Physics with Astrophysics
BSc Honours
- UCAS code: F3F5
- Full time
- 3 years
- Next start date: September 2021
From sub-atomic particles to the large-scale structure of the universe, this Physics degree with an added emphasis on astrophysics opens up new worlds and new career possibilities.
Fees (per year)
- Home: £9250
- International: £23400
Entry requirements
- A Level: AAB-A*BB
- IB: 34 points
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
Our three-year Physics with Astrophysics degree provides a strong understanding of the fundamental pillars of physics and a thorough grounding in advanced mathematics. You'll apply physics, mathematics and computation to understand the origin and evolution of the universe.
Hands-on experience in our high-spec facilities is embedded throughout the degree and will develop your practical skills for a wide range of physical science careers.
Guided by our world-leading academics, you'll study a broad range of cutting edge physics modules. In your final year, you'll specialise in astrophysics with modules such as relativity and cosmology, stellar structure and evolution and interstellar medium.
BSc or MPhys?
Physics with Astrophysics is offered at two levels:
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- Master of Physics (MPhys)
Our MPhys degree includes an additional year of advanced study at master’s level, where you will gain a deeper understanding of the subject to prepare you for a career in this challenging field.
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COVID-19
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to COVID-19.
See our terms and conditions for more information
View our Frequently Asked Questions
Quality and ranking
We have a long tradition of excellence in teaching, recognised in many external surveys and assessments, but also by our own students.
Our commitment to teaching quality and an excellent student experience is reflected through our results in national and international student satisfaction surveys.
Teaching excellence
TEF GoldA ringing endorsement of Newcastle University’s long tradition of excellence in teaching.

Professional accreditation

This degree is professionally accredited by the Institute of Physics.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
You'll cover topics in astrophysics; dynamics; quantum mechanics; mathematical methods and problem-solving; electromagnetism; vibrations, waves and AC theory; and laboratory physics.
Modules
You'll build on your knowledge of core concepts, including quantum mechanics and electromagnetism, and study modules in thermodynamics; semiconductor devices; optics; materials and solid-state physics; statistical mechanics; vector calculus and differential equations. Core astrophysics concepts are covered in physics in the modern world (astrophysics), computational methods and fluid dynamics.
Modules
You'll study core subjects to an advanced level, including quantum mechanics; computational modelling; atoms, molecules, nuclei, particles; stellar structure and evolution; cosmology; the interstellar medium; materials and solid-state physics.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Advanced Materials and Solid-State Physics | 10 |
Group Project | 10 |
Computational Modelling | 10 |
Advanced Astrophysics | 10 |
Theoretical Project | 20 |
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
You'll be taught via a range of approaches, including:
- lectures and seminars
- small group tutorials
- problem classes
- laboratory sessions
- practical computing sessions
In Stage 1 you will have 45 hours of practical sessions in our laboratories where you'll take part in experiments and project work.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Assessments
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Projects
-
Reports
Skills and experience
Practical experience
This degree will equip you with skills that are in demand with employers across the globe.
Using our high-spec facilities, and working alongside our expert staff, you'll:
- develop expertise in experimental techniques, giving you the practical skills required in a wide range of physical science careers
- conduct research at a leading Russell Group university, showcasing your research and presentation skills
- develop experimental, analytical, computing and research skills through laboratory- and project-based modules
Business skills
In Stage 3 you'll take part in a group project, allowing you to build on your teamworking and practical skills. You'll also conduct an individual project in an area of interest under the tuition of our expert academic staff, developing research, practical and presentation skills.
Research skills
You'll benefit from our interdisciplinary approach and the diverse research strengths of our expert academic staff. We have research expertise in:
- planetary dynamos
- geomagnetic field reversals
- magnetic torques in accretion discs binary stars
- galactic dynamos
- interstellar turbulence
- magnetic Taylor–Couette flow
Opportunities
Work placement
Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.
You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Placements are subject to availability.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
As a physics student at Newcastle University, you'll be based at our city-centre campus in the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics' Herschel Building.
The School has high-specification laboratory facilities equipped with leading experimental and computational physics capabilities, such as:
- cryogenics labs
- semiconductor labs
- High Performance Computing
- data from the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope
The Herschel Building also has dedicated study and social spaces, and a computing area.
Support
To support you in your studies, all new students entering year 1 or year 2 will receive a tablet so you can download the online learning resources you'll need for your course (helping us to make our campus more sustainable).
You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.
There's also a dedicated member of staff whose responsibility is to help our students manage the transition from A Levels to undergraduate study.
The Transition Officer works with Stage 1 undergraduates to provide:
- Stage 1 pastoral and academic support
- attendance and academic performance monitoring
- Stage 1 induction
- weekly drop-ins
Your future
We have research links with the following companies and external organisations:
- Littelfuse
- the De Beers Group
- DEFRA
- STFC
- NASA
- LOFAR
- intel
- CPI
Graduating with a degree in physics
Physics graduates report earning average salaries close to £27,000 on graduation.
Possible career paths for physics graduates include:
- engineering
- medicine
- finance
- nanotechnology
- oil, gas and renewable energy
- telecommunications
You'll gain transferable skills that are highly valued by employers such as problem-solving, analytical, mathematical, communication, presentation, teamwork and computing skills.
Further study, including postgraduate courses for secondary school teaching and PhD courses, is also available to physics graduates.
Employability at Newcastle
96% of Newcastle University graduates progressed to employment or further study within six months of graduating, with 85.5% in graduate-level employment or further study.
Take a look at the most recent data available for our graduates. See what they have gone on to achieve and be inspired to follow in their footsteps.
Statistics are based on what graduates were doing on a specific date, approximately six months after graduation (Destinations of (undergraduate and postgraduate UK domiciled) Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016/17).
Make a difference
Careers support
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK.
Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme
This degree is approved by DTUS, a Ministry of Defence sponsorship programme for students who wish to join the Royal Navy, British Army, RAF, or Defence Engineering and Science Group (DESG) as technical officers after graduation.
Find out more about the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2021 entry.
A Level
AAB-A*BB
International Baccalaureate
34 points
Other UK qualifications (and PARTNERS)
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
PARTNERS
Through our PARTNERS programme, you could receive an offer up to three grades lower than the typical requirements, and get support throughout the application process. To apply through PARTNERS, you must be based in the UK and meet our eligibility criteria.
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University, including Newcastle University London. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2021 entry (per year)
Home Fee Students
£9250
International Fee Students
£23400
The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for home fee-paying students is set by the UK government.
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
You will be charged tuition fees for each year of your degree programme (unless you are on a shorter exchange programme).
The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightly year on year as a result of inflation.
For courses commencing from September 2021 and beyond, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fees or Student Finance England support.
If you are from the EU you will pay international tuition fees.
Year abroad and additional costs
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Find out more about:
Scholarships
Find out more about:
Open days and events
The situation with Covid-19 means that we're unable to hold Open Days on campus. However, you don’t have to visit in person to experience Newcastle.
From the comfort of your sofa you'll be able to:
• explore our beautiful campus
• find out about our vibrant city
• discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:
- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
- the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
- the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
Apply through UCASApply through an agent
International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.
Get in touch
By Phone
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