2024/25 entry
MPhys Astrophysics
Why study Astrophysics at Liverpool John Moores University?
- Taught by world-leading academics from both LJMU and the University of Liverpool
- Level 5 field trip to a Tenerife observatory
- Eligibility to join the Institute of Physics to obtain Chartered Physicist status on graduation
- Friendly department with an open door policy and active physics society
- Eligibility for generous University of Liverpool attainment scholarships and University of Liverpool bursaries on application
About your course
The MPhys Astrophysics is delivered collaboratively by acclaimed experts from Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool.
If you are excited by the thought of studying one of the most challenging and fundamental of sciences in one of the best physics departments in the UK, the MPhys Astrophysics degree provides an excellent grounding for a career as a research physicist or astronomer.
You will be taught by world-leading academics and benefit from specialist facilities at both universities, including a purpose-built astrophysics teaching laboratory. You will also have access to a number of observatories so you can perfect your skills in astronomical measurement and experience using state-of-the-art detector technology. In the second year you can spend a week at the Tedie Observatory on Tenerife or alternatively undertake a week-long project at the Astrophysics Research Institute.
In your final year you have access to the largest robotically controlled telescope in the world LJMU's own two-metre aperture Liverpool Telescope, which is sited on La Palma in the Canary Islands. You will also have the chance to use our own city-centre observatory equipped with a 12-inch computer-controlled telescope.
In Level 4, you will cover core physical and mathematical techniques and the main strands of physics but there is the flexibility to specialise as the course progresses. If, at the end of Level 4, you decide that astrophysics isn't for you, you have the option to transfer to another of our physics programmes.
"The course provides an excellent insight into the many different areas within physics and I have gained considerably more confidence in key skills such as presentation, analytical, numeric and computing skills. Staff at both universities have been extremely helpful throughout the course which is a real asset."
Professional accreditation/links
Once you graduate, you will be eligible to join the Institute of Physics to obtain Chartered Physicist status.
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you'll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.
Employability
A Physics degree is the gateway to a whole range of careers including fundamental research, industrial research and development, teaching and the worlds of computing, business and finance. You will enjoy varied career opportunities both in the UK and overseas.
As an Astrophysics graduate, you will leave LJMU with skills in problem solving, numeracy, analysis, practical experimentation, computing, teamwork and communication all of which are attractive to potential employers. Your degree will open the gateway to careers in research, development and teaching as well as computing, business and finance.
LJMU graduates have gone on to secure employment in pure research, telecommunications, microelectronics, renewable energy, nuclear power and instrumentation, cryogenics, astronomy, geophysics, medical physics, materials science, information technology, commerce and management.
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU's in-house recruitment service, and we also offer fully funded Discovery Internships.
One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones and we offer a year-round programme of events, including themed careers and employability workshops, employer events and recruitment fairs. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.
A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU's Careers, Employability and Start-up Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.
Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?
Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.
A life-changing experience
There's so much more to university than just studying for a degree.
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Teaching and work-related learning
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
Teaching is via lectures, tutorials, practicals, online, project work and science communication assignments.
Work-based Learning
In addition to the specialist skills and knowledge you will gain on this degree course, you will acquire a range of transferable skills in problem-solving, numeracy, analysis, practical experimentation, computing, teamwork and communication all of which are attractive to potential employers. These World of Work skills are vital in preparing you to compete successfully on the open job market once you graduate.
Employers respect the dedication and hard work required to obtain a good degree in Physics, and they find the range of transferable skills acquired during the course particularly attractive. Physicists are trained to solve a wide range of problems and are equipped with skills of numeracy, analysis, practical experimentation, computing, teamwork and both written and verbal communication. This allows them to explore careers in many areas including pure research, telecommunications, microelectronics, renewable energy, nuclear power and instrumentation, cryogenics, astronomy, geophysics, medical physics, materials science, information technology, commerce and management. It is fair to say that a Physics degree will equip you for any career.
Support and guidance
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
There are various forms of support available to you when you study at LJMU. From the moment you enrol at LJMU, a personal tutor will meet you regularly on a one-to-one basis to discuss your personal development needs. At the same time, teaching staff operate an open door policy, which means you can consult them at any time if you have issues with your work. We provide academic counselling and advice on your yearly choice of modules and right from the start of your course learning support sessions are provided to develop your key skills.
This course has the added advantage of being able to offer you financial support in the form of University of Liverpool scholarships and bursaries.
Assessment
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
Most modules are assessed by a two or three hour exam in January or May in addition to coursework assessments which might be homework, class tests, mini-project work or key skills exercises. Practical modules are assessed entirely by coursework. If you undertake a major project, it will be assessed by two independent examiners and you will be expected to give a presentation to fellow students and staff assessors. The final degree result is based on the last three years of this four-year programme.
Facilities
What you can expect from your School
This programme is delivered in the Byrom Street complex of LJMU 's City Campus. Here you 'll find high quality lecture theatres, meeting and seminar rooms plus social spaces and a large café. The Avril Robarts Library is just minutes away on Tithebarn Street.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications:
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:
- Key Skills Level 2 in English/ Maths
- NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
- Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
- Higher Diploma in Maths/ English
- Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths/ English
- Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
- Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
A levels
- Minimum number of A Levels required: 3
- Subject specific requirements: Mathematics and Physics
- Average A Level offer: AAB
BTECs
- National Certificate (RQF): Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma (RQF): Not applicable
- National Extended Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
International requirements
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IELTS
6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English language proficiency test.
Further information
- DBS, Occupational Health requirements
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Reduced offer scheme
As part of LJMU’s commitment to widening access we offer eligible students entry to their chosen course at a reduced threshold of up to 16/8 UCAS points. This applies if you are a student who has been in local authority care or if you have participated in one of LJMU’s sustained outreach initiatives, e.g. Summer University. Please contact the admission office for further details.
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/how-to-apply.
Call the University of Liverpool for details 0151 794 5927.
The university reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the university. Where this does happen, the university operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.