Physics with Astrophysics
BSc Honours
- UCAS code: F3F5
- Full time
- 3 years
- Next start date: September 2022
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: £25200
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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Your course during COVID-19
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption.
Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to guidelines that may be in place from time to time.
View our COVID-19 Study page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2022-23.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information
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.
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 |
|---|---|
| Relativity | 10 |
| Advanced Materials and Solid-State Physics | 10 |
| Group Project | 10 |
| Advanced Astronomy | 10 |
| Theoretical Project | 20 |
| Stellar Structure and Evolution | 10 |
| Cosmology | 10 |
| Radiative Transfer and High Energy Astrophysics | 10 |
| Advanced Quantum & Atoms, Molecules, Nuclei & Particles | 20 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Geohazards and Deformation of the Earth | 10 |
| Variational Methods and Lagrangian Dynamics | 10 |
| Advanced Electromagnetism | 10 |
| Partial Differential Equations | 10 |
| Photonics | 10 |
| Advanced Fluid Dynamics | 10 |
| Instabilities | 10 |
| Mathematical Biology | 10 |
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They combine data on the planned delivery and assessments of our courses in 2021-22 with data on the modules chosen by our students in 2020-21.
Teaching time is made up of:
- scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present
- structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision
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. and your degree title will show you have achieved the placement 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.
Join us for a tour around our high-spec facilities
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
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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
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2022 entry.
A Level
AAB-A*BB
International Baccalaureate
34 points
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Contextual offers
Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.
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. 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 2022 entry (per year)
Home Fee Students
£9250
International Fee Students
£25200
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.
Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.
EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.
Read more about fees and funding
Scholarships
We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our undergraduate scholarship page for more information.
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
You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year at our on-campus and virtual open days.
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.
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually.
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
Call us on +44 (0) 191 208 3333 and press option 1. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 10am until 4pm.
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