Royal Holloway, University of London
Egham
TW20 0EX
Visit our website Visit our course page
Course contact details
Main Contact
Email:Admissions.Enquiries@RoyalHolloway.ac.uk
Phone:01784 414944
Astrophysics
- Msci (Hon)
- 4 Years
- Full-time
- 22/09/2025
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
Course summary
Our students often say their enthusiasm to study Physics stems from wanting to learn more about the Higgs particle, dark matter, nanotechnology or just a wide-ranging curiosity about how things really work. Whatever your reasons, our Physics department aims to inform and excite you in the study of Physics, the most fundamental of the sciences.
On our four-year Astrophysics MSci, you’ll come to understand new concepts and paradigms, developing the deep conceptual framework that will allow an advanced understanding and appreciation of nature. You’ll develop core Physics concepts, including classical physics, quantum phenomena as well as mathematical and experimental skills.
Unlike solid-state physics (as with the Physics MSci) the emphasis will shift to astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology, and in later years you’ll cover topics such as Stellar Astrophysics and Atomic & Nuclear Physics. As you progress through the course, modules in Particle Astrophysics, Planetary Geology and Geophysics, General Relativity & Cosmology and Optics will lead you into research level topics which you'll cover in greater depth as an MSci student, than on a BSc degree. In your fourth year you can choose from an incomparably wide range of options and expertise, including courses from University College London, King's College London and Queen Mary, University of London.
We’re a research-intensive department based at our Surrey campus – well away from the light pollution of the big city, which allows our telescopes to provide the best observational astronomy in the University of London. We also have close ties with, and conduct research at major international laboratories such as CERN, ISIS and Diamond, plus collaborations with SEPnet universities and other major institutions around the world.
Our teaching is informed by the most up-to-date research, and you’ll get to work closely with research groups, in laboratories where they work first hand on Physics at the forefront of research.
Modules
Please refer to our website for information https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/undergraduate/physics/astrophysics-msci/
Assessment method
Your course will be assessed by a combination of examinations and in-course assignments in the form of essays or presentations.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site
Study options
- Msci (Hon) • 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:
- F510
- Institution code:
- R72
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1, 2
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
Royal Holloway, University of London 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:
- F510
- Institution code:
- R72
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not acceptedA level
AAA - AABWhere an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken into consideration and result in lower A-level grades being required.
Socio-economics factors which may have impacted an applicant's education will be taken into consideration and alternative offers may be made to these applicants.
Required subjects: Mathematics and Physics, plus a Pass in the practical element of any Science A-levels being taken
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Not acceptedAccess to HE Diploma
D: 33 credits M: 12 creditsIncluding Distinction in all Maths and Physics units.
Please note that the Access to Higher Education Diploma will only be acceptable if the applicant has had a considerable break from education.
Scottish Higher
AAAAAIncluding A in Maths and Physics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DMPlus A-level grades AA Maths and Physics, plus a Pass in the practical element of any Science A-levels taken.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
DPlus A-level grades AA Maths and Physics, plus a Pass in the practical element of any Science A-levels taken..
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
DDPlus A-level grades AA Maths and Physics, plus a Pass in the practical element of any Science A-levels taken.
Scottish Advanced Higher
AAA - AABIncluding Maths and Physics.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
34 points6,6,6 at Higher Level including 6 in Maths at Higher Level and 5 in Physics at Higher Level with a minimum of 34 points overall.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Requirements are as for A-levels where one non-subject-specified A-level can be replaced by the same grade in the Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2, H2, H2, H2, H2Including Maths and Physics
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Applicants with the Cambridge Pre-U are strongly encouraged to apply to Royal Holloway. Offers will be made on the basis of equivalent A-Level grades as can be found on the Royal Holloway website.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
We require at least five GCSEs at grade A*-C or 9 - 4 including English and Mathematics.
Combinations of qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, please contact us on study@royalholloway.ac.uk to discuss your situation
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.
At Royal Holloway, we know every student approaches university with different experiences and backgrounds. We look at each application individually, and different factors can affect the exact offer a student receives. For instance, our contextual offer scheme means students from disadvantaged socio-economic background can receive a different offer. For full details please see our website.
Learn more on the Royal Holloway, University of London website
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 |
|---|---|---|
| EU | £28900 | Year 1 |
| International | £28900 | Year 1 |
| 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
The tuition fee for Home (UK) undergraduates is controlled by Government regulations. The fee for the academic year 2025/26 is £9,535.
This figure is the fee for EU and international students starting a degree in the academic year 2025/26.
Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually for all students. For further information see fees and funding and the terms and conditions.
These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2025/26 academic year and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.
Related courses
At Royal Holloway, University of London
Like this page