Physics with Astrophysics

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https://www.ntu.ac.uk/course/science-and-technology/ug/bsc-hons-physics-with-astrophysics?year=2027

BSc (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics

Physics with Astrophysics BSc (Hons)

UCAS code: F3F5 (full-time), 350I (sandwich)

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Level of study:

Undergraduate

Typical offer:

112 - 120 UCAS tariff points

Start date:

September 2027

Duration:

Three years full-time or four years with placement.

Attendance:

Full-time, Placement year

Course delivery:

On-campus (Clifton Campus)

Accredited

Work placement opportunities

Study abroad opportunities

About this course

How did the universe begin? How will it end? What happened before the Big Bang? On this BSc (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics course, you’ll investigate some of the biggest questions human beings have ever faced. You’ll dive into phenomena like black holes, galaxies, quasars and supernovas and seek to understand interrelated disciplines like cosmology, space science and particle physics.

You’ll get to grips with the latest astronomical and scientific technology as you search the skies from our own on-campus observatory, equipped with optical and solar telescopes, and recognised by the International Astronomical Union. Alongside this, you’ll immerse yourself in core concepts of physics, from thermodynamics and quantum mechanics to the laws of motion and energy, giving you the combination of knowledge and hands-on experience you need to succeed.

You will do all this under the guidance of our expert physics teaching team, who have a huge range of research experience in areas including superhydrophobic surfaces, Medical Resonance Imaging, sustainability, and space weather.

Get ready to embark on an adventure with our study abroad programs at partner universities or by getting a work placement overseas. Both opportunities will boost your employability, build lifelong friendships, and allow you to experience the world in a whole new way.

Learn in inspiring environments

NTU’s astrophysics facilities include the Trent Astronomical Observatory, our on-campus observatory equipped with a unique 20-inch modified Newtonian, and a 14-inch Meade LX200 telescope.

Award-winning teaching team

Many of our expert physics team are Fellows and Senior Fellows of Advance HE and active researchers whose work directly informs their teaching, with many winning awards for innovation in teaching.

Top 20 in the UK

for student satisfaction in Physics (Complete University Guide 2027)

Complete a year’s work placement in industry

Recent students have worked in a variety of roles including at CERN, E.ON, The Netherlands Forensic Institute, and STFC.

Studying astrophysics at university also allows you to develop key skills in areas that are highly in demand for modern employers. This includes honing your mathematical and algebraic skills, and introducing you to programming for physics, empowering you to develop and implement creative solutions using software such as Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, and C.

You’ll be encouraged to consider these ideas alongside the requirements of a sustainable future, balance practical and lab work alongside more traditional academic study and research, and have the opportunity to consider enhancing your physics with astrophysics degree with a year-long work placement in industry.

Summer Research Placements

Take your learning beyond the classroom with a fully funded summer research placement. You'll work alongside expert researchers on cutting-edge projects, contributing to impactful research that tackles real-world challenges. Many projects are connected to our internationally recognised research activities, while some are supported by industry partners, giving you valuable experience of commercial collaborations and applied research. It's a fantastic way to develop your skills, strengthen your CV and discover where a career in research could take you. Placements are competitive and subject to availability.

Course accreditations

This course is accredited by the Institute of Physics, ensuring it meets high standards of teaching and assessment. When you graduate you'll be eligible for IOP membership and partially meet the educational requirements for becoming a Chartered Physicist (CPhys).

Highlights of this physics with astrophysics degree include:

Study in one of the world’s best student cities. Nottingham has been ranked one of the top 50 student cities in the world in the QS best Student Cities ranking for 2026.

Be part of a strong, active and collaborative physics community that includes student societies, research groups and outreach projects, with opportunities for curricular and extracurricular activities.

A personalised learning experience that allows you to shape your astrophysics degree to match your own interests and career goals.

Active connections with industry and commerce that facilitate meaningful work-life experiences on our physics courses, and one-to-one personal tutoring and coaching at all stages of your degree.

Top 10 in the UK for teaching quality in Physics (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026)

Module information

A standard full-time BSc (Hons) course is made up of 120 credits studied each year. Some courses may vary, however, and you can find information on the total number of credits achieved per module below.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the

Year OneYear TwoOptional Placement YearFinal Year

ModulesExpand all +

Mathematical Techniques

Learn how to use some of the mathematical tools necessary to understand Physics. Build on any previous knowledge of algebra, calculus and trigonometry, before studying the concepts of matrix and vector algebra and vector calculus.

20 credits

Classical and Quantum Mechanics

You'll develop an understanding of how force, motion, and energy are related, from classical to quantum mechanics. The module reinforces your ability to use mathematical techniques to model physical situations. Your understanding is developed through laboratory experiments and note taking.

Introduction to Programming for Physics

This module gives you an introduction to programming for physics and the knowledge and skills to implement software solutions with a focus on a sustainable future. You'll be using programming software such as Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB and C.

Properties of Matter

Introducing the basic structure and model of both stable and unstable nucleus, this module explores radioactive decay and modern applications of ionising radiation. You'll explore beyond elementary nuclear physics to atomic bonding and some fundamental bulk properties of matter.

Concepts of Astronomy

Discover the key concepts in astronomy and astrophysics by studying a range of topics around the principles and applications of geometrical and physical optics. You'll study the composition of the Galaxy alongside concepts such as principles for propagation of light and refraction and reflection.

Instrumentation and Physics Skills

Learn the skills needed to become a professional physicist in the module. You'll develop good laboratory practices such as lab notebook keeping, organisation and safety alongside learning how to interpret and report your findings.

Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics

Introducing the principles and applications of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, this module includes exploring heat transfer processes, thermal properties of materials, and the behaviour of gases, liquids and solids.

Fundamental Forces

Explore the fundamental forces of nature: gravity, electromagnetism, and the strong and weak nuclear forces. You'll develop your understanding and appreciation of the principles and applications of fundamental forces and of the relationships between them. Study concepts such as Kepler's Laws, Newtonian gravitation and Einstein's special theory of relativity.

The Quantum World

In this module you will study modern quantum mechanics. Through the application of the 1-D and 3-D Schrödinger equation you'll learn how to model problems and scenarios.

Modern Optics and Image Processing

Discover the principles and applications of geometrical and physical optics and digital data / image processing. Studying topics such as lasers, lenses and electromagnetic waves, you'll get an overview of the application of digital processing to scientific images.

Project Management and Enterprise

Learn how to achieve your project objectives within agreed financial, temporal and creative parameters. By working on a project you'll establish creative and commercially viable outputs and solutions to contemporary problems alongside developing strong project management and team working skills - all valuable skills when you graduate.

Stars and Galaxies

You'll study the physics related to astronomical objects such as stellar evolution and structure. Other topics covered in this module include kinetic temperature, thermal and non-thermal emission, dust and cosmic rays are explored.

Optional year-long work placement. If you are not taking a placement you will progress directly to your final year in year three.

Core modulesExpand all +

Applied Fluid Dynamics

Study both the theoretical topics and applying your learning to industry and research. You'll be covering topics such as momentum transport, Newtonian and non-Newtonian flow and Bernoilli's equation.

Satellite Instrumentation and Observation

Study the instrumentation onboard satellites, such as telescopes and spectrometers. You'll explore the benefits and limitations of orbiting instrumentation alongside looking at a range of modern international space missions. Topics include solar system monitoring, Earth observations and satellite orbits, altitude and pointing.

Cosmology and General Relativity

Discover the theories surrounding cosmology and general relativity and the mathematical tools needed to understand them. Topics study include: Geometry of the universe and Friedmann models, standard big bang cosmology, special relativity and Geodesics and the Schwarzschild metric.

Project and Professional Skills

This module will give you training in the skills and techniques you need to undertake physics research and project work. With a particular focus upon transferable skills and employability, you'll cover a wide range of topics including literature search and analysis, Ethical issues, risk assessments, scientific writing and progress reporting.

40 credits

Optional modules – choose oneExpand all +

Practical Electronics

This module introduces analogue and digital electronics, including PCB design and fabrication and using common sector-standard equipment in a laboratory environment. You'll study topics such as logic, control systems, microcontrollers and transistors.

Physics for Sustainable Development

Learn about alternative sources of energy and the physics of climate change in this module. You'll study topics such as solar radiation, space weather, global warming and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Solid State Physics

Discover the macroscopic properties of matter, focusing on solid state and semiconductor physics. You'll begin with a review of statistical mechanics to progresses and look at topics such as diffraction patterns, magnetism and waves.

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

Student experience

Thomas Stocks

Physics with Astrophysics student

“Motorsport is the perfect place for anyone like me with a love of Physics and a desire to push to be the best.”

Read Thomas's profile

Eimear Gallagher

“I would definitely recommend a work placement to other students. I’ve visited new places, met new people and gained new skills and knowledge.”

Read Eimear's profile

Hands-on physics

At NTU, we are all about hands-on learning and sharing our passion for our subjects. See our Physics students who organised an outreach event at Nottingham Castle and shared the wonders of physics with the public.

Curious Rebels - Short Version

How you're taught

You’ll be learning from experts on this astrophysics degree. The majority of our teaching team are highly active in research, specialising in areas including imaging and sensing, geomagnetic activity, heritage and sustainability and space debris. Many of them also have industrial experience across the sector, and this fusion of knowledge, insight and experience feeds directly into all our physics degrees.

You’ll learn through a mix of:

lectures that explore the core concepts of physics – from the classical theories to the latest scientific breakthroughs

smaller group seminars and workshop sessions that are perfect for exploring big ideas, learning key skills, and developing collaborative working practices

practical sessions with our range of industry-standard facilities including CT and MRI scanners, microscopes, and our incredible on-campus observatory

your own independent reading and research

an optional year-long placement in industry taken between your second and third years of study

various fieldtrips, typically including an excursion to Alton Towers theme park to investigate classical mechanics in action, and a trip to Rolls Royce facilities in Derby as part of a first-year programming work-like assignment

How you're assessed

Assessment methods for our physics with astrophysics degree are broad and diverse, and chosen to support your learning journey. Typically this means a combination of problem-based assignments, work-like experiences, presentations, project work and case files, skills portfolios, and examinations.

You’ll get regular feedback throughout the course to help you, usually through in-class or laboratory discussion with our teaching team, and written feedback on submitted work.

Contact hours

NTU Physics modules have around 40 hours of contact time – time spent with a tutor – and expect an additional 80 or so hours of independent study time outside of the classroom. Some modules, such as those with substantial laboratory work in our cutting-edge facilities, will have slightly more contact hours completing experiments and investigations with supervision.

Who will teach you?

Haida Liang

Distinguished Professor

Professor Liang is Distinguished Professor of Physics, Head of the Imaging & Sensing for Archaeology, Art History & Conservation (ISAAC) research group, and Director of the Imaging, Materials and Engineering Research Centre (IMEC).

Visit Haida Liang's staff profile

Demosthenes Koutsogeorgis

Associate Professor

Visit Demosthenes Koutsogeorgis's staff profile

Edward Breeds

Principal Lecturer

Edward Breeds - staff profile - physics lecturer

Visit Edward Breeds's staff profile

Rob Morris

Professor

Visit Rob Morris's staff profile

Martin Bencsik

Dr Martin Bencsik is a Professor in the School of Science & Technology, and conducts research in automated Beehive condition monitoring.

Visit Martin Bencsik's staff profile

Fouzia Ouali

Senior Lecturer

Visit Fouzia Ouali's staff profile

Entry requirements

UK students

Standard offer: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent Maths and Physics grade C

Contextual offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent Maths and Physics grade C

To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.

Additional requirements

Additional requirements for UK students

There are no additional requirements for this course.

Contextual offers

We consider every application in the context of your individual circumstances and educational background. This may include information about where you live, the school or college you attended, or experiences that may have shaped your educational journey. This is known as a contextual offer, and we use information provided through UCAS to help inform our decisions. By considering achievement in context, we can better recognise academic potential and ensure applicants are assessed as fairly and fully as possible.

Meeting our entry requirements

Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.

Other qualifications and experience

NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.

We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.

Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.

International students

Academic entry requirements: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent Maths and Physics grade C. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.

Other requirements: GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4

English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

Additional international requirements

Additional requirements for international students

English language requirements

View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.

If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.

If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.

You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.

Sign up for emails

Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.

If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students - see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

£10,050 per year

Year abroad - £1,507

Placement year - £2,010

If you choose to do a placement year or year abroad, you'll pay a reduced fee for that year. Please be aware that you will be charged the fee set for the year this takes place, rather than being fixed at the rate applicable when you start your course, and any increases are subject to Government approval. As a guide, the fees above are for the 2027/28 academic year.

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including NTU bursaries and scholarships.

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees, including the placement year and study abroad options are subject to government policy and may change in future years of study.

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but we don’t want you to feel anxious or confused about it. Visit our fees and funding pages if you have any concerns.

International students - see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.

£18,400 per year

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees might increase from the second year of your undergraduate course, in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.

Scholarships

We offer international scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for a scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money and the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment as part of your offer conditions. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, in order to enrol on the course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about your advance payment, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Physics textbooks and library books

Usually modules will recommend one or more core textbooks, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. If you’re a Year 1 or 2 Physics student, you’ll get free access to Pearson’s Mastering Physics platform. This includes your core course eText, University Physics with Modern Physics, at no extra cost.

Our libraries also provide a good supply of essential textbooks, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) - meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Scientific Calculator

You will require a scientific calculator for use in examinations (e.g. any A-level approved calculator such as Casio 83 or 85 series, approximately £15).

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Field trips

All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.

Year abroad

If you choose to study abroad for a year, you may need to consider additional costs such as visas, vaccinations, accommodation and travel expenses.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, phone the Student Money Team on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

Cost of living in Nottingham

Our student benefits and free services

Money advice for international students

Careers and employability

You might wonder what jobs you can get with an astrophysics degree. The truth is that a physics degree with a focus on astrophysics prepares you for a wide range of careers both inside and outside scientific industries and disciplines. That’s because you’ll gain strong analytical, mathematical, communication, and problem-solving skills that are in demand in a variety of sectors.

Many of our graduates go on to find highly skilled and fulfilling careers in research and academia, engineering and technology, finance and business, computing, the energy sector, healthcare and medical physics, education, and space and aerospace. Examples of recent graduate roles include Aerothermal Engineer, Wind Analyst, Graduate Engineer, and Secondary School Physics Science Technician, with some graduates starting their own companies.

If you’d like to know more about the support you’ll receive both during and after your physics degree, visit our Employability page.

Employability Promise

Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it’s all part of our Employability Promise. And it doesn’t end when you leave NTU – you’ll have access to all our careers services for three years after you graduate (conditions apply).

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course have successful careers in organisations such as:

Rolls Royce Plc

EDF Energy

Jaguar Land Rover

National Quantum Computing Centre

Department for Work and Pensions

National Fire Chiefs Council

Our graduates are…

Graduates from this course now work in a wide range of roles such as:

Science and Engineering Graduate Trainee

Collaboration and Evaluation Researcher

Data Analyst

Wind Engineer

Design Engineer

Project Manager

Secondary Science Teacher

Assessed work-like experience

We’ve embedded at least eight weeks of assessed work-like experience into all of our courses. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in real-world scenarios, build your confidence, and develop the experience employers are looking for.

NTU Enterprise

If you’re a budding entrepreneur, NTU Student Enterprise can help you to develop your ideas and innovations and turn them into a reality. We also offer training, mentoring, workshops, financial advice and more to develop your business skills.

Where your course could take you

Discover how our students and alumni used their qualification to further their careers. Take a look at our other profiles and explore the possibilities awaiting you.

Hear Physics graduate Chris’s course and placement experience

Chris Fraser shares his journey from gap year to university life, discovering his passion for quantum physics, gaining work experience, and excelling in sports.

View Chris Fraser's profile

Luke’s journey studying Physics with Astrophysics

Luke Eason shares his experience of studying Physics at Clifton Campus and living in a vibrant city like Nottingham, as well as the job he's secured after uni.

View Luke Eason's profile

Campus and facilities

You’ll mainly be studying in the Erasmus Darwin building with access to facilities including our purpose-built, on-campus astronomical observatory recognised by the International Astronomical Union, MRI scanner, and microscopy suites in our Medical Technologies Innovation Facility.

Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep you busy between lectures. Catch-up with your course mates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone – whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!

Take a few steps off campus and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Nottingham – a legendary student city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure.

The Planeterella (Northern Lights in a lab) video

Tour the Physics Lab in 360°

Explore the Library at Clifton Campus in 360°

Physics Facilities

For more information visit the Physics Facilities page.

Trent Astronomical Observatory

For more information visit the Trent Astronomical Observatory page.

Take a virtual tour

View The Planterella video transcript

Applying

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Keeping up-to-date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!

Apply through UCAS

You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.

Please read our application guidance before you start your application.

We advise you to prepare and apply as early as you can as Student visa processing time can vary.

We'll send you important emails throughout the application process. Please check your emails regularly, including your junk/spam mail folder.

Apply through NTU portal

Personal statement guidance

You’ll submit a personal statement with your UCAS application – here are our tips on what to include and how to structure your personal statement.

Application support

If you have any questions about applying, get in touch through our online form or call us on 44 (0)115 848 4200.

Related courses

BSc (Hons)

Physics with Astrophysics

Physics with Nuclear Technology

Mathematics and Physics (with foundation year)

Mathematics and Physics

More from this subject

View more courses on the Physics subject page

Further study

View Physics postgraduate courses

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