Course contact details
Undergraduate Admissions - Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Email:AdmissionsUG.EPS@soton.ac.uk
Phone:023 8059 4732
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ
Physics with Astronomy
- MPhys
- 4 Years
- Full-time
- 21 September 2026
- Undergraduate
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
Course summary
Enter the realm of extreme physics and learn the science behind powerful phenomena such as white dwarfs, black holes and neutron stars, the evolution of the universe, the formation of galaxies and space weather. You’ll gain the skills and knowledge of a professional astronomer, taught by academics who are directly involved in astronomy research. Whether you choose to do a PhD and become an astronomer, or use your advanced computing and data analysis skills in another profession, the knowledge you gain will underpin your lifelong passion for astronomy.
A special feature of this programme is the study visit to Tenerife, where our top 12 students have the opportunity to visit the Izana Observatory for a period of astronomical observation. This degree is also the gateway to our MPhys Astrophysics with a Year Abroad flagship programme, which offers a unique opportunity to spend your fourth year at the prestigious Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Boston, USA. Our top-performing students can transfer onto this programme at the end of second year.
Your degree will open the door to a wide range of careers, with recent graduates employed in roles ranging from physicists and engineers, to actuaries and statisticians, scientific journalists and medical researchers. Many students go onto further study.
You’ll have access to exceptional research-grade facilities, including an observatory on the rooftop of the physics building.
Modules
Typical modules include:
Year one: Electricity and Magnetism; Energy and Matter; Introduction to Astronomy and Space Science; Mathematical Methods for Physical Scientists; Motion and Relativity; Physics Skills; Waves, Light and Quanta.
Year two: Classical Mechanics; Electromagnetism; Galaxies; Physics from Evidence I; Quantum Physics; Statistical Mechanics; Wave Physics; plus additional module options.
Year three: Atomic Physics; Computer Techniques in Physics; Crystalline Solids; Dissertation; Nuclei and Particles; Photons in Astrophysics; Physics from Evidence II; Stellar Evolution; Theories of Matter, Space and Time.
Year four: Cosmology; MPhys Final Year Synoptic Examination; MPhys Project; Space Plasma Physics; plus additional module options.
Throughout your degree, you’ll also develop key transferable skills such as problem solving, data analysis and computing, which are sought after by a range employers. During year two, you’ll also have access to a programme of physics-focused career sessions, timetabled to fit in with your studies, which include application and interview workshops as well as talks from visiting professionals.
Assessment method
For MPhys programmes, assessment in the first and second year is a mixture of unseen written examinations, marked problem-based coursework and laboratory work. In the third year assessment is mainly by examination, although laboratory-based, computer-based and dissertation modules will use different assessment methods, as appropriate. In the fourth year of the MPhys programmes, laboratory work is replaced by a project which involves continuous assessment, written reports and an oral examination.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site - Highfield 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:
- F3FM
- Institution code:
- S27
- Campus name:
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Southampton 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:
- F3FM
- Institution code:
- S27
- Campus name:
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
Find out about equivalent entry requirements and qualifications for your country: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/international/your-country.page
Entry requirements
UCAS Tariff Not accepted
A level AAA - AAB
AAA-AAB including grades AA in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed)
or
AABC including grades AA in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed)
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to the lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
AAB including mathematics/further mathematics (minimum grade A) and physics (minimum grade A), with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) , plus grade A in the EPQ
We are committed to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
AAB including mathematics/further mathematics (minimum grade A) and physics (minimum grade A), with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) Not accepted
Access to HE Diploma Not accepted
Scottish Higher
We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject).
Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4"
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) D
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA in A-level mathematics or further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed).
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year. Please visit theFoundation Year page for more information.
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) D
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA in A-level mathematics or further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed).
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year. Please visit theFoundation Year page for more information.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme 34 - 36 points
Pass, with 36-34 points overall, with 18-17 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) and 6 at Higher Level in physics.
Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to the lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics and/or physics at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales A - B
AAA-AAA including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A).
or
AA-AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics and A from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
or
AAAB-AABB including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A).
or
AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics, plus grades AB-BB from a third A-level and the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) A - B
AAA-AAB including grades AA in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) or AA from two A-levels including mathematics/ further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) and A-B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate or AABC including grades AA in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) or AA from two A-levels including mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed), and grades BC from a third A-level and the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead the lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.
Extended Project A
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
AAB including mathematics/further mathematics (minimum grade A) and physics (minimum grade A), with a pass in the physics Practical (where it is separately endorsed) , plus grade A in the EPQ
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H2 - H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2
H1,H1,H2,H2,H2,H2 including H1 in mathematics and physics - H1,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 including mathematics and physics (one of which must be at H1).
Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to the lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal D3, D3, D3 - D3, D3, M2, M3
D3,D3,D3 - D3,D3,M2 in three Principal subjects including mathematics/further mathematics (minimum grade D3) and physics (minimum grade D3). Alternatively D3,D3,M2,M1 in four Prinicipal subjects including mathematics/further mathematics (minimum grade D3) and physics (minimum grade D3).
Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to the lower offer.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A, grade M2 can be used in lieu of A Level grade B or M3 can be used in lieu of A level grade C.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
T Level Not accepted
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | with no component below 6.0 |
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.
Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page
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.
Most of the students who enrolled on this course in previous years met their offer conditions at our published entry criteria, securing their place on their chosen course. We encourage all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, to apply to study with us. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
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
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|
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 see our website for further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page
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