our universe came to be? Our MPhys Astrophysics Foundation Year Degree provides you with essential training to help find the answer.
Why study with us
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You’ll have access to specialist laboratory facilities for the study of nuclear physics, mechanics, optics, quantum physics, laser physics, spectroscopy and astrophysics .
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During your studies you will also have access to our observatory, the Alston Observatory, one of the largest teaching observatories in the UK.
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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
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The staff who deliver the courses are members of the School’s Jeremiah Horrocks Institute.
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Many of our staff hold PhDs, and are active researchers in a number of areas of physics and astrophysics, attracting national and international research reputations.
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During your MPhys (Hons) Astrophysics course you’ll have access to our observatory, the Alston Observatory, one of the largest teaching observatories in the UK.
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
Graduates of physics, astronomy, and astrophysics are amongst the most employable in the world; particularly in technical and business sectors where analytical and mathematical skills are at a premium.
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 • 5 Years
Start dates
- 21/09/2026
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:
- F279
- Institution code:
- C30
- Campus name:
- Preston Campus
- Campus Code:
- U
- Points of Entry:
- Foundation
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
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:
- F279
- Institution code:
- C30
- Campus name:
- Preston Campus
- Campus Code:
- U
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Foundation
Entry requirements
UCAS Tariff
64 pointsincluding 32 from A2 or AS Maths and/or Physics
A level
64 UCAS Points including 32 from A-Level or AS-Level Maths and/or Physics
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
MMPonly accepted alongside 32 points from A Level or AS Level Maths and/or Physics. Or BTEC Applied Science or Engineering MPP is accepted alongside GCSE Maths at grade A/7, AS Maths or alternative proof of mathematical ability on a case-by-case basis.
Access to HE Diploma
64 points including 15 credits at level 3 in each of maths and physics
Scottish Higher
64 UCAS points including 32 points from Maths and Physics
AS
AS Maths and AS Physics at grade C accepted to meet subject requirements only. We do not accept UCAS points gained from AS grades
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Pass IB Diploma including 64 UCAS points from Higher Level subjects, including 32 points from Higher Level or Standard Level Maths and Physics
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
64 UCAS points including 32 points from Maths and Physics
GCSE/National 4/National 5
5 GCSEs at Grade C 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. GCSE Maths grade A/7 accepted in place of Maths/Physics study at level 3.
T Level
PP (D or E) required. T Level in Science or Engineering is accepted alongside GCSE Maths at grade A/7, AS Maths or alternative proof of Mathematical ability on a case-by-case basis. T Level in any subject is accepted alongside 32 UCAS points from A Level or AS Level Maths and Physics
We offer the opportunity to attend a maths diagnostic assessment for applicants who have not demonstrated clear enough evidence of mathematical ability within their application.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | with 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.
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 |
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
Please note fees for the foundation year will be £9,535, and then £9,535 per year for the remainder of the course.
*subject only to annual increase in line with UK Retail Price Index inflation rate
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