Physical sciences
Astronomy and astrophysics
BSc or MPhys
Overview
Astronomy and astrophysics applies physics and mathematics to planets, stars and galaxies. Observing projects and computing sit beside theory. It is a specialist physics degree, not a general interest in space. Research careers are competitive and usually need a postgraduate degree. Students who enjoy it like physics first, and the astronomical questions second. A straight physics degree remains a sensible alternative if you want to keep engineering and teaching routes more open.
You want astrophysics as the focus of a physics degree.
A straight physics degree keeps more options open. Geography and earth science are different subjects.
People who like mathematics, physics and computational work.
What you will study
Universities do not teach the same modules. The lists below are a general shape, not a syllabus.
Year 1
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Introduction to astronomy
Later years
- Stellar and galactic astrophysics
- Observing or computing project
Skills
Useful before you start
- Physics
- Mathematics
Developed during the degree
- Astrophysical modelling
- Data analysis
- Scientific writing
Teaching and assessment
Teaching often includes Lectures, Workshops, Observing or computing practicals.
Assessment often includes Exams, Projects, Problem sheets.
Typical weekly commitment
Estimate.
Entry requirements
Indicative patterns from published UK admissions information. Not an offer. Actual requirements vary by course, university and year. Pearson Edexcel International A Level and Cambridge International A Level are not treated as the same qualification as GCE A level.
Indicative requirements by qualification
The A-level band is the catalogue reference. IB and American lines come from the named university guides under the table. They are not a conversion every university uses, and they are not an offer.
| Qualification | Indicative requirements |
|---|---|
| A Levels | ABB–AAB. Physics and mathematics are the usual requirements. |
| IB Diploma | UCL publishes 34 points for ABB and 36 for AAB, including 16 or 17 across three Higher Level subjects. A required A-level subject must be Higher Level in UCL's rule. Each Higher Level subject in that table is at least 5. UCL equates A* to 7, A to 6 and B to 5. This is one university's table. |
| American curriculum | That Manchester guide gives AP 5, 4, 4 for ABB and AP 5, 5, 4 for AAB, with GPA 3.0/4.0. Bristol publishes a GPA of 3.2, or 3.4 for competitive courses, and does not use one AP pattern for every degree. Where a course asks for mathematics, Bristol requires AP Calculus BC at 5. Manchester civil engineering accepts Physics 2 or Physics C: Mechanics where it asks for physics, and it excludes Physics 1. That is one department, not every physics requirement. |
- University College London: Undergraduate entry requirements. Retrieved 2026-10-14. Not a universal rule.
- University of Manchester, School of Social Sciences: Americas country guide. Retrieved 2026-10-14. Not a universal rule.
- University of Manchester, Civil Engineering: USA country entry requirements. Retrieved 2026-10-14. Not a universal rule.
- University of Bristol: USA international qualifications. Retrieved 2026-10-14. Not a universal rule.
A-level subjects
Physics and mathematics are the usual requirements.
Often recommended: Further Mathematics.
GCSE and IGCSE
English and mathematics at GCSE or IGCSE are commonly requested. Science grades matter more for science degrees. No single national grade is stored. International GCSEs are not automatically accepted as GCSEs.
Indicative UK pattern only. Highly selective universities can ask for higher grades in the sciences than the typical band. Not an offer.
Other ways in
- A research career normally continues to postgraduate study.
Admissions tests and extra requirements
No admissions test is stored as usual for this course. A university can still set one for a particular year.
Course costs
For many standard full-time courses in England, the home-fee maximum in 2026 to 2027 is Up to £9,790. This is the maximum standard full-time fee published for approved English providers with a TEF award and an access and participation plan. It is not the fee a named university charges, and it does not decide whether you pay home or international fees.
Clinical, laboratory and studio courses are not given a different home-fee figure here, because the regulated maximum is not the same thing as an international or clinical fee.
International tuition is set by each university and is not stored here. Clinical courses are often much higher than classroom-based courses. A school in Qatar does not decide home-fee status.
Source: Changes to tuition fees: 2026 to 2027 academic year. Retrieved 2026-10-14. Living costs, field trips and professional fees are not included.
Where you could study
UK degrees in this subject are numerous. This page does not list every university, because a list without a checked entry requirement would look more certain than it is.
No individual UK course page is stored yet for this subject. Use the university site.
No overseas course has been checked for this subject yet.
Where could this degree take you?
Astronomer
Direct qualifying route
The closest undergraduate title. A physics degree is also a common route. Postgraduate study is usual for research.
Physicist
Common route
This is a physics degree with a specialism.
Explore your pathway
A course sits between school subjects and a career. It does not guarantee either admission or a job.